What makes Tyler Hoechlin's Superman one of the best portrayals of the Man of Steel on screen? Explained

Disclaimer: This article solely reflects the author’s opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

We were introduced to Tyler Hoechlin as Superman for the first time in Supergirl Season 2. After that, we saw the actor reprise his role in two Arrowverse crossovers. The first one being in the Elseworlds Crossover and later the Crisis on Infinite Earths.

In Elseworlds and Superman & Lois Season 1, we also see evil versions of Tyler Hoechlin's Superman wearing a black suit. In fact throughout his entire tenure since his introduction in 2016, Hoechlin has played five different versions of Kal-El. They are The one introduced in Supergirl, John Deegan Superman (Elseworlds), the one from Superman & Lois, Evil Kal-El from John Henry Irons' Earth, and Bizzaro/Doomsday.

This makes Tyler Hoechlin the only actor in live-action to portray different versions of the Man of Steel.

---

Why is Tyler Hoechlin's Superman regarded as the best version of the Last Son of Krypton?

While he became popular when he was introduced in Supergirl, viewers fell in love with his interpretation through the four seasons of Superman & Lois (2021). The 2021 series which was disconnected from the Arrowverse showed a different side of the character. That of a grown adult with relatable responsibilities. Moreover, he isn't single.

Right from the first episode, we see Clark as a married man juggling his life as a father to two teenagers with that of the protector of the entire world. This aspect made fans realize that there is more to the character than just an overpowered metahuman. The family man angle also offered a fresh perspective to the Big Blue Boy Scout than the previous versions.

Here are some of the reasons why Tyler Hoechlin's Superman is regarded as the best live-action version of the beloved character:

Mature and adult

One thing that makes Superman & Lois stand out is its phenomenal writing. The storylines are mature and adult throughout all four seasons, something that was sorely lacking in the Arrowverse shows, or even Smallville for that matter. This was visible in the Lana Lang and Kyle Cushing storyline as the two support each other even after divorce.

The show's version of Lex Luthor realizes his mistakes and asks Clark for forgiveness. Granted that, he expresses regret after dying, but this is the first time the character has grown this much. This has to be attributed to the mature writing.

Dark but not edgy

One of the most frustrating things about the now-defunct DCEU was its edginess that falsely claimed to be mature. However, it is also a universe in which a major conflict between the heroes is resolved by the word "Martha". Superman & Lois on the other hand, does broach topics like the evil Superman and even darker themes like a beloved family member in a dangerous cult.

It tells a complete story

Superman & Lois is the very first live-action interpretation of the character that tells a complete story; from Kal's arrival on Earth to his last day on this planet. This is unlike the previous versions of the character. 2006's Superman Returns tried to bring back the continuity established in the iconic 1978 movie only for Warner Brothers to reboot the character the movie didn't impress viewers.

Superman Returns was followed up by the Henry Cavill-led Man of Steel, which was divisive. Now, we are waiting for Superman, directed by James Gunn which will be released in July 2025. However, the Tyler Hoechlin show is the first live-action adaptation of the character to conclude The Man of Tomorrow's story and give him a peaceful death.

Much like Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy is the first live-action interpretation of Batman to conclude his story, Superman & Lois is the first adaptation in the live-action format to finish his story. In the world of endless, spin-offs and cinematic universes, there is something to be said for standalone stories.

---

If you haven't seen Tyler Hoechlin's Superman, try watching it now. You can watch all four seasons of Superman & Lois in Max.