Content: My Adventures With Superman is set in the early days of Clark Kent's superhero career. The story follows Clark as he interns with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen at the Dailey Planet. Alongside his work as an intern, Clark also embraces his alter ego as Superman and learns how to become the hero that Metropolis needs. Throughout the series, Clark will uncover the mysteries of his own origins, grow as a reporter, and build strong relationships with both Lois and Jimmy. Together, the trio strives to uncover and report the most important news stories.
Starring in My Adventures With Superman are Jack Quaid as Clark Kent, also known as Superman, Alice Lee as Lois Lane, and Ishmel Sahid as Jimmy Olsen. The show was developed by Jake Wyatt and is produced by Brendan Clogher, Sam Register, Michael Ouweleen, and Josie Campbell.
Jake Wyatt, Brendan Clogher & Josie Campbell on My Adventures With Superman
Screen Rant interviewed Jake Wyatt, Brendan Clogher, and Josie Campbell to discuss the upcoming series, My Adventures With Superman. During the interview, Campbell emphasized the significance of representation and revealed the key to successfully portraying a Superman narrative. Additionally, Wyatt delved into the anime-inspired art style featured in the show, while Clogher provided a glimpse into the formidable villains that will be encountered throughout the series.
Screen Rant: In media, this content fragment highlights the long-awaited element that has been absent from Superman. I admire the incorporation of Superman's personal struggles, and firmly believe that a remarkable Clark Kent is imperative for a splendid Superman portrayal. Are you able to elaborate on the unique attributes that Jack Quaid brings to the role, which may not be evident from the script alone?
Jake Wyatt: Jack Quaid's comedic talent is truly remarkable. His impeccable timing never fails to bring laughter. Moreover, Jack's level of commitment is extraordinary. We often allot additional time for him because he constantly strives for perfection. Only when Jack is satisfied, can we consider the task completed. He is an exemplary professional who wholeheartedly dedicates himself to his craft, leaving no shortage of amazing jokes and comedic moments.
Josie Campbell: Jack's profound adoration for Superman surpasses our own. He invests himself fully in every line, every emotion, and every episode. It's incredible how he passionately insists on another take, and it always turns out to be fantastic.
Can you discuss with me the anime animation style and how it incorporates certain storytelling tropes into the Superman narrative? It's truly brilliant.
Jake Wyatt: There are two aspects to this. In the early stages of development, we conducted some design tests. Christie Tseng created a stunning rendition, which closely resembles what you will see in the show. Everyone was captivated by her work, and it's worth mentioning that she had collaborated with Brendan on Kora. We were aware that Brendan had a meeting scheduled with a Korean studio, as they would be responsible for the animation.
We were optimistic that Studio Mir would be chosen. Christie had learned some design techniques from them, so we wanted to follow their lead. Additionally, their visual style serves as the foundation for all our artists. Brendan also adheres to that theme. However, I, unlike the rest, have the least anime-inspired artistic style on the show.
Josie Campbell: Well, except for Gundam.
Jake Wyatte: My career has mostly centered around transforming Spiderman into an anime character. Consequently, in terms of storytelling, I am less experienced in the world of anime compared to my collaborator Brennan. However, when Josie joined us, we unanimously decided, "This is exactly what we aspire to achieve." Our goal is to draw inspiration from superhero narratives, such as Dragon Ball, which were influenced by Superman, or iconic tales like Sailor Moon. We aim to infuse these elements into our work, much like Tori Yamaki creatively reimagines Superman, exemplifying fun and excitement.
I watched the first episode of this show with my daughter, but she had to go to sleep. She was upset that I had to continue watching for work. However, my girlfriend and I had some really funny moments that made us laugh out loud. The heart of this story is absolutely incredible, which I truly adore. What's the secret to telling an enjoyable and captivating Superman story? Because this show perfectly captures the tone that I've always wanted to see.
