Smallville may not have said its final word. Years after the end of the series that chronicled Clark Kent's first steps toward becoming Superman, its lead actor, Tom Welling, has offered an update on a project that has been circulating in Hollywood for some time: an animated sequel.
The news is particularly relevant now because Welling has confirmed that the project's development has advanced further than previously known, with visual materials already created, even as the industry undergoes corporate shifts that directly affect Warner Bros.
Smallville could bring back its entire original cast
In a recent interview, Tom Welling explained the current status of the potential continuation and the chances of the original actors returning to voice their characters. The actor acknowledged that the corporate movements affecting Warner Bros. and Paramount, under the influence of Skydance, have not made the path easy.
Even so, Welling believes the project is worth it due to the affection it inspires among the series' fans. As he explained, the original idea was already a complicated battle even before the corporate merger, but it is a proposal crafted with love for the fans.
The plan envisions the continuation taking the form of an animated series, with all members of the original cast voicing their characters. Welling assures that the actors consulted have responded with enthusiasm to the possibility.
Bringing back the original voices would provide an emotional connection that is hard to match for fans of the show. The relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, played by Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, remains one of the biggest draws for a potential continuation.
The Smallville animated sequel already has designs and a poster
Beyond intentions, Welling detailed how far the project's development has progressed. It is not just a nostalgic conversation between former castmates, but work involving concrete visual materials.
The actor confirmed that there are already preliminary designs created by an artist, and even a poster that, for the moment, cannot be shown publicly. According to Welling, the real key is for Warner Bros. to give the project the green light, as permission is required to use their intellectual property, which has not yet happened.
Despite the difficulties, Welling remained optimistic about the project's future, although he acknowledged that final approval depends entirely on the studio.
James Gunn could have the final say
One of the main questions is how this sequel would fit into the creative strategy that James Gunn and Peter Safran have outlined for the DC Universe. Both executives have defined a specific direction for DCU films and series, which raises doubts about the space available for a production linked to a previous television continuity.
Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor, also expressed his reservations. The actor recalled that Al Gough and Miles Millar, the original creators of Smallville, developed a proposal years ago that he described as remarkable, intended to be presented to Warner Bros. at the right time.
However, Rosenbaum admitted he is not sure if that opportunity will come. The actor commented that he senses James Gunn and his team are pursuing their own ideas for the direction of the DC Universe, without knowing if Smallville fits into those plans.
For now, there is no confirmation that Gunn has rejected the project. The main barrier remains obtaining official authorization from Warner Bros.
The story would continue shortly after the end of Smallville
Another aspect revealed by Welling has to do with the potential plot of the sequel. Far from proposing a reboot, the actor envisions a direct continuation that would pick up the story shortly after the original series finale.
Welling also confirmed that the original creators would be willing to participate in the project. As he explained, the idea would be to pick up events shortly after the end of Smallville and offer their own vision of what happens next, although he clarified that this is his personal approach and not a finalized decision.
This possibility is attractive because Smallville spent ten seasons showing Clark Kent's progressive transformation into Superman. The series concluded just as the character was ready to fully assume his role as a hero, which would open the door to exploring a different stage of his story without repeating the origin already told.
A sequel would also allow for the development of new storylines between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, one of the most significant relationships in the original production.
A return that still needs the go-ahead from Warner Bros.
Despite the cast's enthusiasm, it is best to keep expectations cautious. Smallville does not have an officially approved animated sequel, nor a confirmed release date or distribution platform.
What does exist is an interested creative team, actors willing to return, and a proposal that has been seeking its opportunity within Warner Bros. for years. The big question remains whether the studio considers it viable to revive this version of Superman while developing its new projects within the DC Universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would the Smallville animated sequel be about?
According to Tom Welling, the story would pick up events shortly after the end of the original series, offering a direct continuation without rebooting the plot.
Would the original cast participate?
Welling assures that the actors consulted were enthusiastic about the idea of voicing their characters again in an animated format.
What progress has the project made so far?
There are preliminary designs created by an artist and a poster already made, although no official material has been released to the public.
Why hasn’t the project been confirmed yet?
Because it requires authorization from Warner Bros. to use the characters' intellectual property, permission that has not yet been granted.
Would this sequel be part of the current DC Universe?
It is not confirmed. There are doubts about whether it would fit within the creative direction that James Gunn and Peter Safran have established for the DCU.
Would the original creators of Smallville participate?
According to Welling, Al Gough and Miles Millar, the series' creators, have shown a willingness to collaborate on the continuation.
