As Deadline broke the news that Superman: Legacy had found its two leads, fans became incredibly excited about meeting their new Superman and Lois Lane. Superman will be played by David Corenswet (Pearl, The Politician), and Lois Lane will be played by Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Ms. Masiel, House of Cards). While there have been quite a few Superman adaptations over the years, the films have often failed to properly represent how important Lois Lane is to the story.
Superman: Legacy will be the first official entry into DCU's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. The movie will be written and directed by James Gunn and is scheduled to release in 2025. It will be taking significant inspiration from the iconic comic All-Star Superman, written by Grant Morrison, with art by Frank Quietly. This will be a fresh start for Superman, with fans hoping for a much brighter and more optimistic look at the legendary hero. Superman: Legacy is also a chance for Lois' role to expand considerably. Lois is as crucial to the world of Superman as the Man of Steel himself, and the films need to give her some respect. While it was recently confirmed that Superman would enter a world with established heroes, his presence will likely set the DCU ablaze and set up the coming chapter of films and shows.
Superman Would Be Lost Without Lois Lane by His Side
Superman entered the world of Metropolis as a confused farm boy lost in the big city and the hustle of the Daily Planet. Lois showed him the ropes and gave him purpose within. She showed him the power of truth and how people will rally behind it when it's presented before them. In a strange way, Lois took over the position that Clark's parents had in his life. Jonathan and Martha Kent showed Clark how loving and incredible humanity can be, and Lois continued in that role, making sure that Superman never lost sight of his humanity.
Rachel Brosnahan is a wonderful actor who can effortlessly bring all the wit and charm of Lois to the big screen. As a character, Lois is far more than just Superman's support. She fights for truth and justice just as much as Superman does. She helps him to save the world one story at a time. While Superman foils the plots of evil men like Luthor, Lois ensures the world understands what those people did. She is powerful; her writing is her superpower and her legacy. Further, as fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel would know, Brosnahan is exceptional at balancing humor and heart while she fights for recognition. This past role could impact how she weaves Lois' traits into an authentically relatable woman.
Superman Movies Have Traditionally Failed Lois Lane
Aside from Superman (1978), which allowed Margot Kidder to shine as a reporter, most films have failed to make anything of Lois Lane as a character. Superman Returns' Lois was essential only as an emotional set piece. While Amy Adams' Lois Lane was shown to be more active in The Daily Planet, her role was still peripheral, and she still only served as Superman's emotional support system, especially since Henry Cavil's Superman was less connected to humanity. DC TV shows have typically shown a much more developed Lois Lane, like in Superman and Lois or Smallville. The longer format of the series' allow for easier development of her character, and Superman: Legacy could benefit from following their lead.
Superman: Legacy's new cast promises that there is a bright future for the first chapter of the DCU. Corenswet has the perfect look and vibe for Clark Kent, while Brosnahan embodies all the essential aspects of Lois Lane. With the new era of Superman commencing, the films can finally take advantage of the depth of Lois' character and put her in a central position in the story rather than just emotional support for Superman.