Superman & Lois Proves It’s Time For DC To Fix It’s 36-Year-Long Superman Movie Problem
The CW’s Superman & Lois television series has proven that it’s finally time to start fixing a lingering problem in the Superman canon that has existed for years. With Superman: Legacy coming soon from James Gunn, a new live-action Man of Steel for the big screen is on the horizon. To that end, Superman & Lois showed that there are other villains who should face the Last Son of Krypton first (in addition to the big names). It’s no secret that Lex Luthor has been the main villain of the Superman movies for quite some time across many iterations of Tomorrow Man. Likewise, it’s been 36 years since Superman fought someone on the big screen who wasn’t considered a “big name” villain (Superman IV). By contrast, DC and CW’s Superman & Lois shows that lesser-known villains can be as dynamic and compelling as Lex Luthor or General Zod, as long as they’re given time to shine.
Superman & Lois Proves Lesser-Known Superman Villains Are Engaging
After three seasons with a fourth (and possibly final) season of Superman & Lois on the horizon, the CW series has become somewhat of a favorite among DC fans. Starring Tyler Hoechlin as Superman and Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, the titular superhero and famous journalist are married and have two teenagers, who have moved to Clark Kent’s hometown of Smallville to capture start a new life where they can be closer as a family. However, new threats and enemies have not diminished even though they have left Metropolis. During the first three seasons of Superman & Lois, a series of lesser-known villains appeared. This includes Morgan Edge, The Eradicator, Bizarro, Parasite, Bruno Manheim, Onomatopoeia, and more. However, many of these villains also had altered origins and powers compared to their comic book counterparts, although many were very well received. For example, Morgan Edge in Superman & Lois is much more than the corrupt media mogul in the comics. In the CW show, Edge is revealed to be Kal-El’s secret half-brother, and he also becomes the show’s version of the Eradicator. Ultimately, the most important thing about Superman & Lois’s villains is that larger enemies like Lex Luthor and Doomsday only appeared recently, at the end of Superman & Lois Season 3. coming of age”
Why Superman Movies Keep Using Big Names Like Lex Luthor
Although General Zod and Doomsday are other big bads who’ve been used more than once, Lex Luthor is certainly the biggest Superman villain who’s been used on screen the most. To a degree, this is understandable. Luthor is certainly the most marketable villain as Superman’s core arch-nemesis with a classically compelling rivalry thanks to Luthor’s brilliant intellect against Superman’s incredible strength and powers. It makes sense that DC would want him to be featured on the big screen. However, Superman & Lois proves Lex Luthor doesn’t have to be continually used over and over. Additionally, it’s far more exciting that Michael Cudlitz’s Lex Luthor is set to have a bigger role in Superman & Lois season 4, having only been mentioned and initially set up at the end of season 3 following so many other dynamic villains. To that end, some of these villains such as Edge and Bruno Manheim have connections and history with Luthor, and their initial appearances have helped establish Luthor as a true big bad who’s actually anticipated. It’s hopefully something the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie will adopt as well.
Under-Used Superman Villains Perfect For The Big Screen
Superman and Lois (and even Max’s new animated series, My Adventures with Superman) showed off the true potential of the rest of Superman’s rogues gallery. There are plenty of intriguing villains who haven’t had their time to shine in films like Parasite, Livewire, Professor Ivo, Metallo and possibly Lobo who is rumored to be coming to Superman: Legacy. Each of these and more could certainly push the limits of Superman’s powers in ways never seen before on the big screen with the live-action Man of Steel. It’s worth considering that not immediately using big-name villains has an additional benefit. Less recognizable enemies mean more narrative freedom to experiment with the origins and powers of these lesser-known enemies, as seen with Superman & Lois. While he may be present, we hope Lex Luthor won’t be the main villain in the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie.