Detailing events on Krypton two full generations before the birth of Superman, SyFy has ordered up a pilot called Krypton that will explore the life of Superman’s grandfather. Named Seyg-El in comic books, Superman’s grandfather was the head of the Kryptonian Science Council and fought to bring order to the planet’s inhabitants as well as bring honor to the House of El. SyFy hasn’t indicated if they will use the same name in the show.
It’s possible that Jor-El, Superman’s father, could appear in the show as well; perhaps as a child or a teenager. Jor-El eventually grows up to marry Lara, who would give birth to Kal-El (Superman’s given name). As recently detailed in Man of Steel, Jor-El and Lara send Kal-El to Earth in a spacecraft as Krypton crumbles.
The show is being produced by David S. Goyer, who is well known for his writing in multiple films based on characters in the DC Comic universe. That includes Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as well as the short-lived NBC television show Constantine.
Speaking about the new show, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment VP Bill McGoldrick said “Krypton is one of the most iconic stories in the comic book universe. In the talented hands of David S. Goyer and the DC Entertainment/Warner Horizon Television team, this exciting Syfy project will take viewers back to Superman’s home to show how the timeless legend began.”
Of course, this isn’t the first superhero-related prequel that’s been created for television. FOX’s Gotham is currently exploring backstories of villains and police in the crime-ridden city long before Batman appears and the CW’s Smallville lasted for ten seasons; basically detailing the life of Clark Kent before he donned the iconic blue and red tights. In addition, there are a number of shows in the CW based on DC comic book heroes including Flash, Green Arrow and Atom.
