Superman prequel series set for Syfy

US cable channel Syfy and Warner Bros. are working on a Superman prequel drama that will tell the backstory of The Man of Steel’s family on Krypton.

Krypton comes from Syfy and Warner Horizon Television. The latter is part of the Warner Bros. studio, which owns the Superman brand through DC Comics. DC Entertainment is also attached to the project.

The show will follow the story of The House of El ­– superman’s ancestral family – after it is ostracised and shamed. It focuses on Superman’s grandfather as he brings hope to the planet of Krypton, and the lays the foundations for The Man of Steel’s rise to superhero.

Ian Goldberg (FlashFoward) is writing the teleplay based on a story he wrote with David Goyer (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice), who is executive producer on the project.

Krypton is the latest example of a superhero origin story TV series, coming after Fox’s new season drama Gotham, which has been a ratings success.

Meanwhile, Syfy and Canada’s Showcase have cancelled police drama Continuum after four seasons.