‘Supergirl’ Star Explains Change to Mr. Mxyzptlk’s Comic Appearance
Shows like Flash and Supergirl have done surprisingly well to recreate the classic comic look of certain DC characters, though many curious about the latter’s take on Mr. Mxyzptlk were surprised to see Peter Gadiot’s portrayal looking so much like … well, Peter Gadiot. Now, Gadiot previews Monday’s “Mr. and Mrs. Mxyptlk,” as well addressing the change in appearance.
The character made his first official appearance in the closing minutes this past week’s “Luthors,” interrupting Mon-El and Kara’s first (ish) kiss to declare his own love for the Girl of Steel. As such, Gadiot tells The Hollywood Reporter producers decided it would make the most sense if Mxyptlk wasn’t a white-haired imp, as in the comics:
They very much keep the essence true in that he’s a devious, playful imp and he still has that cheeky, naughty quality of creating havoc but not in an evil way. He has the ability to morph and change. But the main difference is in the physical appearance. Traditionally he’s like four-foot-tall, balding old man type. I have a full head of hair. (Laughs.) So he’s different that way. Greg [Berlanti], Ali [Adler] and Andrew very much wanted to have a look that wasn’t funny. They wanted him to appear normal and almost like a legitimate potential suitor for Kara as opposed to a wacky appearance. The essence is the same but the appearance is a new take.
In the meantime, so reads the synopsis for “Mr. & Mrs. Mxyzptlk”:
DC COMICS’ MR. MXYZPTLK HITS NATIONAL CITY – When Mr. Mxyzptlk (guest star Peter Gadiot), a magical imp, shows up on Earth and declares his love for Kara (Melissa Benoist), she tries to let him down easy, thinking him harmless. However, he decides it’s a challenge and starts to wreak havoc on National City. Mon-El (Chris Wood) has seen beings like Mr. Mxyzptlk on Daxam and knows how dangerous they can be. He and Kara argue over how to get rid of Mr. Mxyzptlk, further straining their relationship. Meanwhile, Alex (Chyler Leigh) and Maggie (Floriana Lima) celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together.
Gadiot was previously said to have a two-part stint as the character, though that may have included the initial appearance. In any case, catch the trailer below, and stay tuned for more Supergirl.