Summary
ASmallvilleanimated series is being developed by former series stars Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum. However, Welling recently updated fans on theSupermanproject and how Warner Bros. is responding to their pitch.
Smallvilleended a 10-season run in 2011 with Welling’s Clark Kent finally embracing his destiny and taking on theSupermanmantle. The series finale was generally well-received by viewers, though there were some criticisms of Welling’s decision not to wear the full suit, especially considering manyfans waited 10 years to see Superman inSmallville. An 11th season was released as a comic book, but in 2021, Welling confirmed he and Rosenbaum were working on an animatedSmallvilleseries that would continue the story on screen. However, there’s been little progress on the project on Warner Bros.' side, and Welling’s most recent update is not encouraging.
During an interview withScreenRantat Comic Con Stockholm, Welling reiterated his comments from hispreviousSmallvilleanimated series updateby stating that they need Warner Bros. to give them the “thumbs up,” which they haven’t received. When asked if this meant Warner Bros. wasn’t interested in aSmallvilleanimated series or if they simply haven’t responded, Welling clarified that they haven’t called back. The former Clark Kent offered a potential explanation for why Warner Bros. isn’t prioritizing their pitch:
[Laughs] We haven’t even gotten a response! It’s the weirdest thing because it is more of a fan-driven idea. It’s not going to be a blockbuster. It’s not going to be a financial windfall for any of us. We all like each other, we all like working together, and if we could do it, it’d be fun. But Warner Bros. - and I’m not hating on them - they just haven’t gotten back to us. It’s not a priority for them. It’s like a not-returning-phone-calls-thing. [laughs]
Warner Bros. may be reluctant to reviveSmallvillebecause of James Gunn’s DCU franchise, a reboot of the DC Extended Universe designed to be more connected across movies, television, and video games. While Gunn stated past DC media is stillcanon if it’s mentioned in a DCU project, the developing franchise is largely starting over with new versions of classic comic book characters. However, Rosenbaum is friends with Gunn–he even played Martinex in Gunn’s last twoGuardians of the Galaxymovies–and when Welling was told they should ask Gunn about theSmallvilleanimated series, the actor said:
I know! We joked about it. Michael says, ‘Oh, James is so busy.’ I think it’d be a fun idea. We already have the animation done. I don’t know if Michael shared it already, but we have a poster for it. It’s [with] the cast and Lionel Luthor looming behind [them.]
With Gunn’s newSupermanmovie set to launch the DCU film franchise next summer, Warner Bros. likely doesn’t want multiple versions of the Man of Steel. Despite performing well for The CW network,Superman and Loiswas canceledbecause Warner Bros. didn’t want it to compete with Gunn’s movie. So, it’s unsurprising that they are unwilling to commit to aSmallvilleanimated series.
While this may disappoint many fans, it’s not unreasonable for Gunn to want a fresh start with the DCU. Zack Snyder’s DCEU projects have a passionate fan base. However, the DCEU movies were largely hit or miss with critics, and the lack of clarity regarding their connection to each other was frustrating to fans. Warner Bros. responded by tasking Gunn with developing a new franchise that would be interconnected, much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he undoubtedly didn’t want to inherit any baggage that came with the DCEU. Yes,The Suicide SquadandPeacemakercharacters are joining the DCU, but Gunn was at the helm of those DCEU projects, so he’s familiar with the material. That’s whySupergirl actress Sasha Calle was replaced. It may seem unfair, but that’s Gunn’s plan for now.
Smallvilleis available on Hulu and Prime Video.
Smallville
Smallville is a Superhero television series based on the Superman Comic Book series created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This television release was developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The premise revolves around a young Clark Kent as he arrives on Earth and attempts to live his life while simultaneously keeping his friends, family, and those around him safe thanks to his superpowers.
