“What was exciting was the idea that [Superman & Lois] wasn’t an origin story. We’re meeting these people, we very much know who they are, they know who they are,” said Tyler Hoechlin, who plays Superman in Superman & Lois, the latest drama to feature the World’s Biggest Boy Scout on the small screen.
Unlike many other television versions of Superman, such as Smallville and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, the series eschews depicting Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s first meeting. Instead, the story starts with them already married and raising two teenage sons, although it does include a montage of Superman’s origins.
“There’s something great for us playing characters that we’re familiar with,” explained Hoechlin of his role. “but really being able to discover them in such a new way.” He explained that for fans, there’s a familiarity with Superman as a character they grew up with. But now that they’re older, this show is chance for fans to reconnect with that character in a different way.
“I like the idea that fans being able to be like ‘Wow, it’s as as if Superman and Lois could be my next door neighbour,” said Elizabeth Tulloch, who plays Lois Lane. “Now we have this really rich history and this really deep relationship,” she said about the evolution of the characters, adding that “the most rewarding thing for me has been all the scenes between Lois and Clark where they’re married and talking about real life stuff.”
“[The character] becomes much more current and relevant to them now,” said Hoechlin.
“The way the show is written, it is modern and grounded and real, and they’re having the same kinds of struggles that a lot of people are having in this day and age,” agreed Tulloch.
Indeed, one of the themes from the pilot episode appears to be about the complications and issues in the modern world, which is why Clark and Lois move back to the small town of Smallville from Metropolis. Part of the reason is to provide a better environment for their children, who are growing up and experiencing physical changes.
“We’re coming to a point in life where their responsibility is not just their lives anymore, but their kids,” said Hoechlin.
But raising two teenage sons is no easy feat as any parent, super-powered or otherwise, can empathise with. So between Lois and Clark, who is the better parent?
“Me,” laughed Tulloch, who felt that Lois is the better parent.
“It’s fair to say at the start of [Superman & Lois], she’s winning,” agreed Hoechlin. However, Tulloch came to his rescue, adding that “It’s not [Superman]’s fault though, just because he does have to fly off a moment’s notice. He’s lying to [his sons] about where he is at all times. There is an element of deception going on with him, and [Lois] too.”
This could change in later episodes though. “[Their sons] are going to have different relationships with their father as young men with their father, than they will with their mum — who is also super cool,” Tulloch said.
But both agreed Lois was the “cool parent” in the show.
They were also in agreement about Superman’s most useful power for parenting.
“I’ve got to say it’s flight — when you got to make it home quick, that’s the quickest way back,” said Hoechlin. “Or when you want to leave quickly,” Tulloch jokingly added.
“There are other ones that we’ll find out that he does use as a parenting technique that gets him into a bit of trouble. I’m going to say that those are actually more of a detriment,” teased Hoechlin about future episodes.
Superman & Lois airs on Warner TV (Starhub Ch 515; Singtel Ch 306) every Wednesday at 9.50pm.
You might also want to read:
- [TV Show Review] Superman & Lois — fresh and promising, with all the elements that make up Superman
- [Television] TV Guide for February 2021: Superman & Lois, To All The Boys I Loved 3, The Good Doctor S4, L.U.C.A.: The Beginning and more
This article was first published on and written for Yahoo Lifestyle SEA.
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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