Was SyFy's Superman prequel series Krypton on the verge of introducing a major LGBTQ+ character to the superhero world? According to those close to the series, yes — but that was before the idea got shut down by a now-former DC Entertainment executive...
According to a detailed report from The Hollywood Reporter chronicling the saga of actor Ray Fisher and his allegations of workplace abuse against Justice League director Joss Whedon and a subsequent cover-up by Warner Bros., Justice League wasn't the only DC titled plagued with controversy and issues with creative direction.
In THR's report, multiple sources close to SyFy's Krypton television series (which ran for two seasons from 2018-2019 and told the story of Superman's grandfather Seg-El) allege that comic writer and DC Entertainment's former chief creative officer Geoff Johns "vetoed" the idea of making one of the show's characters, Adam Strange (played by Shaun Shipos), canonically queer.
"The creators also wanted to make one superhero character, Adam Strange, gay or bisexual," THR's report states. "But sources say Johns vetoed the idea."
In a rebuttal statement provided by his representatives, Johns (who oversaw production of Krypton) claims he actually supports LGBTQ+ representation in geek/superhero media, citing his work on queer-inclusive titles like the Batwoman comic and other series pitches to WB.
"Geoff celebrates and supports LGTBQ+ characters, including Batwoman, who in 2006 was re-introduced as LGBTQ+ in a comic-book series co-written by Johns," says Johns' rep in an email. "Johns also pitched Warners on developing a television show around the first LGBTQ+ lead DC superhero television series."
But this isn't the only controversy the former CCO is facing...
THR's sources also claim that Bridgerton heartthrob Regé-Jean Page was auditioning for the lead role of Superman's grandfather Seg-El, but that Johns said "Superman could not have a Black grandfather." (The role ended up going to English-American actor Cameron Cuffe.)
Yikes.
Considering the continued lack of queer representation and racial inequality when it comes to on-screen roles (especially in superhero media), this isn't a very good look...
