Regular viewers of The CW’s relatively new seriesSuperman and Loishave been getting a steady stream of drama and slice-of-life scenarios since the show began earlier this year. But where things really took off was in the most recent episode, which finally revealed the true identity of the enigmatic Captain Luthor who had been hounding Superman’s every move. Well, it turns out that the feeling of surprise wasn’t exclusive to the audience. Spoilers ahead for episode 7 ofSuperman and Lois.
It came as a surprise to probably the majority of viewers when the villain’s real name turned out to be John Henry Irons. Fans of DC Comics will recognize the name as that of the hero known as Steel, so even those familiar with the universe likely didn’t expect this due to his current role as a misunderstood antagonist onSuperman and Lois. Wolé Parks, the actor behind the character many had assumed to be an alternate universe version ofclassicSupermanvillain Lex Luthor, spoke up about his experience in the role, and it was a heavy revelation for him.
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“When they told me I was going to be playing John Henry Irons, I was overwhelmed, a little emotional,” Parks said in an interview with TVLine. “I remember growing up with him, but it’s not just me anymore. There are other kids who grew up with [him], and there are kids growing up now who will know a different version of it. The responsibility is crazy. This is by far my most important role, if I want to phrase it that way, and I don’t take that lightly.” Among the various DC Comics characters, Steel hasn’t exactly gotten a great deal of mainstream exposure since his introduction in 1993 (that movie whereShaq headlined as the leadis about as close as they got), so it’s not difficult to see why Parks is taking this seriously.
In the comics, John Henry Irons was an incredibly adept engineer who built a suit to replicate Superman’s powers. Originally hoping to step in as a hero after Superman was killed by Doomsday, he eventually allied with the Man of Steel when the latter was resurrected. TheSuperman and Loisversion of the character comes from an alternate universe where he was in a loving relationship with Lois Lane, a relationship that was destroyed when his version of Superman turned evil and killed her. Now in the show’s main universe (likely due to the events ofThe CW’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event), he’s convinced that this version of Superman will do the same, and intends to stop him before it happens.
TheSuperman and Loistake on John Henry Irons seems to be keeping a lot of what makes the character iconic while also going its own way with him. For instance, he retains his trademark sledgehammer (inspired by real-life American folk hero John Henry). His niece from the comics, Natasha, also appears to play an important role, though she’s his daughter in the show. However, she’s just as competent with tech as her comic iteration. Her inclusion is likely meant to further establish what’s at stake for Parks' character.
The revelation around John is sure to have some heavy implications forSuperman and Loisgoing forward. Given how he’s unambiguously a hero in the comics, it’s almost a given that he will eventually come to an understanding with Superman on the show. But the question is, how far will things go before that happens? Either way, it’s still an important step forward for the character and a milestone for everyone out there who grew up with him and finally gets to see him onscreen in a proper dramatic depiction.
Superman and Loisairs on Tuesday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET on The CW.
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