Syfy greenlights Superman prequel pilot

US cable channel has moved its Superman prequel Krypton from development to pilot stage.

Damian Kindler (Sleepy Hollow) will executive producer and showrun the pilot, with David S. Goyer (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) among the other EPs. Colm McCarthy (Peaky Blinders) will direct.

The show will tell the back story of the Man of Steel’s family on his home planet, Krypton.

Goyer and Ian Goldberg (Once Upon a Time) are writing the pilot, with Warner Horizon Television producing and DC Entertainment also attached. The show is based on DC Comics characters Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created.

The news comes soon after Bill McGoldrick was named executive VP, scripted content at Syfy parent NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. His promotion ultimately led to the departure of long-serving USA Network content chief Jackie de Crinis.

“Krypton is one of the most iconic stories in the comic book universe,” said McGoldrick. “In the talented hands of David S. Goyer and the DC Entertainment/Warner Horizon Television team, this exciting Syfy project will take viewers back to Superman’s home to show how the timeless legend began.”

Syfy recently sent Prototype, which comes from Tony Basgallop (24: Live Another Day), to pilot. It is also worked up Amblin Television’s Brave New World and Bradley Cooper-backed Hyperion.