Even with parent company, NBCUniversal having prematurely yanked DC Comics-inspired sitcom, Powerless from the NBC programming lineup a few weeks ago, it looks like their corporate umbrella will at least be home to another DC-inspired show soon. NBCUniversal subisidary network, Syfy has confirmed today that they are officially ordering Superman prequel series, Krypton, which will begin its full season order later this year, alongside another full season pick-up, Image Comics adaptation, Happy!. The Krypton pick-up announcement comes a mere day after yet another debuting DC Comics drama series, Black Lightning was successfully picked up for next season by The CW.
Krypton is part of a ‘reboot’ initiative for the Syfy network, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. As part of the 25th anniversary effort, Syfy wishes to rebrand and make a renewed commitment to returning to its genre roots. This means a higher doubling down on explicitly fantasy/supernatural/superhero entertainment, along with, of course, sci-fi media. The reboot is also promising more of an expansion for the network’s news outlet, Syfy Wire, on top of a new logo and presentation for the Syfy brand in general.
Krypton will star Cameron Cuffe as the future Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El (the name being a reference to one of Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel), as he fights to redeem the honour of the ostracized House of El within the planet, Krypton, two generations before its destruction. Georgina Campbell will also star in the series as Lyta Zod, the ancestor to future Superman nemesis, General Zod.
The series was developed and will be executive produced by Man of Steel writer, David S. Goyer, who, back in 2015, claimed that the show is being treated as a canonical prequel to Man of Steel. If this claim remains true for Krypton’s debut in 2017, that would make Krypton the first television series to be set in Warner Bros.’ shared big screen DC Extended Universe, as opposed to the disconnected DC television universes that are currently hosted on The CW and FOX. It’s also been confirmed more recently that Krypton will feature recognizable DC Comics characters beyond Seg-El (whose name is spelt ‘Seyg-El’ in DC Comics lore), though exactly which characters these could be is currently unknown.
Keep flying to Eggplante for all major news and updates on Krypton, and other DC television projects.