Despite ending nearly 15 years ago,Smallvilleremains a classic among both Superman fans and casual audiences. The hit series lasted for 10 seasons and starred Tom Welling as a young Clark Kent before donning his signature blue, red, and yellow suit. What setSmallvilleapart however is its split emphasis on Clark and his eventual nemesis, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum. The two young men cross paths when the former saves the latter after his car careens into a lake, subsequently forming a brother-like friendship.
Aside from Welling and Rosenbaum, the cast included Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, John Glover, Sam Jones III, Justin Hartley, John Schneider, and Annette O’Toole, among others. Though its cast was a major part of the series' appeal, another factor in its success was its reverential treatment of Superman’s history. Fromprevious franchise stars returningto music cues to obscure lore mentions,Smallvilledidn’t need Clark to suit up for the show to feel distinctly Superman. Perhaps the most iconic of the series' many guest stars was the late great Christopher Reeve.
The actor portrayed Superman in four films throughout the ’70s and ’80s, and his movies are credited with paving the way for modern superhero cinema.Reeve suffered a tragic horseback riding accidentthat left him quadriplegic, and he spent his next few years becoming a philanthropist and disability activist, but that didn’t stop him from appearing onSmallville. The star portrayed Virgil Swann, a mysterious scientist who spent years researching Kryptonian mythology. Reeve was given the meaningful role of explaining this heritage to Welling’s Clark.
In an appearance at Fan Expo Dallas, Welling discussed working with Reeve, revealing that the actor was jovial and comedic behind the scenes. TheSmallvillestar explained: “All we did was tell jokes with each other all the time in between takes, and we just really had a great time. He was really enjoying what he was doing there that day. There was that light in him.”
Additionally, Welling revealed that he took this lesson with him–to not take everything so seriously. He clarified: “There are times on set where you get tired and frustrated and stuff, but you have to remember to have fun. That’s the energy. You guys don’t want to see miserable people on TV, you know what I mean? You can see it sometimes with other actors who don’t want to be there.”
What Tom Welling’s Comments About Christopher Reeve Mean
Christopher Reeve Was Passionate About Superman And About Acting
Welling has spoken of Reeve’s dedication when filmingSmallville. The movie icon was so excited to be on set and working on a Superman project thathe didn’t want to leave. Welling stated:
Chris was only supposed to be there for three hours, and I think he stayed six or seven until his nurse, who had like Power of Attorney over him, physically, I remember her saying - because he didn’t want to leave, he wanted to stay, to do the scenes with me, because we originally were just going to film his side, and then he was going to leave, and then I was going to work with somebody else and film my side, but he wanted to stay - “If you don’t come with me, I’m going to call the police and I’m going to have you taken out of here.” And he looked at me, and he goes, ‘They always tell me what to do,’ and he just started laughing. He did end up having to leave, but he really wanted to be there. We had a lot of fun.
Reeve’s positivity clearly left a mark on Welling, and the latter has a point when he says it comes through onscreen.The younger actor absorbing this lesson is yet another example of Reeve’s lasting legacy both within Superman media and in the broader film and television industry.Reeve ultimately made two appearances in the series before his tragic passing in 2004, with both of his episodes being considered among the bestSmallvillehas to offer.
Our Take On Tom Welling’s Comments About Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve And Tom Welling Shared A Special Friendship
Due to Reeve passing the torch to Welling as the new Clark, the two had a unique bond. In fact, theSupermanactor wanted Welling to be the next theatrical Man of Steel, a role that eventually went to Brandon Routh. Despite Welling not making the leap to the big screen,Smallvillemaintains a strong legacy, in part thanks to the involvement and dedication of both stars. The idea that Reeve’s lessons still impact Welling’s acting is all the more wholesome two decades later.
Smallville
Cast
Smallville chronicles the journey of Clark Kent, portraying his origins from Krypton to his teenage years on Earth. The series explores his challenges and development leading towards his destiny as the iconic hero, Superman, set against the backdrop of Smallville, Kansas.
