Let's just hope it turns out better than Caprica.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed yesterday that Syfy has issued a formal pilot order for the Superman prequel series Krypton, based on DC Comics characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, which was reported to be in development back in December 2014.
According to the article, Krypton is "set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel's home planet. Krypton will follow Superman's grandfather — whose House of El was ostracized and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family's honor and save his beloved world from chaos."
David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice) will executive produce the drama through his Phantom Four banner. Sleepy Hollow's Damian Kindler will serve as showrunner and will also executive produce. Colm McCarthy will direct and co-executive produce the pilot, while Goyer and Ian Goldberg (Once Upon a Time) will provide the script for Warner Horizon Television.
"Krypton is one of the most iconic stories in the comic book universe," said Bill McGoldrick, executive vice president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. "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."
If Syfy picks up the pilot for a full series, Krypton will be the second series on the network based on comics, along with Wynonna Earp.
Created in 1939 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the fictional planet Krypton first appeared in Superman (vol.1) #1 in a brief origin that merely stated, "Just before the doomed planet, Krypton, exploded to fragments, a scientist placed his infant son within an experimental rocket-ship, launching it toward Earth!" Over the years, the history of the planet was developed further, with revelations that in addition to Superman, his cousin Supergirl, Supergirl's parents Zor-El and Allura, his dog Krypto, Argo City, and various Phantom Zone criminals had escaped the planet's destruction.
The destruction of Krypton has been reimagined numerous times, including the limited series Man of Steel by John Byrne, Superman: Birthright by Mark Waid and Leinil Francis Yu, and Superman: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. It's also featured prominently in the films Superman (1978), Superman II, Supergirl, and Man of Steel, and has appeared in various television series including Adventures of Superman, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Smallville, and Supergirl. In addition, Krypton has turned up in animated projects including the Superman cartoon shorts from Fleischer Studios, Super Friends and Superman: The Animated Series.