Joel McHale to Play Starman in DC Universe’s Stargirl Series

DC Universe has tapped Joel McHale for a key role in their upcoming Stargirl series adaptation. Variety reports that the comedian will play Sylvester Pemberton, described as a “Golden Age Starman,” in the series. McHale joins Brec Bassinger in the series and will have a recurring role.

Sylvester Pemberton was never officially known as Starman in DC comics universe. Rather, he was the Star-Spangled Kid and Skyman, and made use of Starman’s cosmic rod before refining it into a “cosmic converter belt.” The “Star-Spangled Kid” persona was one that Stargirl — aka Courteney Whitmore — initially took on after finding the cosmic converter belt and using it. Pemberton’s sidekick Stripesy is Courteney’s stepfather, Pat Dugan.

Stargirl centers on Courteney (Brec Bassinger), a high school sophomore who inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to stop the villains of the past. The series comes from executive producers Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns and Sarah Schechter, based on DC comic book characters created by Geoff Johns. Johns, who launched his comic book career when he created the character of Stargirl — inspired by his late sister — is also set to write the premiere episode. Johns will also serve as showrunner.