The Arrowverse is recasting a major Supergirl role for the upcoming Superman & Lois spinoff as the cast keeps expanding. While The CW's lineup of DC dramas is currently on hiatus, both airing and production-wise given the coronavirus pandemic, preparations for the franchise's next spinoff are proceeding. The Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch-led series was fast-tracked once it was announced to be in development back in 2019. Earlier this year, the network formally picked it up to series, which usually doesn't happen until late April/early May for new pilots. But with Arrowverse producer Greg Berlanti behind it and the show focusing on DC Comics' most iconic superhero, the series pickup was expected nonetheless.
With it being set to air in the 2020-2021 TV season, casting is currently underway for several main roles. Jordan Elsass and Alexander Garfin officially joined Superman & Lois back in February as Lois and Clark's sons Jonathan and Jordan Kent. Since their addition, casting calls have hinted at several other DC Comics characters being introduced during the show's first season. Among them was a call for General Samuel Lane, Lois and Lucy's father. Glenn Morshower initially played the character in season 1 of Supergirl but hasn't returned for any additional guest spots since the show's move from CBS to The CW. The recasting is now official, as Morshower's successor has been found.
Deadline is reporting Nip/Tuck veteran Dylan Walsh has joined Superman & Lois as a series regular in the role of Sam Lane. Warner Bros. TV and The CW describes the character as a workaholic U.S. Army general who does everything he can to protect the world from any threats. Whether it comes from on or off Earth, Sam expects perfection from everyone who's in his life. It remains unclear why Morshower isn't returning to the part he played on the Melissa Benoist-starring series. Walsh is now the fourth actor to portray the character in live-action on TV, joining Denis Arndt (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), Michael Ironside (Smallville), and Morshower.
It is, however, the character's first time being put in a series regular position, making Sam a principal character in the upcoming Superman series. Given the character's status in the comics and other iterations, it wouldn't be surprising to see the General in some kind of antagonistical capacity. Since Tulloch joined the Arrowverse as the famous reporter, her Lois hasn't had any interactions with the members of the Lane family that have already appeared in the universe.
Even Jenna Dewan's Lucy Lane hasn't been seen since the season 1 finale of Supergirl. Time will tell if the spinoff features a Lois Lane family reunion or not, including whether Dewan will return in her Arrowverse role or be similarly recast. Despite production being put on hold, along with the other Arrowverse shows, more characters are expected to be cast in the coming weeks. Hopefully, additional details will be arriving soon, including information on whether Superman & Lois is targeting a fall premiere date or expected to debut midseason on The CW.
Source: Deadline