Summary
It was announcedSuperman & Loiswould be canceled after 4 seasons earlier this year, and one of its main stars has come to the defense of theDCUatSDCCfollowing fan criticisms.Superman & Loisis one of DC’s best-rated TV show offerings, launching in August 2021 to much fanfare as it depicted older versions of the titular couple. It has since won two Saturn Awards for Best TV Series, demonstrating just how well the show has landed. It is no surprise, then, that fan backlash arose from the announcement of its cancelation.
The blame has been placed by some at the feet of thenew DC Universe,which will launch withtheSupermanmovienext year - but Lois actress Elizabeth Tulloch defended the new franchise at the2024 San Diego Comic-Conpanel for the show. Tulloch stated how being given the chance tobringSuperman and Loisto a satisfying conclusionis a positive before expressing her support for DC Studios co-CEO’s, James Gunn and Peter Safran. The actor also shares the sentiment that the DCU is in good hands. Her full quote can be read below:
“I do wanna just say, like reiterate, that we’re grateful we were given a chance to wrap up this series, and also I know I’ve seen online a lot of like… I trust James Gunn and Peter Safran, I know them sort of, they’re great guys, and I trust that whatever vision they’re enacting right now for the DC Universe going forward is going to be awesome.”
The DC Universe will reboot DC’s cinematic efforts with a slew of movies and TV shows that share a universe. DC attempted this at first withthe DCEU timeline, though only managed to release one season of a TV series,Peacemaker, before the franchise came to an end following a string of suboptimal box-office performances. Conversely, the DCU is instead launching with a TV show,Creature Commandos, beforeSupermanlaunches the cinematic side of the franchise.
Rumors then began circulating that it was thanks toSupermanthat Warner Bros decided to cancelSuperman & Loisin February. Despite DC still releasing extraneous titles under the “Elseworlds” banner, like Matt Reeves’The Batmantrilogy and Todd Phillips’Jokermovies, reports suggested that the studio was apprehensive about the viability of two versions of Superman operating simultaneously on the big and small screen. This, therefore,led die-hardSuperman and Loisfans to lash out at the DCU for what could be perceived as its version of Superman preventing further expansion ofSuperman & Lois.
ConfirmedSupermancharacters also suggest that the movie will be packed with DC Comics characters that have yet to be seen in live-action.
Superman & Loishas been praised for delivering a more grounded take on Superman. From promotional images and set photos, meanwhile, it appears as thoughSupermanwill embrace a more vibrant depiction of the character and possibly lean into the more outrageous yet fun side of the superhero genre. For fans ofSuperman & Lois' distinctive style, this might feel like an affront to what has become one of the best depictions of Superman in live action, though hopefullySupermanwill still appeal to those who love the iconic DC hero.
Superman & Lois
Cast
Superman & Lois follows the Man of Steel, Clark Kent, and journalist Lois Lane as they navigate the strains of contemporary parenthood while confronting threats from supervillains and alien invaders, blending personal challenges with heroic responsibilities in this 2021 television series.
