‘Supergirl’: Superman is Not Returning This Season
Lex Luthor arrived on Supergirl last night, but Superman was nowhere in sight. Now, series producers Robert Rovner and Jessica Queller have confirmed that the Girl of Steel will have to face her cousin’s greatest enemy without his help, because Superman will not be returning this season.
“Not this season,” was the answer from Rovner and Queller when reporters, including ComicBook.com, asked if Tyler Hoechlin’s popular take on the Man of Steel might return to take on his classic foe. Whilst the answer may be disappointing, it’s certainly not unexpected. Hoechlin’s Superman last appeared during last year’s Elseworlds crossover event, where it was revealed that he and Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) are expecting a child and planned to move to Argo City for the birth. So Lois and Clark weren’t even on Earth when Lex made his move in Supergirl.
The reporters were gathered for a press screening of last night’s episode, which featured Jon Cryer’s Arrowverse debut as Lex Luthor. Cryer’s casting took many by surprise, given that the actor behind Lenny Luthor from the much-maligned Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is now playing “Uncle Lex”. As it turns out, Lenny is a big part of the reason Cryer wanted to be Lex. “Part of the reason I did Superman IV was because [Superman] changed my life,” Cryer told Entertainment Weekly and the gathered reporters. “I was like 14-years-old and [Superman‘s] tagline was, ‘You will believe a man can fly’, and boy, I bought it! I totally bought it. Superman IV had really high hopes, but unfortunately, it was very disappointing for people and that had always sort of hurt me in a very 14-year-old boy way, and so I thought, you know, this is my chance to do it right.”
Hoechlin’s Superman is currently expected, but not confirmed, to return at the end of the year for Crisis on Infinite Earths, whilst Cryer’s Lex will star in three more episodes this season, including the season finale. With Supergirl‘s fourth season finale, titled “The Quest for Peace” in homage to Cryer’s super-history, set to feature a Luthor family reunion, there’s a slim chance that both Cryer and Hoechlin could return for the season five premiere this Fall. That would be an epic way to kick off a season.
Chris is a lifelong fan of Disney, Star Wars and super heroes who can’t quite believe this golden age of movies and TV we’re living in. Having written blogs dedicated to Disney’s Aladdin musical and Star Wars Celebration, Chris is excited to be part of the MNN team.
