Convention - SDCC 2024: Superman & Lois Panel, A Farewell to an Era and a Glimpse into the Future of the Man of Steel

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention center, Hall H, 27 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024, held at the legendary San Diego Convention Center, was an event filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of melancholy as fans gathered in Hall H on July 27, 2024, for the Superman & Lois panel. As the series nears its final season, this panel became more than just a celebration of the show’s past—it was a heartfelt goodbye to a beloved chapter in the Superman legacy and a hopeful look towards what the future holds for the iconic character.

The panel opened with an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated fourth and final season of Superman & Lois. Fans were on the edge of their seats as they were treated to an intense clip from the continuation of the epic battle between Superman and Doomsday. This sneak peek, which built on the excitement of a trailer released just days prior, hinted at a darker and more somber tone for the concluding season. The scene depicted a brutal confrontation, highlighting the high stakes and emotional intensity that will define Superman's final journey in this series.

This preview set the stage for a broader discussion about the series' development and direction. Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing, the creative minds behind Superman & Lois, took the opportunity to discuss some of the key decisions that have shaped the show. They revealed that one of the pivotal choices—to set the series in a separate continuity from the Arrowverse—was largely influenced by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially intended to be a part of the Arrowverse's Earth-Prime, Superman & Lois was forced to pivot when the pandemic made it difficult to coordinate crossovers with other shows. According to Todd Helbing, this change, while initially born out of necessity, ultimately allowed the series to develop its own unique identity, separate from the broader Arrowverse narrative.

One of the most revealing moments of the panel came when Tyler Hoechlin, who has portrayed Clark Kent/Superman since his debut in Supergirl, shared his personal journey with the character. Tyler Hoechlin admitted that he was initially hesitant to take on the role in a standalone series. He believed that Superman had been explored extensively in various media, and he was unsure if there was anything new to bring to the character. However, it was Greg Berlanti’s unique pitch that changed his mind. Berlanti described Superman & Lois not as a traditional superhero series but as “Friday Night Lights with a father who has powers.” This fresh take, focusing on Clark Kent's struggles as a father and husband as much as his duties as Superman, resonated deeply with Tyler Hoechlin, and it ultimately convinced him to embrace the role.

Tyler Hoechlin also shared a touching story about receiving a letter from David Corenswet, who is set to portray Superman in the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) film, as the series wrapped filming. The letter, according to Tyler Hoechlin, was filled with respect and camaraderie, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one Superman to another. This moment of connection between two actors who have taken on the mantle of Superman served as a poignant reminder of the character's enduring legacy and the impact it has had on those who portray him.

Showrunner Todd Helbing provided deeper insights into the creative process behind the final season. He acknowledged that knowing the series was coming to an end gave the creative team the freedom to take bold risks and explore new narrative directions. This is exemplified by the decision to open the final season with the shocking death of Superman, a move that is sure to set a powerful and emotional tone for the rest of the season. Todd Helbing explained that this decision was not taken lightly but was seen as an opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of loss, legacy, and the enduring impact of Superman on those he leaves behind.

The final season of Superman & Lois is expected to explore these themes with a level of depth and intensity that fans have come to expect from the series. Todd Helbing expressed his gratitude to the fans who have supported the show and promised that the final season would be a fitting conclusion to the characters' journeys, offering both closure and a celebration of everything the series has achieved.

Elizabeth Tulloch, who has brought Lois Lane to life with grace and strength, also took the stage to reflect on her experience with the series. She expressed her deep gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support over the past three seasons. Elizabeth Tulloch acknowledged the disappointment some fans might feel about the series ending after just four seasons but emphasized her trust in James Gunn's vision for the future of the DC Universe. Elizabeth Tulloch conveyed her belief that while Superman & Lois is coming to an end, the characters and stories it has introduced will continue to resonate within the broader context of the DCU.

Elizabeth Tulloch’s faith in the future of the DCU reflects the optimism that many in the industry share regarding James Gunn’s leadership. As one of the most beloved characters in the DC pantheon, Lois Lane’s portrayal by Elizabeth Tulloch has been praised for its complexity and depth, and there is a sense that her legacy will continue to influence future interpretations of the character in new and exciting ways.

