The CW announced a new addition to their popular Arrowverse: a show called Superman and Lois, starring Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, who previously played those roles in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover story arc. Some fans rejoiced, because Hoechlin and Tulloch had done a good job playing DC’s most famous couple and they were eager to see more of them. Some fans asked why, since Superman has already had several TV shows and movies, from Kirk Alyn to George Reeves to Dean Cain to Gerard Christopher to Tom Welling to Christopher Reeve to Brandon Routh to Henry Cavill. Shouldn’t another superhero have a turn in the spotlight? And what could the CW do with Superman and Lois that the WB didn’t already do with Lois and Clark in the ’90s?
What other DC protaganists would benefit from a chance in the sun?
It’s been suggested that some characters from Legends of Tomorrow be given a chance to solo: John Constantine, Hawkman, Firestorm, or Jonah Hex.
DC has many characters who might attract an audience on TV, especially with the Arrowverse production team (Greg Berlanti & crew) behind them. Captain Carrot and the Amazing Zoo Crew might be too expensive for television, as it would require a lot of CGI. Black Lightning‘s popularity gives hope for Amazing Man, Black Vulcan, Dr. Mist, Bumblebee, or Jet.
Supergirl and Batwoman have proven it’s a lie that Geeks and Nerds won’t watch women. So other possibilities are Amethyst Princess of Gemworld, Huntress, Jade, or Power Girl.
DC also has many non-superpowered protagonists who live in a world with superheroes. Angel and the Ape are canonically in the same continuity as Gorilla Grodd and the Inferior Five. Jason Bard is a skilled detective in Gotham City. Jonah Hex was not DC’s only western hero. Baron Winters and Night Force would appeal to a similar audience as Constantine and the Winchester brothers of CW’s Supernatural. Arak, Son of Thunder would combine action, adventure, and fantasy.
Whatever the CW may choose to do in the future, right now Superman and Lois is in pre-production with former The Flash showrunner Todd Helbing at the helm. The Hollywood Reporter said the new show will be “revolving around the world’s most famous superhero and comics’ most famous journalist as they deal with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.” It will also show the problems of a normal (or almost normal) human mother raising a superpowered child.
Are you looking forward to Superman and Lois or would you rather the CW focused on some other characters from the DC universe?
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Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
