'Krypton' news: Prequel series officially gets pilot order from SyFy

Krypton logoSyFy

It was previously reported that the SyFy Channel was nearing a decision regarding "Krypton," a prequel series that focuses on the grandfather of Superman as he struggles on the planet Krypton to bring honor and dignity back to his family, the House of El. According to the Hollywood Reporter, SyFy has now ordered an official pilot episode.

"Krypton" has been in development since 2014 and is primarily the brainchild of David S. Goyer, the screenwriter behind "The Dark Knight" and "Man of Steel." Goyer will serve as executive producer for the series and is also responsible for penning the script for the pilot episode, alongside Ian Goldberg, a showrunner for series like "Once Upon a Time."

"Sleepy Hollow" veteran Damian Kindler will also serve as executive producer and show runner. Colm McCarthy, of "Peaky Blinders," has been tapped to helm the pilot episode. 

SyFy has also confirmed and released the official synopsis of the series, which reads:

"'Krypton' is set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel's home planet. Krypton will follow Superman's grandfather -- whose House of El was ostracized and shamed -- as he fights to redeem his family's honor and save his beloved world from chaos."

As stated in a report from Screen Rant, the series will be the first time in a live-action adaptation of the "Superman" universe that Krypton will be explored. The planet is mostly featured in films and television shows for a very brief moment, and when it is highlighted the sequences tend to focus on the planet's destruction instead of showcasing how the Kryptonians lived as a society.

Goyer also explained that the main ideas for the series sprang when he was penning the script for "Man of Steel." The aforementioned movie gave a short insight into this world, hinting at their manner of population control, roles in society, space travel and warfare. 

No official premiere date has yet been announced.