Superman & Lois showrunner Todd Helbing has addressed the series' links to other Arrowverse series, discussing whether future crossovers could happen. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch took on the roles of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane in prior Arrowverse series before the show was commissioned in 2020, eventually getting their own solo series which saw them raise two young sons. Superman & Lois season 3 was recently confirmed by The CW.
Following the success of other iconic DC heroes' television series such as Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl, the Man of Steel was finally introduced into The CW's Arrowverse franchise in 2016. After a number of nods and teases through Supergirl season 1, Hoechlin was cast as DC's most recognizable character in a recurring role in season 2, with more of Superman's surrounding mythology being introduced in later series and crossovers, such as Jon Cryer's Lex Luthor in season 2, and Tulloch's Lois Lane in the 2018 crossover "Elseworlds." However, the crossovers stopped there for the series, after the recent Superman & Lois season 2 finale controversially confirmed that the series is not set in the Arrowverse's main continuity.
In an interview about Superman & Lois' place in the wider Arrowverse with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Helbing addressed if future crossovers could take place with Superman & Lois. When asked whether the series' isolated story would restrict crossovers with other Arrowverse series in the coming seasons, the showrunner said this may not be the case, citing how Supergirl's initial airing on CBS and isolated story didn't prevent future Arrowverse crossovers. Check out Helbing's answer below.
"No, not necessarily. I mean, Supergirl was on CBS and came over to Flash, and vice versa. We're doing a comic book show, so it doesn't necessarily mean that this will never happen. I think the odds of it looking exactly the way that it has in the past are slim. But if there's an opportunity, and if there's a desire, I'm sure there are versions that we can do."
Superman & Lois' separate continuity revelations faced backlash following the airing of the season 2 finale, "Waiting for Superman." In the episode, it was confirmed that the series did not take place on Earth-Prime, the setting where most of the previous Arrowverse series takes place. This addressed previous continuity discrepancies with other Arrowverse shows, while General Sam Lane (Dylan Walsh) referred to the existence of other worlds, and other versions of Superman. After the Superman & Lois season 2 finale, fans took to social media to express their confusion and disappointment at this reveal, since it seemingly hindered chances for future Arrowverse crossovers.
While the Arrowverse has gradually reduced in scope due to changes surrounding the future of The CW, Superman & Lois has continued to bring Superman's mythos to live-action, adapting classic villain Bizarro (portrayed by Hoechlin) in season 2, and Tulloch teasing another impressive villain for Superman & Lois season 3. While season 2's revelations about the series' place in the Arrowverse may have disappointed some, Helbing's recent response offers hope that while possible crossovers may not share other shows' narratives, crossovers could still be explored later in the show's lifetime. The Arrowverse successfully adapted a large superhero universe for television, and Helbing's comments assure that, despite cancellations and changes behind the scenes, that aspect has not been forgotten.
Source: Entertainment Weekly