Tom Welling, widely recognized for his portrayal of Clark Kent on Smallville, recently expressed interest in joining the James Gunn DC Universe Batman project. Speaking at Comic Con Liverpool, Welling revealed he is open to returning to DC but in a surprising twist, he now has his sights set on playing Batman.
Welling’s Journey from Smallville to DC Universe Aspirations
James Gunn and Peter Safran are at the helm of a new era for the DC Universe, aiming to create a cohesive live-action franchise. Before their ambitious plans and even prior to the Arrowverse developed by Greg Berlanti, Smallville was a pivotal show that gave fans a fresh take on DC’s iconic characters. Tom Welling led the series for ten seasons, delivering a version of Clark Kent struggling to understand his place in the broader world.
Despite its finale over a decade ago, Smallville retains a dedicated following. Many consider it the most authentic depiction of the DC Universe from a character-driven perspective, keeping fans hoping for the return of familiar faces from the show.
Public Statement Ignites Batman Speculation
With James Gunn prioritizing new projects, including those centered around Batman, some viewers speculated about how previous franchise stars might fit into the reboot. During a panel at Comic Con Liverpool, Tom Welling addressed questions about which character he would like to portray in the evolving DC Universe. After encouragement from his fellow cast members, Welling responded, “I mean, Batman.” – Tom Welling, Actor
Tom Welling’s imposing physicality would arguably suit the role of Batman, especially considering the frequent comparisons drawn between Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne. The idea that James Gunn might bring Welling into the updated franchise has sparked discussion on fan forums, though there is no confirmation that he is in consideration for the role.
Uncertain Path for Smallville Revival
While rumors persist about an animated Smallville revival, talks are ongoing and no official release date has been set. As James Gunn and his creative team continue developing plans for the interconnected DC Universe, fans of the original Smallville cast remain eager for news on potential appearances.
The speculation surrounding Tom Welling’s interest in taking up the cape and cowl adds intrigue to the future direction of DC’s live-action stories. The ongoing transformation of the DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran keeps actors like Welling in the orbit of fan debate, emphasizing the enduring appeal of characters like Batman and Clark Kent.
