Superman & Lois Finds Its New Jon Kent, But Will He Be Bisexual Now?

Superman & Lois has found its new Jonathan Kent!

It was announced in early August that Jordan Elsass, who had portrayed one of the titular hero’s sons, would not be returning to the show for its third season. He ultimately cited struggles with his own mental health over the last two years as his reason for departing, even noting that he was unsure he would continue acting at all.

And while fans were sad to see him go, the last remaining connection to The CW’s Arrowverse committed to recasting the character rather than writing him off the show altogether.

Michael Bishop is now slated to step into the role, fresh off his American film debut in the Disney Channel Original Movie Spin last year.

Amidst the shake-up, some have been wondering if any changes will be made to the character of Jon Kent himself, rather than just a different actor taking over behind the scenes.

In Superman: Son of Kal-El, Jon has not only picked up the mantle of Superman, but has come to embrace his own identity in the process. The comics revealed him to be canonically bisexual last year, and allowed him to start exploring his feelings for Jay Nakamura, his now-boyfriend.

As soon as a queer Superman happened on the page, fans speculated as to whether that shift might be seen in the TV series.

“There's always that possibility,” Elsass said at the time, “but it's looking like Jonathan Kent this version is most likely straight. We don't even know if he has powers at this point.”

Unlike all the canceled Arrowverse shows, which became known for their queer inclusivity, Superman & Lois has largely toed the heteronormative line so far, only introducing one possibly LGBTQ character in a rushed storyline that didn’t leave anyone with faith this show would follow in the footsteps of its beloved predecessors.

So while a Bishop is providing a fresh face for Jon, whether the narrative sees any shifts beyond that remains to be seen — but don’t hold your breath.

“We’re certainly not opposed to exploring it,” showrunner Todd Helbing said of Jon’s bisexuality earlier this year. “But the way our character was set up, it feels like the comic book story and what we’re doing are two separate stories… I don’t think that we will, but we’re certainly not opposed to it.”

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