DC's Epic Overhaul: How Superman & Lois Finally Shatters the 36-Year Superman Movie Curse

Summary

"Superman & Lois" has showcased that lesser-known villains can be just as compelling as Lex Luthor or General Zod when given the opportunity to shine.

The CW show has received positive feedback from viewers by introducing a variety of lesser-known villains, often with modified backgrounds and abilities. By reserving the more renowned villains for future episodes, "Superman & Lois" has created opportunities for new and captivating adversaries, presenting the CW's live-action Superman with novel and surprising challenges.

The CW's Superman & Lois TV series has highlighted a long-standing issue with Superman movies - and now, with James Gunn's upcoming Superman: Legacy, it's time to address it. A new live-action Man of Steel is on the horizon, and Superman & Lois has demonstrated that there are other adversaries who deserve to clash with the Last Son of Krypton before Lex Luthor.

For years, Lex Luthor has been the main antagonist in Superman films, appearing in various iterations of the iconic hero. It's been a staggering 36 years since Superman faced off against a lesser-known villain on the big screen. However, Superman & Lois, along with DC, has proven that these lesser-known villains can be just as captivating and engaging as Lex Luthor or General Zod, given the opportunity to shine.

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Superman & Lois Proves Lesser-Known Superman Villains Are Engaging

Superman and Lois, the popular CW show, has garnered immense popularity among DC fans, successfully completing three seasons with a highly anticipated fourth season on the horizon. With Tyler Hoechlin reprising the role of Superman and Elizabeth Tulloch portraying Lois Lane, the beloved superhero and renowned journalist have tied the knot and raised two teenage boys. Embracing a fresh start, the family has uprooted to Smallville, Clark Kent's hometown, aiming to foster stronger familial bonds. However, despite their relocation from Metropolis, formidable adversaries and impending dangers continue to plague their lives.

Superman and Lois has introduced a range of lesser-known villains throughout its first three seasons. These include Morgan Edge, The Eradicator, Bizarro, Parasite, Bruno Manheim, Onomatopoeia, and others. However, these villains have undergone changes in their origins and abilities compared to their comic-book counterparts. Despite this, many of these revamped versions have been well-received. For instance, the portrayal of Morgan Edge in Superman and Lois goes beyond his original character as a corrupt corporate media magnate. In the show, he is unveiled as Kal-El's secret half-brother and also takes on the role of the Eradicator.

Notably, what sets Superman and Lois apart is its focus on introducing newer adversaries rather than relying solely on iconic villains like Lex Luthor and Doomsday. These formidable foes only make their appearance towards the end of season 3, allowing for the emergence of fresh and intriguing threats for the CW's live-action Superman. This approach offers a novel narrative where the Man of Steel faces unexpected challenges, moving away from the expected adversaries that have been depicted in movies.

Why Superman Movies Keep Using Lex Luthor

Despite General Zod and Doomsday being recurring villains, Lex Luthor has emerged as the most prominent and frequently showcased adversary. This can be attributed to the fact that Luthor is undeniably the most marketable villain, serving as Superman's ultimate arch-nemesis. The clash between Luthor's exceptional intellect and Superman's extraordinary strength and powers creates a captivating rivalry. Thus, it is understandable that DC would prioritize featuring him on the silver screen.

Nevertheless, Superman & Lois challenges the notion that Lex Luthor must be continuously utilized. It is much more enthralling that Michael Cudlitz's portrayal of Lex Luthor is poised to take on a larger role in season 4 of Superman and Lois. Prior to this development, Luthor was merely mentioned and initially introduced at the conclusion of season 3, following an array of other dynamic villains. In fact, some of these villains, such as Morgan Edge and Bruno Manheim, have connections and history with Luthor. Their initial appearances have effectively established Luthor as a genuine, highly-anticipated "big bad." This approach will also be observed in the upcoming Superman: Legacy movie, as it draws inspiration from these lessons.

Under-Used Superman Villains Perfect For The Big Screen

Both Superman & Lois, including Max's new animated series My Adventures with Superman, have demonstrated the immense potential that rests within Superman's extensive array of adversaries. The compelling roster includes notable villains like Parasite, Livewire, Professor Ivo, Metallo, and many others who possess the ability to thoroughly challenge Superman's powers in unprecedented ways on the silver screen in a live-action adaptation of the Man of Steel. Moreover, there is an added advantage in not immediately resorting to the more recognizable main antagonists: this approach grants greater narrative freedom to explore and experiment with the origins and abilities of these lesser-known foes. Consequently, it is our sincere hope that Lex Luthor does not assume the role of the primary villain in the forthcoming film, Superman: Legacy.