First Look Of Tyler Hoechlin As Superman on The CW’s ‘Supergirl’

Recently it was reported that for Season 2 of ‘Supergirl‘, not only will the show be shifting networks to The CW, but they will finally bring Superman on and have him be a recurring character on the show. In Season 1, the iconic hero was relegated to shadows, feet shots and references, but he will step into the light in the new season. Tyler Hoechlin (‘Teen Wolf‘) has already been cast in the role, but today brings reveals the first look of him as Superman.

Check out Tyler Hoechlin as Superman on ‘Supergirl‘ Season 2.

While there was a lot of critisicm about how the DC CW-verse (television) didn’t coordinate with the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) (movies), this poster finally makes it all make sense!

The design of both Supergirl and Superman’s costumes are separate but similar to one another. Superman’s suit maintains the yellow background in the logo that heralds back to the classic Superman stories, and one we haven’t seen in a long time. While the ‘S’ is the familiar classic logo and very similar to Supergirl’s, Superman’s is definitely tweaked a lot more than the design we’re used to seeing.

The most glaring difference in the new Superman suit is… no underpants! Going with the new revamped design, this modern day Superman does not wear his underwear over his pants. And it’s a nice look to be completely honest, especially with the seam lines and the redesign of the cape on the shoulders.

While I had doubts about Tyler Hoechlin as the Man Of Steel, he definitely looks the part here. He’s also just old enough beside Melissa Benoist to actually seem like her older cousin brother. But his apperance as a full fledged character how brings about some messy questions about where the show will go.

I was originally worried about ‘Supergirl‘ being a redundant show as a character in a world that already had a Superman. But Season 1 was creative enough to separate Supergirl, while still peppering Superman through out enough to make that concern seem legitimate in the show and character’s life as well.

The show tows the line between including Superman, but not letting him overshadow the main character.

— Review of ‘Supergirl’ Season 1

My newest concern is: now that Superman will become a recurring presence on the show, what’s to prevent this from becoming the ‘Super Family Adventures’? The CW shows have a proven track record of doing things that are good for the story, but also things that are popular. (See Olli-city)If Hoechlin’s Superman is accepted and, more importantly, gels well with the cast and makers, then who’s to say he won’t become a regular character? At which point the show is less ‘Supergirl’ and more… well I just made the joke above.

It’s way too early for me to be getting so paranoid. So far this poster looks great for a Superman in this world. But I already see the internet buzzing with negativity. It feels like those fans aren’t aware of the tone or the universe that The CW has set up. Of course the CW Superman is going to be a pretty boy who, by the way if they ever debut Hoechlin as Clark, will of course be a thick frames wearing hipster. Of course there will be emotional soap opera drama at the heart of every CW show. I’m not even ruling out a Alex / Superman romance subplot yet either. (although that may be kinda icky.)

To be completely ignorant of the fact that The CW is a network that has a patented brand of storytelling that is aimed as a very specific audience and the stories and characters need to reflect that, is to be so self absorbed as to think that all art caters to you, and completely dismisses the subjective nature of the film and television medium.

In the meantime, I will be anticipating this version of Superman and hoping that ‘Supergirl‘ on the CW will become a better show, even though I was a moderate fan of Season 1. Check out my Review here.

‘Supergirl’ Season 2 premieres on The CW on Fall 2016.

What did you think about this version of Superman on ‘Supergirl’? 

Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @theshahshahid