Jupiter's Legacy actor Josh Duhamel discusses how the series is different from Marvel and DC. The Netflix show releases on May 7 and is based on the Image Comics series of the same name. Jupiter's Legacy follows the world's first superheroes, who emerged in the 1930s. However, it's also set in modern times, focusing on a new generation of powered individuals. Duhamel plays Sheldon Sampson/The Utopian, also the leader of The Union, the series' heroic team. Leslie Bibb and Ben Daniels also star as Grace Sampson/Lady Liberty and Walter Sampson/Brainwave respectively. In the present-day, Grace and Sheldon have kids Chloe (Elena Kampouris) and Brandon (Andrew Horton). Mike Wade and Matt Lanter also star also fellow superheroes.
Jupiter's Legacy has been in development for several years, with Netflix officially ordering it to series in 2018. The first set photos debuted in August 2019, but the show faced a setback when creator Steven S. DeKnight exited shortly after over creative differences. Things picked up again through the early part of 2021, as Netflix announced a release date, trailer, and first look images for the series. With its premiere nearly here, anticipation is high for Jupiter's Legacy.
Speaking with TVLine, Duhamel discussed the series and the ways it's different from other superhero offerings, such as those from Marvel and DC. The actor explained:
This is an examination of what it would be like to actually live this kind of life, to have these kinds of powers. This is as much a family drama/’makings of a modern tragedy’ as it is a superhero show, and that is what I think people are really going to love...to see a new generation not necessarily agreeing with the ways of the old, there is something current about that. These new ideas and opinions on how things should be run are not what Sheldon is used to, so he is forced to start listening. And I think that there are themes there in common with what’s going on in the world now.
Duhamel certainly does a good job talking up Jupiter's Legacy and how it will stand out in the crowded superhero field. Though many Marvel and DC projects do take time to examine the toll powers take on individuals, it isn't always the focus. It's interesting to hear Jupiter's Legacy will wrestle with that right from the beginning. Duhamel's comment about the show being a family drama makes a lot of sense, considering his character's children seem to factor into the plot quite heavily. However, his suggestion that Jupiter's Legacy features the beginnings of a "modern tragedy" is more surprising.
Based on these remarks, Duhamel seems confident Jupiter's Legacy is unique enough to bring in viewers and become a success. For those overwhelmed by keeping up with Marvel and DC's shows and movies, Jupiter's Legacy could be the perfect option. Though Netflix is unlikely to reveal too much about its viewership numbers, it will be interesting to see if the show becomes the streamer's next The Umbrella Academy or if it stays largely out of the pop culture conversation instead. Audiences will find out either way when Jupiter's Legacy releases May 7.
Source: TVLine