Michael Cudlitz's Lex Luthor Is The Only Non-Kent Series Regular For 'Superman & Lois' Season 4
Superman's archnemesis has been teased all season, and debuts in this Tuesday's penultimate episode. And he might ultimately pull the Kents back out of Smallville
Well, what did I say? Tuesday, it was reported The CW renewed Superman & Lois for a ten-episode fourth season. However, the reduction in season length was only part of the coming budget cuts. They would also include reductions in the series regular cast. While the process is in progress for the also-renewed All American: Homecoming, here, it’s already known.
Of course, Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch are Clark Kent aka Superman and Lois, and of course, they’re bringing Jonathan and Jordan, their twin sons played by Michael Bishop and Alex Garfin with them. And as far as series regulars as of the end of season 3, that’s everyone retaining such status into season 4. Dylan Walsh, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Erik Valdez, Inde Navarrette, Wolé Parks, Tayler Buck, Sofia Hasmik, and Chad L. Coleman are not returning as series regulars next season. That’s Lois’s dad Gen. Sam Lane, Lana Lang, ex-husband Kyle Cushing, their daughter Sarah Cortez, John Henry Irons, Natalie Lane Irons (his daughter with his Earth’s Lois), Smallville Gazette journalist Chrissy Beppo, and Intergang leader Bruno Mannheim. Walsh, Chriqui, Valdez, Navarrette, and Parks had been series regulars for all seasons thus far. Coleman makes sense, as the seasonal villain, his arc will complete by the end far easier. The hope is for the other seven to guest star/recur in their roles next season, dependent on interest on their part and availability.
We already know who will be season 4’s villain, and they are the fifth and final series regular set for the season. Following his appearances in the third season’s final two episodes, Michael Cudlitz as Lex Luthor is it. As the show takes a heavier lean into its core premise as a family drama while still honoring its superhero roots, it is widely believed that the Kent family will be relocated to Metropolis. Less special effects-reliant action and superheroing. It’s also been noted that as it looks now, the show is looking very white, having dropped its black and Hispanic characters.
Cast reductions have become increasingly common for industrywide cost-cutting and declining linear ratings. The WBTV-produced CBS comedy Bob ❤️ Abishola only picked up leads Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku as series regulars for the next season after the license fee was cut, with similar offers to recur. If true about Superman & Lois, a major location change to make the reduction smooth and believable. The same network only renewed the veteran drama Blue Bloods for a 14th season after the cast agreed to a 25% pay cut. Most of the actors in the Chicago and Law & Order NBC drama series reduced their episodic guarantees for next season.
