One of the highlights of the 2020-2021 television season has been The CW’s Superman & Lois. With hard-hitting stories and a cast that works incredibly well together, the show has won rave reviews from critics and fans alike. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, star Tyler Hoechlin — Superman himself — opens up about the audition process.
Hoechlin wasn’t sure what he was getting into when he met with executive producers Andrew Kreisberg and Greg Berlanti in 2016. “One of my agents called me and said, ‘Hey, I think I might know what your meeting’s about.’ And they sent me this article that they were looking to cast Superman, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe… Who knows?’”
Though he’d always imagined himself playing Batman if the opportunity ever came about, playing Superman was a novel idea, and Hoechlin was interested. What he didn’t know at the time was that he was the only actor Kreisberg and Berlanti were considering. “I found out later through them that, apparently, that was the only meeting they took for the character so they apparently saw something .”
Tyler Hoechlin: The only man for the Superman job
The decision to cast Hoechlin makes a lot of sense. At the time, Hoechlin had made a handful of appearances on Supergirl and some of the other CW superhero shows. Fast forward to 2021 and he’s starring as the lead in The CW’s new smash hit Superman & Lois.
Since his original casting, Hoechlin has appeared on Supergirl, Batwoman, Arrow, The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. Looking back, there was definitely a plan in place for Hoechlin to appear as Superman across all of The CW DC superhero shows. His popularity and willingness to dedicate himself physically to the role made it an easy decision to keep him in the cape for a standalone series where the actor has the space to shine.
“I always say that it’s not the role that I ever envisioned myself playing, but I think that’s maybe why I’m able to play it the way that I have been,” Hoechlin added. With Superman & Lois earning an early season 2 pickup, the future is bright for the Man of Steel on the small screen, and Hoechlin is ready for it.
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h/t CBR