Actors Sophie Lowe (L) and Peter Gadiot speak onstage during the 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' panel discussion at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour on Aug. 4, 2013. (Photo : Getty Images/ Frederick M. Brown)
"Supergirl" Season 2 has introduced more characters from the comic book mythos, including Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) himself. One of the Man of Steel's most iconic villains, Mr. Mxyzptlk, will be appearing when the show returns and will be played by Peter Gadiot.
Gadiot is primarily known for playing Cyrus on ABC's "Once Upon a Time in Wonderland," a spin-off of "Once Upon a Time." He has also appeared in "Tut," "Matador" and "Queen of the South."
He will be appearing as Mr. Mxyzptlk for two episodes in the second half of "Supergirl" Season 2. The villain will debut in Episode 13, TV Line reported. It is still uncertain if his next appearance will be in the succeeding episode or in one later in the season.
Mr. Mxyzptlk is one of the earliest enemies in Superman lore and is described as a fifth-dimensional imp capable of using magic. Superman is not immune to magic the way he is to physical attacks and this often gives Mr. Mxyzptlk an advantage over the Man of Steel. The only real means of sealing the imp back is to trick him into saying his name backwards.
The villain has been portrayed in animation and live-action before. Gilbert Gottfriend voiced the character in the "Superman: The Animated Series" and was played by Michael J. Pollard in the live-action "Superboy" series.
Howie Mandel portrayed the character in an episode of "Lois and Clark: The Adventures of Superman." The most recent portrayal was seen in "Smallville" where Trent Ford played a character named Mikhail Mxyzptlk.
Despite his advantage over Superman and Supergirl, Mr. Mxyzptlk has only used his magic to pester and annoy the heroes instead of killing them, Entertainment Weekly reported. It has only been in the recent "New 52" reboot of the DC Comics that the imp has taken a more violent turn.
"Supergirl" Season 2 will return with Episode 9 premiering on Jan. 23. An extended look at the upcoming episode can be viewed below:
