Lucifer across universes: Tom Ellis versus Supernatural’s Satan and beyond

Supernatural and Netflix's Lucifer have both presented us with unforgettable interpretations of the character of Lucifer, but they couldn't be more different. Supernatural's Lucifer by Mark Pellegrino is the fearsome, ruthless fallen angel, the personification of evil and apocalypse itself.

On the other hand, Tom Ellis's Lucifer on the Netflix show is sweet, witty, and ridiculously human, and makes fans laugh, cry, and root for him. Both representations present the same character being shaped in totally different ways, with two rather different emotional trajectories that fans now longingly argue over.

Aside from these, there are other interpretations, such as Michael Imperioli in Evil and Peter Stormare in Constantine, that remind us Lucifer is infinitely flexible to fit the tone and values of the tale he exists within.

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Supernatural’s Lucifer: A terrifying presence

Mark Pellegrino’s Lucifer, introduced in Supernatural’s Season 5, brought a Devil who was cold, merciless, and unforgiving. He wasn’t here for redemption or charm; he was an unstoppable force of destruction, relentlessly tormenting characters like Sam Winchester and his own son, Jack.

Yet, Pellegrino’s Lucifer wasn’t just a one-dimensional villain; his sharp wit and moments of frustration with God made him oddly compelling. He was terrifying, yes, but also complicated enough to hold viewers’ attention.

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Netflix’s Lucifer: The devil with a heart

Tom Ellis’s take completely flipped the script. His Lucifer is a nightclub owner and a detective’s partner, struggling to understand himself, his moral compass, and what it means to love. Fans loved watching this Devil, who wasn’t just about punishment; he wanted meaning and connection.

Ellis’s charisma and vulnerability won over a huge fanbase, and when the show was canceled in 2018, the passionate #SaveLucifer campaign helped bring it back for more seasons. This Lucifer became someone audiences could root for, not fear.

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Contrasting the two iconic Lucifers

These two versions show how much genre and tone shape a character. Supernatural’s Lucifer is a symbol of biblical terror, apocalyptic, and alien in his hatred of humanity. The Netflix Lucifer is about emotional growth, humor, and the chance for redemption.

Ellis’s version is seen as relatable, a fallen angel who longs for acceptance and change. Both performances have left deep marks: Pellegrino’s Lucifer pushed the Supernatural story into some of its darkest moments, while Ellis’s version sparked broader debates about free will and redemption.

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Other memorable Lucifers

• Michael Imperioli in Lucifer offers a disturbing, intellectual devil who manipulates through subtlety rather than spectacle.
• Peter Stormare’s Lucifer in Constantine stands out for his eccentric, menacing coolness.
• Gwendoline Christie in The Sandman brings a majestic, celestial feel to the role.
• Al Pacino’s John Milton in The Devil’s Advocate is a classic, charming, and manipulative devil figure.
• Viggo Mortensen’s brief but chilling Lucifer in The Prophecy is quietly menacing.
• Ray Wise’s Lucifer in Reaper takes a more comedic, likable approach.

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Why do fans keep comparing them?

Ultimately, Pellegrino’s and Ellis’s Lucifers serve different emotional needs. Pellegrino’s is the fearsome opponent embodying cosmic battle, while Ellis’s is about rebellion, self-discovery, and second chances. Both fit perfectly within their show’s worlds and themes. Fans don’t have to pick a favorite; having both shows just proves how endlessly fascinating and versatile Lucifer is as a character.

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In a nutshell, Mark Pellegrino gave us the Devil we fear on Supernatural, while Tom Ellis gave us the Devil we love on Lucifer. Together, they remind us why Lucifer will always have a place on our screens and in fan conversations across worlds.