Shocking news fresh off the WB lot this afternoon as Deadline is reporting that Emmanuelle Chriqui (Lana Lang), Dylan Walsh (Sam Lane), Erik Valdez (Kyle Cortez), Inde Navarrette (Sarah Cortez), Wolé Parks (John Henry Irons), Tayler Buck (Natalie Irons), and Sofia Hasmik (Chrissy Beppo) are not returning as series regulars for the recently announced season four.
While there is optimism that the seven will recur and/or guest star throughout next season, their respective returns will depend on their individual interest in reprising their parts as well as availability in their schedules. With next season likely to be the last before James Gunn ushers in the DCU with Superman: Legacy in 2025, fans should hope the longtime cast members are keen on closing out their character arcs.
The returning series regulars for season four are the Kent family, consisting of Tyler Hoechlin (Clark Kent/Superman), Elizabeth Tulloch (Lois Lane), Michael Bishop (Jonathan Kent), and Alex Garfin (Jordan Kent).
Michael Cudlitz (Lex Luthor), who will make his long-awaited debut as Superman's archnemesis next week, has been upped to series regular status for next season, pretty much confirming that he will indeed be the fourth and presumably final season's big bad.
Superman & Lois was renewed for a ten-episode fourth season earlier this week, under the caveat that there would be significant budget cuts, including a reduction in series regulars and a lower special effects budget.
Check out the new preview for episode twelve, titled "Injustice," below:
"Injustice" - (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-14, LV) (HDTV)
MICHAEL CUDLITZ "THE WALKING DEAD" GUEST STARS - Lois (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Clark (Tyler Hoechlin) clash with Jordan (Alex Garfin) over his carelessness around using his powers in public, while Jonathan (Michael Bishop) struggles with Kyle's (Erik Valdez) change in behavior at the firehouse. Meanwhile, Sarah (Inde Navarrette) grows frustrated with Lana (Emmanuelle Chriqui) after she accidentally makes things more complicated with Jordan. And finally, after seventeen years behind bars, Lex Luthor (guest star Michael Cudlitz ("The Walking Dead" set to be released from prison. Sudz Sutherland directed the episode written by Michael Narducci (#312). Original airdate 6/20/2023.