Teen Wolf's Tyler Hoechlin will be diving into the role of
Superman when the CW's
Supergirl returns for its second season this fall. Both the actors and the showrunners have stated that the network's take on Superman will be a more traditional version of the Man of Steel, taking cues from
Superman: The Animated Series, Lois and Clark, and Richard Donner's
Superman, among others.
In an interview with
Entertainment Weekly, Hoechlin emphasized the importance honouring Superman as a symbol of optimism and hope, despite the temptation to explore the dark or conflicted parts of a character as an actor.
“It’s a very hopeful and optimistic show. As an actor, you always love these deep, dark, complicated, conflicted characters — there’s a challenge and that’s something to really dig into. This was something that was fun. It’s pure fun and it’s Superman as I think he was intended to be, which is just an incredible symbol of hope to kids that they can do anything, and that they can be good people, and that good people can triumph over evil. That’s just, at the core of it, what it is. Clark is the side of that that is — you know, you don’t have to be dark and brooding, and always in this state of masculine toughness. You can still just be a sweet, gentle person and have that side of you that comes out when it’s needed and called upon.”
Hoechlin's personal point of reference was
Lois and Clark, a show that the 29-year-old actor grew up watching. "
I grew up with Dean Cain on Lois & Clark. I would watch that with my folks, and that was really my strongest tie. That was my introduction to Superman really, so those are my memories, as a kid, growing up with Superman." Despite this, Hoechlin maintains that Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal is his favourite. "
I just have to go with Chris Reeve. I think you have to. He was so spot on with it. I feel like I would have to doubt myself if I went with anybody else."
Are you looking forward to Hoechlin's take on
Superman? Check out a sneak peek below and sound off with your comments!
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