The CW’s fifth annual DC superhero crossover event, Elseworlds graced our screens only a month ago, and after Supa-Star Tyler Hoechlin’s fantastic performance as the man of steel, we believe there’s no one more deserving of a spin-off. Here are just a couple of reasons why.
Possible Storylines
There are no doubt hundreds of storylines that have been written about Superman, arguably the most renowned superhero. And now, in the golden age of comic book television series and movies, there is no better time to be exploring these. Sure we’ve had a few movies as of late, but a spin-off television show could open up countless more story avenues than a series of movies due to its speedier release format. If anything, Elseworlds has just left us wanting to see more of Superman in a black suit, after reading all the other possible storylines that the suit has taken Clark in the comics.
Independence
At the conclusion of Elseworlds, [SPOILER ALERT] Clark and Lois returned to Argo City after telling Kara that they were expecting a child, leaving her to protect National City on her own. This already provides the perfect backdoor opportunity for not only the creation of a world completely separate from Supergirl’s, but also a world that has, for the most part, taken a back seat in all screen adaptations of both Superman and Supergirl, giving this series the potential to have a unique and interesting take on a new storyline for Kal-El.
Timing
With rumours, reports and more in recent months around Henry Cavill potentially departing from the role of Superman in the DCEU, this is a perfect window of opportunity for a television series to be launched (Warner Bros. has had a famed reluctance to include characters already in the DCEU in the Arrowverse, Superman being one of the very few exceptions). Hoechlin’s cheerful interpretation of Superman, which has fit perfectly into the bright tone of Supergirl, is a far cry from the much darker DCEU and the huge contrast has been praised by fans and critics for being a refreshing take on the superhero.
A Strong Lead
Tyler Hoechlin has already won fans over with his portrayal of Superman in just a few episodes. His time on Teen Wolf (and 7th Heaven) has taught us that he’s capable of being a charismatic main series lead, and he’s proven his acting chops since he was young, when he appeared alongside none other than Tom Hanks in Road to Perdition, winning a Saturn Award for his performance and being nominated for countless others.
With a strong series lead like Hoechlin, alongside a great script, a Superman spin-off sure has a lot of things going for it. Whilst spin-off rumours were recently debunked by Film Reporter and Founder & Editor in Chief of Heroic Hollywood, Umberto Gonzalez, who knows; maybe if we are vocal enough about our love for Hoechlin’s refreshing, cheery portrayal of Superman, the gears might really start turning for a show that we think the caped crusader deserves.
Tyler Hoechlin will appear at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Melbourne (6-7 April) and Gold Coast (13-14 April).
