As speculation grows over the James Gunn Batman casting, Tom Welling from Smallville has shared his desire to join the new DC Universe, hinting at an interest in portraying Batman. This revelation comes as Gunn and Peter Safran guide the next phase of DC’s cinematic universe, building anticipation among fans about potential casting decisions.
James Gunn and Peter Safran are overseeing what is expected to be the first highly interconnected live-action DC Universe in film and TV. Prior to the current universe-building, the franchise went through multiple iterations, from the Hamada era and the Snyderverse to earlier projects. Among these, Smallville stood out for bringing DC heroes to the small screen, with Tom Welling anchoring the series as Clark Kent years before projects like the Arrowverse emerged under Greg Berlanti’s direction.
For many fans, Smallville represents a nostalgic and genuine portrayal of the DC Universe. The show offered a campy yet compelling depiction of Clark Kent’s formative years, with Welling’s performance being central to its appeal. Though it has been over ten years since the series concluded, enthusiasm for a revival or continuation remains strong within the fan community, who treasure the show’s decade-long legacy.
Tom Welling Expresses Interest in Batman Character
Although efforts to start an animated Smallville spinoff have been delayed as James Gunn continues to prioritize fresh projects for DC’s future, former cast members are not ruling out returns. During a panel at Comic Con Liverpool, Tom Welling addressed questions about joining the reinvented DC Universe. When prompted by co-stars about which character he might portray, the actor responded directly: “I mean, Batman.”
Welling’s physical presence and previous portrayal of Clark Kent have led some to suggest that he could convincingly play Bruce Wayne, especially given how those characters are often seen as similar in appearance. While no casting has been formally announced, and the likelihood remains uncertain, the possibility of Welling appearing in this new era has excited both fans and industry observers.
The status of the animated Smallville continuation is currently unclear, as no release date has been confirmed. Fans eager for casting news or developments in the DC Universe are encouraged to watch for future updates.
The ongoing discussions about casting and character revivals underscore the emotional investment longtime fans have in the DC Universe. Tom Welling’s interest in the Batman role, paired with the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, could signal intriguing new opportunities for cross-generation connections within DC’s on-screen universe. As more details emerge, supporters of the franchise continue to speculate about the next steps for iconic characters and established actors alike.