Josie Campbell: Yeah, what's the secret ingredient? I believe there are two things. Firstly, it's the team that we want to see too. It's why Clark Kent is the true identity and Superman is more like a disguise. People often wonder, "How can Superman, with all his powers, be a relatable character?" But the truth is, deep down, he is truly human. He loves and cares for people, and he doesn't want to see anyone getting hurt. He even worries that he might unintentionally harm them, as everyone is a bit fragile. So, by tapping into the fact that Superman is a God-like being who has come from another world, but also a boy who grew up in Smallville and genuinely cares about others, that is where our story begins. That has always been the aspect that we love the most.
The success of our project can be attributed to two main factors: our exceptional team and the passion they bring to their work. Our writers' rooms are filled with individuals who not only draw inspiration from comic books and anime, but also collaborate closely with each other. The crew members contribute their own ideas and unique perspectives, resulting in intricate details and innovative approaches to villains' appearances and storylines. Their excitement and constant suggestions drive the creative process, showcasing their immense talent and dedication.
Additionally, I believe there is a secret third element that sets us apart. It is not love, as one might assume, but rather my continuous exploration and understanding of the characters. This project is not solely about superheroes battling villains; instead, it delves into the intricate dynamics between characters like Lois and Clark, and Lois and Jimmy. In fact, in the second episode, the entire A story revolves around these relationships, which serve as the core stakes. The conflicts escalate, leading to thrilling action sequences. However, at its essence, it is always about the emotions and connections between these individuals. Will Clark reveal his true identity to Lois? How long can Lois remain oblivious to the truth? These are the ongoing questions that drive the narrative.
That's what initially propelled Superman to immense popularity. He's a character who operated in secrecy, adding an extra layer of suspense beyond the typical question of "Will he save the city?" Instead, it became a matter of "Will he get exposed? Will his connection with the girl lead to disastrous consequences? What will unfold?" This aspect is vital, even though it may occasionally come across as silly or reminiscent of Scooby Doo. But that's precisely what adds a touch of humor and enjoyment to the narrative. Why would anyone want to strip that away?
Another aspect I particularly enjoyed was a simple statement made by Superman to one of the villains: "I don't want to cause you harm. I want to aid you." This line perfectly captures the essence of Superman's character. Brendan, could you elaborate on the unique interpretations of the villains? They all offer fresh perspectives.
Brendan Clogher mentioned in previous interviews that executives provide us with valuable feedback, which we appreciate. Early on, we were advised to delay the introduction of Lex Luthor. Consequently, we were compelled to delve deeper and identify a character who could serve as a compelling counterpart to Clark Kent. We sought someone who genuinely cares about people. As you can see, we managed to achieve this by portraying certain villains who mirror our contemporary real-world adversaries. I believe this is the essence of our mission.
The significance of representation in superhero stories is immense. Witnessing a character who resembles oneself on screen, undertaking heroic acts, is truly remarkable. Regrettably, such instances are not frequent enough in these narratives, which is a matter of concern for those of us who have grown up with these stories. We believe that it is important for the narrative to extend beyond solely featuring characters like Clark and Superman as heroes; characters like Lois and Jimmy should also play a part in saving the day. In order for the world of these stories to resonate with us, we desire for it to resemble our own.
Our world is teeming with fascinating individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Likewise, our team comprises exceptional individuals with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We didn't want to present something ordinary and confined. Instead, we aimed to showcase the world in all its glory - what we observe every day, what children, teenagers, and adults witness. It's not just about diversity; it's about reflecting reality.
Thank you for making Jimmy Olsen a person of color and for portraying him as the epitome of coolness on this show.
Jake Wyatt: Wait for season 2. I love season 2 Jimmy so much.
About My Adventures With Superman
Taking place in the early stages of Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane's tenure at the Daily Planet, they collaborate as interns in their endeavor to establish their reputations by covering significant news stories. Concurrently, Clark gradually constructs his alter ego, Superman, while delving deeper into his enigmatic origins.
Don't miss our exclusive interview with Alice Lee & Ishmel Sahid, the stars of My Adventure With Superman.
Catch the premiere of My Adventures With Superman on July 6th on Adult Swim, followed by its debut on Max the next day.