As the Superman legacy continues to evolve, the impact of the show Smallville remains undeniable, even 25 years after its debut. For many, the series was a formative experience with the Man of Steel, especially for those who grew up watching Tom Welling portray a young Clark Kent. This connection has only deepened as James Gunn’s Smallville Superman Reboot gains traction, with current actors acknowledging the show’s definitive influence on the character’s portrayal.
Long before Smallville, Superman was introduced to audiences through iconic figures such as Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain, as well as Tim Daly’s animated versions. Yet, it was Welling’s portrayal that defined the character for a generation growing up in the early 2000s, despite the actor never donning the trademark costume on screen.
David Corenswet Reflects on Tom Welling’s Lasting Influence
Current Superman David Corenswet, who took on the mantle years after Smallville ended, respects Welling’s embodiment of Clark Kent. Growing up, Corenswet watched the series weekly, which shaped his perception of the character.
“When I was growing up, he was the Superman who was on TV every week,”
Corenswet said in an Entertainment Weekly profile.
He further compared his physical resemblance to Welling, noting the shared traits typical of a man portraying a hero whose identity is openly known.
“I think, to one extent or another, all of the Superman actors,”
Corenswet remarked,
“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.”
Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor Sets a Benchmark for Nicholas Hoult
The reverence for Smallville extends beyond Clark Kent’s story to other pivotal characters, particularly Lex Luthor. Michael Rosenbaum’s portrayal of the complex villain left a strong impression on the new film’s Lex, Nicholas Hoult. During a podcast conversation, Hoult admitted that Rosenbaum’s version was his first introduction to the character.
“I think my first ever Lex I saw was you. Smallville was on,”
Hoult shared, recalling how he began watching the series around age 11 or 12.
“That was the show I would watch and see my first iterations of Superman and Lex in all those stories. Since, I’ve seen Richard Donner’s movies and all the other ones and performances. But you are like the one!”
Hoult praised Rosenbaum’s depth in capturing Lex’s dangerous charm:
“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.”
Encouragement from Rosenbaum Bolsters Hoult’s Portrayal
Having met Rosenbaum, Hoult received supportive advice that boosted his confidence.
“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 told Entertainment Weekly.
Rosenbaum’s words to Hoult were simple yet empowering:
“The beautiful thing he said was, ‘You’ve got this. Go have fun’.”
Hoult reflected on the impact of this encouragement, stating,
“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.”
Smallville’s Enduring Legacy and Future Possibilities
The praise from key players in the DC Universe signals a renewed interest in the legacy of Smallville. The show continues to be celebrated for its definitive take on the Superman mythos, influencing new portrayals and introductions to these iconic characters. Meanwhile, fans and actors alike remain hopeful about the possibility of a follow-up project featuring Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, though DC Studios has yet to confirm any plans for such a venture.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic family and still finds prayer important. However, he has expressed that he is somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he dedicated himself entirely to that company. This meant he stopped working on Marvel Studios projects. It’s well-known that he built strong relationships with the actors from the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
