DC Comics boss Geoff Johns revealed that the new series will also take place in both the present and past.

In a surprise twist, Krypton showrunners revealed at Comic-Con that the upcoming Syfy series isn't just a show about the history of Superman's family as was previously announced.

After showing an exclusive trailer for the midseason series, DC Comics boss Geoff Johns moderated a panel Saturday with star Cameron Cuffe and showrunners Cameron Welsh and Damian Kindler. Before he started asking the Krypton team questions about the series, Johns revealed some new, key information about the plot, including that it will stand on its own and exist in its own universe (meaning no crossovers with the DC shows on The CW).

"It's a show that, although it takes place centuries ago on Krypton about the House of El, it's about a conspiracy from the present that has traveled back in time to Krypton to prevent Superman's legacy from ever happening," Johns announced to gasps from the crowd.

That means that iconic DC Comics characters will show up on the series. "Adam Strange and Hawkwoman come to Krypton trying to stop the conspiracy and save Superman's legacy," Johns revealed. "Doomsday will be in the show. Brainiac is long overdue to be on screen like that."

Executive producer Kindler laughed about finally getting to say the name Brainiac when talking about the villain of the show. "We've been keeping that under wraps," he said. "He has a really deep, rich history. He is the nexus point between man and machine, which is an incredibly real thing to talk about now."

The Krypton team knew that setting an entire series in the past wouldn't be compelling enough for audiences, so they had to "connect it to present day."

Added Welsh: "It changes the stakes of the show completely.... It's not a look backwards. It's quite unique. It allows us to deepen and expand upon the known mythology."

Johns also spoiled Adam Strange's debut on the show, reciting his introduction speech from memory. "I'm from a planet called Earth, my name is Adam Strange, I come from a time long after this and I need you to help me save the legacy of your grandson," Johns said. "There are others [from Earth] already on Krypton and as the series progresses, we'll bring in some more [classic DC characters]."

Welsh revealed that their version of Adam Strange "is a little more cynical. He's got gallows humor. He's been around for a while."

As for Superman's grandfather Seg-El (Cuffe), the hero of the story is tasked with saving not only his future family, but also his present one.

"Due to events outside of Seg's control, his family legacy is stripped and they're thrown into the very bottom of Kryptonian society," Cuffe said of where Krypton begins. "One of the massive arcs of the show is how does Seg earn the legacy of the [House of El] symbol."

Krypton will premiere in 2018 on Syfy.

Watch the teaser below.