Tyler Hoechlin Interview: ‘Supergirl’ and Playing Superman

Supergirl star Tyler Hoechlin talks Superman
Tyler Hoechlin, Melissa Benoist, David Harewood, and Chyler Leigh from ‘Supergirl’ at Comic Con 2016 (Photo © Richard Chavez / Showbiz Junkies)

Teen Wolf‘s Tyler Hoechlin joins the cast of The CW’s Supergirl for season two, taking on the iconic role of Clark Kent/Superman. In season one of the comic book-inspired series, Kara Danvers/Supergirl (played by Melissa Benoist) was only able to communicate with her cousin via text or instant messages. We can expect to see Hoechlin introduced and interacting with Benoist as Supergirl early on in the second season which debuts on October 10, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT.

Tyler Hoechlin Interview:

Can you talk about your take on Clark Kent?

Tyler Hoechlin: “Yeah, without getting fired before I start. (Laughing) I can say a little bit. That’s obviously one of the fun things about the character is finding the different parts of the personality that come out more when he’s Superman. It’s kind of like anybody – in a social setting with certain groups of friends you’re one way, other friends a different part of you comes out a little more. Finding those parts of him and which ones are enhanced depending on who is he and where he is, that will be one of the exciting things to play with.”

There have been so many different portrayals of Superman in the comics, in films and on television. Does yours fall closer to one of the classic portrayals?

Tyler Hoechlin: “You know, I’m really trying not to go specifically at anything that’s been there. Obviously, there’s staples of what Superman is and what he stands for so I want to be truthful to the character inherently, but really finding out how he fits into this story. They’ve done such a great job of establishing the tone and what they’re going for. It’s very positive and optimistic and hopeful, so I’m finding how he fits into that world. That’s going to be more of where my focus is at, as opposed to anything specifically toward one of the comics or one of the portrayals, finding out how he fits in this world.”


How are you handling the green screens and wire work you’ll be doing?

Tyler Hoechlin: “Yeah, it’ll be my first time really doing a lot of that stuff. It’ll be for sure an interesting first day and something I’ll probably finally settle into. But I think that will be one of those real moments of with the suit on and I’m literally in the air flying. ‘Okay, this is happening.'”

What made you really want to play Superman?

Tyler Hoechlin: “One, it’s Superman and it’s an incredible opportunity and such an iconic character. But really it was my meeting with Greg (Berlanti) and Andrew (Kreisberg). We kind of had very similar interests in what we found fascinating about the character, what made him interesting. And so to have some people who want to portray the character in a certain way or of a certain mindset, it made him a very interesting person to me. So, despite the fact that he’s Superman to have the things he has to go through, the responsibilities he has, things like that, that’s what I found fascinating about him. So the fact that they agreed on a lot of those things and we had similar ideas creatively, that’s kind of what made it so appealing.”

In season one there was a lot of texting and instant messaging between Kara and Superman. How do you feel they’re making up for that this season?

Tyler Hoechlin: “I think that got them into the same rhythm. They’ve done a great job of at least establishing that contact but it will be nice to actually see them interact face-to-face, carry that over and just dive a little bit deeper into that relationship and how they behave as a family. I always say it’s kind of like when you go see that friend from high school, you don’t even have to be really great friends anymore, you don’t talk all the time, but there’s a familiarity there. You grew up in the same place, you knew the same people, you did the same stupid things together because you were young and dumb. There’s a familiarity there that I’m excited to explore that with that character because they don’t interact that much in the show. But to be able to go back and just talk and suddenly it will be like, ‘Oh, we were here,’ and it’s familiar. So, that will be a fun thing to explore.”

What was the process like getting the role? Did you have to do a chemistry test with Melissa Benoist?

Tyler Hoechlin: “This was one of the most painless processes I’ve ever gone through. I don’t know why. I had one meeting with Greg and Andrew; it went really well. That was I think on a Monday and on Friday we got the offer. That was really it. It was just that one meeting and, yeah, that never happens. That never happens so I was very grateful for that. But, I know Melissa a bit through her husband. He and I did a film together, and she’s the absolute sweetest. She’s so talented so I can’t wait to get on set and actually start to work with her.”

Watch the full interview with Tyler Hoechlin:

(Interview by Fred Topel. Article by Rebecca Murray.)