A new episode of Superman & Lois airs tonight (April 11) on The CW, and to promote the episode which is called “Head On,” KryptonSite’s Craig Byrne spoke with Alex Garfin, the fantastic young actor who portrays Jordan Kent on the series. Alex has taken an active role in interacting with the fandom on social media and at conventions – you can find out what he has coming up on his Instagram – and it was exciting to get to speak with him about what’s going on with the Kent family in the show’s third season. You can find the interview below.
KRYPTONSITE’S CRAIG BYRNE: What was your reaction when you found out that this season goes so deep with Lois having cancer?
ALEX GARFIN: My reaction, I remember where I was… I was in Amsterdam when I got the call from Brent Fletcher and Todd Helbing, our showrunners this year. I remember thinking that was a really good plot, more than anything. We got really heavy into a lot of sci-fi last year, so it’s been really good to be kind of going back to the basics, and just doing a heartfelt storyline. Moreso than that, I just thought how much Bitsie [Tulloch, who plays Lois] was gonna kill it. Getting to work with an actor like her is massive pleasure. I’m impressed by her every day, and throughout the season, I have never not been impressed, for a single second.
Did you get worried when you read the script for 304 and Sam suggested that Jordan should cut his hair?
[Laughs] A little bit worried, not gonna lie!
I actually asked to cut my hair at one point. I was getting sick of the mop on my head. I’m looking in the comics and I see that a certain someone with an S in their name has a lot less hair than I do when he grows up. So I certainly thought for a second that they were going to hack it all off, but then I read a little further, and I was surprised that they weren’t.
A little tidbit about that, as well: We were doing costume fitting for the suit that Sam gave me for a long time. It’s a specialty suit, made of specialty material. And during all that, I saw that they had those military-esque goggles which I think are a nod to the 1990s Superboy. When I saw they were those kind of fighter goggles, though, I had an idea that I ended up pitching and it got in, that they were General Lane’s father’s from the war, and that was why General Lane became a soldier, and all that stuff. So it kind of had a family element to it that would subsidize the craziness of how they look. I was really happy to see that that got in. Honestly, it’s such a treat working with writers that are receptive to actors’ ideas. It’s so rare, and it’s really testament to their personalities, and who they are. They’re so skilled at what they do, and they don’t turn down a good idea.
Could you ever see yourself writing for TV someday?
Maybe! I would have to really know what I’m doing first. But I do like writing. It is something I enjoy, and hopefully, one day I’ll be good at it.
Is it fun to be a part of this almost fraternity of actors that have been superhero shows in Vancouver? This week’s episode is directed by David Ramsey, right?
David Ramsey directed this weeks episode. It’s a Valentine’s Day episode, with a dance and all that. I get to hang around with Dylan Walsh. I remember around this time of shooting this, I was planning that whole trip to Egypt. I remember it being a crazy, hectic time in my life, and David Ramsey was just awesome through all of that.
It’s weird being a part of this whole little fraternity, as you put it. Mainly because we are kind of the freshmen. We came in sort of at the end of the era. We’re continuing to go after all the seniors left, but occasionally a senior stops in and says how the frat was and we remember identity a little bit. That’s the best way I could put it.
How hopeful are you for Season 4 news?
Hopeful! I’m hoping, and hoping, and hoping! It’s so rare, first of all, that you even get to work on a TV show. Then it’s even more rare than something so good at such an incredible and loyal and kind fan base. You know, fans are not always that kind. And then, even more rare when the entire set, and the crew, and the producers are all awesome people who value kindness…. it’s a completely unique experience, just how good it is. Even if I got on another show, I’m sure that will be great as well, but, man, I know a part of me will always miss this show.
Is there is a Season 4, are you going to make a public appeal to Danny DeVito that he must appear on the show?
Yes. Hey – I’ve been making a public appeal to Danny DeVito that he must appear since Episode 1. He better get on the show, that’s all I’m saying. I keep saying I should have all my favorite celebrities on there. I keep pitching different ideas and jokes to Todd and Brent. You know, “What if Paul McCartney knocks on the door? Hey, I’m your Uncle Paul!” [Laughs]
How is the Kent family getting used to Candice being there in this week’s episode?
The family’s getting used it, but Jordan’s not. Jordan feels very much invaded by Candice. Clearly, they made enough money in Metropolis to have a room for each kid. I grew up in New York City. I did not have my own room. It was a bougie thing to have your own room, if you have a brother or sister. So I think he’s not used to having a space so invaded. He doesn’t you know, he’s fine with Jonathan, but Candice living there? Also, come on! They never let Sarah live there! Sarah’s been through it too!
Can you talk about working with Michael Bishop as Jonathan, and will be getting more scenes with Jordan and Jonathan coming up?
We’ll be getting scenes with Jordan and Jonathan throughout the season. Working with Michael is great. He’s from Down Under, and it’s fun to see him snap out of the accent, as well. That’s always a lot of fun when working with anyone from abroad.
He had to fit in very quickly, and it was a goal of mine to make sure that we could try to make it so that he felt like he was there the whole time. I wanted him to feel really free to express his own ideas, and he took that in stride. He probably didn’t even need me to put so much of an effort in there anyway, but I’m happy I did, either way. He only had four days between getting cast and filming his first scene, so I really wanted to spend as much time with him as possible in the beginning there, and we get along great, so there that was that chemistry unbroken.
Episode 305 also is a bit with Kyle on the dance floor. What’s more embarrassing: that, or Jonathan’s red pants from last year?
You know what? Jonathan’s red pants weren’t embarrassing. Jonathan’s red pants were a sign of POWER! Tried and true strength! Those red pants were actually the second most powerful character in the show. But, you know, those red pants had true wisdom. You know, Alexander the Great wore those pants!
Is there any hope for romantic future with Jordan and Sarah?
I think there’s always hope. Where there was reality, there is always hope, still, in anything. So there’s always that possibility there. You know how these shows go – it goes back and forth. So, we’ll see. They both will have to change significantly if we’re going to have a successful relationship.
In general, is there anything you can tease about what’s coming up for the rest of the season, that you think fans will be really excited about?
We’ll see Jordan come more and more into his powers – I know I seem to say that every time, but it always was seeming to happen in the background, and it kind of takes place in the foreground the rest of this season. I think you have to look forward to a lot of really great acting by Bitsie and Tyler as they go through this cancer journey. On all of the Bruno stuff, you have to look forward to a lot of great acting, as well. Chad Coleman’s a really good friend of mine, now. We just did the PIX11 Morning News two days ago. So getting to see his work is going to be an absolute joy as well. And all this news about Michael Cudlitz playing Lex Luthor, let’s see what his involvement is here. I think that’s something to look forward to as well.
Don’t miss the Superman & Lois episode “Head On” Tuesday, April 11 at 8PM ET/PT on The CW. See some promotional photos here!