'Supergirl' Season 5: Here's why Tyler Hoechlin's Superman might be one of the Men of Steel to die in 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'
Tyler Hoechlin's Superman may be one of the Three Men in Steel to die during Arrowverse's mega-crossover event, 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'. Appearing as Superman alongside Hoechlin are Brandon Routh as the Kingdom Come version and Tom Welling ('Smallville').
The character was bought to life in 1978 with the Late Christopher Reeve essaying the superhero and the role was taken by multiple characters over the years. Routh took up the mantle with 2006's 'Superman Returns' and while the movie received a lukewarm response, the actor was praised for his portrayal. Henry Cavill was the Superman of the new generation. The English actor played a rather serious Superman in Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel.' The movie and Cavill's superman was met with mixed reactions. His character was killed off in 'Dawn of Justice: Batman vs Superman' and was later resurrected in 'Justice League.' Both movies were torrid by the way.
The point we're trying to make is it's not the first Superman death on-screen and the CW will definitely be looking at one of the three iconic superheroes to meet their demise. The most obvious choice here is Hoechlin primarily to have a lasting impact. The character first showed up in the series in season 2 and his version was greeted with a surprisingly warm response in 'Supergirl.' His appearances are quite sparse, but his chemistry with Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist) on-screen and his old-fashioned wit and giddy optimism have pleased fans and his death is sure to have an effect.
It does make sense too as Routh and Welling's Supermen maybe appearing solely for the 'Crisis' unless the network has planned for a spin-off of sorts post the multiverse-breaking battle. Should Hoechlin die, we can probably see the recreation of the famous Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 cover art, but with Supergirl holding Superman's body, instead of the other way around.
According to the comics, the 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' was a crossover event that saw multiple universes obliterated by the Anti-Monitor. The story also killed off major heroes in Flash and Supergirl. With Superman not having his own show, it would be logical to give him a fitting end and his death would mean passing on the baton to the cousin, Kara.
But again, the CW just might spring a surprise. Either some will die, or none will.