After teasing their participation in the CW’s upcoming crossover “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” it’s been announced that DC is developing SUPERMAN & LOIS, a present-day drama based on two of the most famous faces in comic book history. The hourlong project will star SUPERGIRL’s Tyler Hoechlin and GRIMM’s Elizabeth Tulloch as the iconic comic book couple, Superman and Lois Lane, respectively. The project hails from THE FLASH executive producer Todd Helbing, DC Universe mastermind Greg Berlanti and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Helbing, and based on the DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, SUPERMAN & LOIS will explore the lives of both Superman and Lois Lane as they navigate the trials and tribulations that come part and parcel with being working parents in today’s society.
The SUPERMAN & LOIS concept is one of two new projects hoping to breathe new life into the CW’s DC series lineup. With ARROW soon to be entering its final season, and shows like THE FLASH, SUPERGIRL, and DC’s LEGENDS OF TOMORROW showing their age, it’s to be thought that the network is making moves to keep their superhero brand tight and entertaining. In addition to SUPERMAN & LOIS, the CW has another project in development toplined by Katherine McNamara, Katie Cassidy and Juliana Harkavy. For the ARROW-inspired spinoff, each of the aforementioned ladies will reprise their existing roles. The new show is being set up as a backdoor pilot that will air as a part of ARROW’s eighth and final season. As for SUPERMAN & LOIS, the show is being orchestrated as a standalone pilot and will not be introduced by way of one of the CW’s other superhero series.
For those of you keeping track, Hoechlin has been playing Clark Kent/Superman on the CW’s Arrowverse series since 2016, thanks in part to SUPERGIRL, starring Mellisa Benoist as DC’s Blonde Blockbuster. As for Tulloch, she was cast as Lois Lane last year for the Arrowverse‘s “Elseworlds” crossover event. Since that time, Tulloch has continued her Lois Lane role for SUPERGIRL, THE FLASH, and BATWOMAN.
Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the CW finally delivering on what feels like a sure bet for the network, thanks to the Man of Steel and DC’s most intrepid reporter, Lois Lane! While the description for the show teases a focus on the couple’s workaday lives, I’ve no doubt that Helbing’s scripts will include plenty of action for the Last Son of Krypton, as well as some scintilating stories for Ms. Lane to investigate. My hope is that this project celebrates both characters equally, as it’s been quite some time since Lois and Clark shared the spotlight in such a way. Up, up, and away we go!