Since its premiere on The CW in February 2021, Superman & Lois has distinguished itself within the crowded superhero genre by offering a unique blend of high-octane action and deeply personal, character-driven drama. Developed by Greg Berlanti and Todd Helbing, the series was initially conceived as a part of the Arrowverse, but as it evolved, it established its own continuity and tone. The show’s ability to balance the extraordinary challenges of Superman with the relatable struggles of family life has been one of its defining features.

The series was heavily influenced by classic family dramas such as Everwood and Friday Night Lights, and this influence is evident in the show’s focus on relationships, personal growth, and the day-to-day challenges faced by the Kent family. Todd Helbing explained that much of the series was approached with the mindset of creating a feature film, with high production values, cinematic cinematography, and meticulous attention to detail. This approach set Superman & Lois apart from other superhero shows, offering audiences a viewing experience that rivaled that of premium cable and streaming services.

One of the recurring topics during the panel was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the series' production and its connections to the broader Arrowverse. Initially planned as part of the shared Arrowverse universe, Superman & Lois was forced to re-evaluate its direction when the pandemic made it impossible to coordinate crossovers with other Arrowverse series like Supergirl and Batwoman. Todd Helbing explained that while this was a challenging decision, it ultimately allowed the show to stand on its own, free from the constraints of a shared universe.

This separation was confirmed in the second season finale, which established that Superman & Lois exists on a different Earth than the Arrowverse's Earth-Prime. This move allowed the show to develop its own unique narrative and explore themes that might have been difficult to address within the confines of a shared continuity. Todd Helbing expressed pride in this decision, noting that it gave the series the freedom to tell the stories it wanted to tell without being tied to the larger Arrowverse mythology.

As Superman & Lois prepares to conclude its journey, the panel naturally turned to the future of Superman in the DC Universe. With James Gunn now at the helm of DC Studios, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Man of Steel’s story. James Gunn’s upcoming film, Superman: Legacy, set for release in 2025, will introduce David Corenswet as the new Superman, marking the beginning of a new era for the character in the DCU.

While there is excitement about what the future holds, the legacy of Superman & Lois is secure. The series will be remembered not only for its action-packed sequences and epic battles but also for its deep exploration of the human side of Superman. The show's focus on Clark Kent as a father, husband, and hero who grapples with the same struggles as any ordinary person has resonated deeply with audiences, setting a new standard for superhero storytelling.

As the Superman & Lois panel in Hall H came to a close, the atmosphere was a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and anticipation. The cast and creators expressed their heartfelt thanks to the fans who have supported the show throughout its run and assured them that the final season, premiering on October 17, 2024, will be a powerful and fitting conclusion to the series.

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 will be remembered as the event where fans bid farewell to Superman & Lois, a series that redefined the superhero genre by focusing on the man behind the cape as much as the hero. As one chapter ends, another begins, and the legacy of the Man of Steel continues to evolve, both on television and in the broader DC Universe. With the future of Superman in the capable hands of James Gunn and David Corenswet, fans can rest assured that the story of the Last Son of Krypton is far from over.

Synopsis : 
The adventures of Superman and Lois Lane as they try to balance their hectic professional lives with their equally hectic family lives as parents...

Superman & Lois
Based on Characters appearing in DC Comics
Developed by Greg Berlanti, Todd Helbing
Showrunner : Todd Helbing
Starring  Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Jordan Elsass, Alex Garfin, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Adam Rayner, Dylan Walsh, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tayler Buck, Sofia Hasmik, Michael Bishop, Chad L. Coleman
Music by Dan Romer
Executive producers : David Madden, Geoff Johns, Kristi Korzec, Sarah Schechter, Lee Toland Krieger, Todd Helbing, Greg Berlanti, Brent Fletcher
Producers : Karyn Smith-Forge, Carl Ogawa, Jennifer Lence, Nadria Tucker, Louis Shaw Milito, Stephen Judge, Ian Samoil
Cinematography : Gavin Struthers, Stephen Maier, Gordon Verheul
Editors : Harry Jierjian, David Holland, Becca Berry, Brian G. Addie
Production companies : Berlanti Productions, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television
Network : The CW
Release February 23, 2021 – present
Running time : 40–45 minutes, 63 minutes (pilot)

You can discover our photos in our Flickr page

Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville