Krypton
Sunday 19 August, 9pm
This new Superman prequel series, set on the planet Krypton, stars Cameron
Cuffe (The Halcyon) as the superhero’s grandfather, Seg-El, who must fight to protect the future of his legacy when villain Brainiac plots to prevent the birth of the last son of Krypton. Paula Malcomson, Rupert Graves and Georgina Campbell also star.
Most people are familiar with the stories of Superman and Supergirl, but now the adventures of their grandfather Seg-El are followed in E4’s new sci-fi prequel, set on the planet Krypton 200 years before they were born.
Starring Cameron Cuffe as Seg-El, the sci-fi series begins as the El family are banished to one of Krypton’s poorer districts after Seg’s grandfather Val-El fails to prove Krypton is in danger from a worlddestroying maniac.
‘Seg’s not your typical hero, he’s a bit of a rogue and a scoundrel,’ explains Cameron, who starred in ITV’s war drama The Halcyon. ‘He starts life at the top of Krypton society but his family quickly lose their status and honour. That shapes his world view and makes him reckless.’
Adam Strange, a timetraveller from Earth, warns Seg that Krypton has been targeted by Brainiac (Blake Ritson), a parasitic alien that destroys planets!
New boy
‘The threat from Brainiac has had a deep effect on Seg’s life,’ says Cameron. ‘Brainiac is coming and that’s something Seg has to deal with.’
Filmed in Belfast, the series features a largely British cast, including Rupert Graves and Paula Malcomson as Seg’s parents. But it’s only the third TV role for 25year-old Cameron.
‘I just started acting four years ago, so this is totally unexpected!’ he says. ‘I was out for dinner with my brother when I heard I’d got the part. He picked up the bill, then said, “That’s the last one I’m getting!”’