Cobie Smulders is finally stepping into a role with real superpowers. Known for her long-running part as Maria Hill in the Marvel universe, Smulders now plays a water-powered hero in the new animated comedy Super Team Canada. The show, launched as the first adult cartoon series from Crave, brings together six lesser-known Canadian heroes who rise when the world’s top superheroes are gone.
Smulders began work on the show two years ago, unaware how closely it would reflect today’s politics. In the series’ first episode, global leaders—including the U.S. president—mock the Canadian prime minister for claiming his country has superheroes. The timing is fitting, as Canada continues to face pressure from the U.S. government.
“It is funny timing,” says Smulders, who was born in Vancouver and now lives in Los Angeles. Though based in the U.S., she says her heart remains in Canada. She sees the show as both a tribute to Canadian culture and a lighthearted way to bring people joy.
The cast and creators are proudly Canadian. Writers Joel H. Cohen, known for The Simpsons, and Robert Cohen from The Ben Stiller Show, team up with actor Will Arnett, who voices a puck-slinging former hockey player named Breakaway. Smulders plays Niagara Falls, a superhero with water powers. Other characters include a Quebec crimefighter named Poutine and the Canadian Prime Minister, voiced by Kids in the Hall comedian Kevin McDonald.
Their team takes on wild enemies, from giant robots to alien seniors and living trash piles. Smulders jokes that she’s finally a true superhero after years of playing a supporting role in Marvel films. She spent over a decade portraying Maria Hill, a top agent who helped organize missions but never had powers of her own.
For Smulders, this new role is more than just fun—it’s personal. She says working on Canadian projects keeps her connected to her roots. She’s currently starring in the drama Sharp Corner, directed by Nova Scotia filmmaker Jason Buxton. In the film, she plays a therapist whose life begins to fall apart when her husband becomes obsessed with deadly car crashes near their home.
Smulders says she’s proud of how Canadians are standing tall during tense political times. “Our country has so much to offer,” she says. “It shaped who I am, and I’ve always been proud of it.” She hopes Super Team Canada helps boost that feeling of national pride.
The show includes uniquely Canadian moments. One episode, for example, draws from the classic book series Anne of Green Gables. Smulders says she was thrilled when she saw the script. She grew up watching the CBC version and still dreams of playing Marilla Cuthbert, Anne’s caring guardian.
Recently, film and TV production has become part of the political conversation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested high tariffs on movies made outside the U.S., which could affect Canadian content. Smulders avoided commenting on the issue directly, saying it’s hard to keep up with changing policies.
Instead, she focuses on the goal of making meaningful, entertaining stories. “I just hope we can keep making content that makes people laugh and feel things,” she says.
Smulders has also experienced the power of community firsthand. Earlier this year, wildfires destroyed her home in Los Angeles. Despite the loss, she says her neighbors came together in amazing ways. She has been working with Save the Children and spends time volunteering at a soup kitchen in Venice.
She believes her Canadian upbringing inspired her to help others. “There’s always been an energy of giving back,” she says. “Of looking beyond yourself and caring for others and the planet.”
Smulders sees Super Team Canada as a celebration of that same spirit—Canadian, kind, and always ready to laugh.
