SyFy Channel is finally moving forward with their original plans to option a Superman prequel series entitled 'Krypton'.
Back in 2014, SyFy Channel made an announcement that they were in negotiations to greenlight a prequel series to the Superman mythos. The news of Krypton being considered for a series came as no surprise considering the recent release of 2013's Man of Steel, as well as FOX beating them to the punch by beginning production on the now highly successful Batman prequel series, Gotham. While Gotham is still going strong well into its second season, the concept for Krypton simply fell to the wayside until everyone eventually just moved on with their lives.
It seems, however, Krypton has essentially just been stuck in development hell for the last two years and SyFy is now in final negotiations to bring it to television. The timing for this decision seems to be well placed when you consider the success of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the fan-base building around CBS' Supergirl. There's no official word yet on when Krypton will begin production, but it looks to be right around the corner. The premise is as follows:
Years before the Superman legend we know, the House of El was shamed and ostracized. This series follows The Man of Steel’s grandfather as he brings hope and equality to Krypton, turning a planet in disarray into one worthy of giving birth to the greatest Super Hero ever known.
The story behind it doesn't appear to have any real significance to Superman's actual storyline, taking place even before his father, Jor-El, becomes relevant. Having the series occur so far back in time is an obvious ploy to give the writers enough timeline real estate with which to craft a continuing TV show's story, assuming it manages to catch the same lightning in a bottle that Smallville did, and lasts long enough to do so.
Krypton is set to be written by David S. Goyer, writer for Batman Begins, Man of Steel, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, along with co-writer, Ian Goldberg. Goyer is slated to executive produce with showrunner, Damien Kindler, and the pilot episode will be directed by Colm McCarthy.
