Smallville, now 25 years old but off the air for 15, remains a significant touchstone in the Superman fandom. For many, the show was their first deep introduction to Clark Kent’s origins, shaping an entire generation’s understanding of the Man of Steel. Before Smallville aired on The WB, Superman fans were familiar with earlier portrayals such as Christopher Reeve’s iconic films, Dean Cain’s television adaptation, and Tim Daly’s voice work in the animated series.
Tom Welling’s portrayal of Clark Kent as a teenager growing into adulthood has become the definitive Superman for many viewers, despite Welling never donning the classic costume fully. This version of Superman molded a generation’s perception, bridging the gap between childhood fascination and adult appreciation of the superhero’s story.
Current Superman Actor David Corenswet Reflects on Welling’s Influence
David Corenswet, the actor who currently embodies Superman, reflected on Welling’s role as a formative influence during his youth.
“When I was growing up, he was the Superman who was on TV every week,”
Corenswet said, recalling how Smallville’s weekly presence impacted his understanding of the character.
He also acknowledged the physical and thematic connections between his own portrayal and Welling’s:
“I think, to one extent or another, all of the Superman actors, there’s some Venn diagram of our physical characteristics, which makes sense for a superhero who is classically the one who doesn’t wear a mask.”
This comment highlights the shared qualities necessary to convincingly represent an unmasked hero like Superman across different adaptations.
Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor Sets a Standard for Successor Nicholas Hoult
The influence of Smallville extends beyond Clark Kent to other key characters, notably Lex Luthor. Michael Rosenbaum’s complex and nuanced depiction of Lex Luthor on Smallville has been cited by Nicholas Hoult, who now portrays Luthor in the DC Universe films, as his defining inspiration. Hoult shared on Rosenbaum’s podcast that
“I think my first ever Lex I saw was you. Smallville was on, I was 11, 12, I guess. That was the show I would watch and see my first iterations of Superman and Lex in all those stories.”
Hoult praised Rosenbaum’s performance for its depth and charm, saying,
“I love it, are you kidding? It’s the best! You did inhabit him with such depth and charm. That ability to switch, which makes him dangerous and formidable and a great opponent. I just love what you did.”
Their interaction illustrates how Smallville’s portrayals continue to influence new generations of actors taking on these iconic roles.
Encouragement from Rosenbaum Bolsters Hoult’s Portrayal of Lex Luthor
After meeting Rosenbaum, Hoult received strong encouragement that boosted his confidence going into the DC Universe films.
“Honestly, he was so kind and encouraging, and he really gave me a freedom and a confidence and a support that felt really lovely going into it,”
Hoult recalled. He added,
“The beautiful thing he said was, ‘You’ve got this. Go have fun.’”
Hoult reflected on the significance of receiving support from an actor he admired, explaining,
“It’s a, weirdly, kind of uplifting and wonderful thing to play a character that you’ve watched someone play and do a brilliant job at, to then have them say, ‘Yeah, go get it. Go take it on.’ That’s a really bolstering sort of thing to happen.”
This endorsement strengthens the connection between Smallville’s legacy and the new wave of DC film adaptations.
The Enduring Importance of Smallville to the DC Universe
The renewed spotlight on Smallville from DC Universe actors like Corenswet and Hoult underscores the show’s lasting significance in shaping the modern understanding of Superman and Lex Luthor. With ongoing discussions about potential follow-ups to Smallville involving Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, there remains fan interest and creative potential to revisit and expand on the foundation laid by the original series.
While DC Studios has not publicly committed to pursuing a continuation, the enthusiasm and respect shown by current actors serve to highlight Smallville’s integral role in Superman lore and its influence on contemporary interpretations within the DC Universe. This connection offers hope that the legacy of Smallville will continue to inspire future storytelling in the franchise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and says that prayer is still important to him. He also describes himself as being “somewhat anti-religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. Once Gunn took the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed fully to that brand. This change means he’s no longer working on Marvel Studios projects. It’s well-known that he built strong relationships with the actors from the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.
