Syfy has axed the Superman prequel series ‘Krypton’ and pulled the plug on the potential ‘Lobo’ spin-off. This news came not 48 hours after the Season 2 finale of ‘Krypton’ aired. Syfy ordered a pilot for ‘Lobo’ starring Emmett J. Scanlan in June, but it was still in development and hadn’t been shot yet. ‘Krypton’ hailed from Warner Horizon Scripted Television, so Syfy had to pay a large licensing fee for the show and that is reportedly a reason for the cancellation, in addition to low ratings.
‘Krypton’ was developed for TV by David S. Goyer, who served as executive producer with Cameron Welsh, who acted as showrunner. Cameron Cuffe starred as Seg-El, the father of Jor-El and grandfather of Superman, with Blake Ritson as the villain Brainiac. The cast also included Georgina Campbell, Shaun Sipos, Elliot Cowan, Ann Ogbomo, Aaron Pierre, Rasmus Hardiker, Wallis Day, Ian McElhinney, Colin Salmon, and Hannah Waddingham.
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The premiere of the series was Syfy’s highest-rated since ‘Ascension’ in 2014, and Season 1 was the most-watched series on the network since ‘Defiance’ in 2015, but reportedly ratings plummeted 50% Live+Same Day in the second season– roughly 400,000 viewers per week. According to Deadline, “Syfy has to rely solely on linear ratings to monetize a series.”
DC Universe offers Season 1 to stream and will add Season 2 in 2020. Warner Horizon Scripted Television is said to be shopping ‘Krypton’ around, and DC Universe is one potential outlet, along with HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s upcoming streaming service. Syfy only had the rights to stream the five most recent episodes.
It’s unknown at this time if Warner will also shop ‘Lobo’ around or if all attention is being given to getting ‘Krypton’ saved.
Were you a fan of ‘Krypton’? Are you sad to see it go? What network or streaming service would you like to see pick it up?
