With James Gunn’sDC Universecoming up, Tom Welling responds to the possibilities for theSmallvillesequel to happen under DC Studios. The world is getting closer to the launch ofGunn’s DC Universe, which will mark the new beginning of DC in live-action across television and film. As that is taking its shape, a beloved DC property is attempting to return as Welling and his co-star Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor, are developing an animatedSmallvillesequel show.
Screen Rantrecently chatted with Welling for his new movieMafia Wars, which opens October 11, and asked if there were any updates on trying to approach Gunn and bring theSmallvilleanimated TV show to life under DC Studios. With various stages of their pitch already being done,Welling stated the following about what is going on with the potentialSmallvillerevival:
Tom Welling: I’ll tell you where it’s at: We need Warner Brothers and DC to let us do it. We’ve got Al [Gough] and Miles [Millar,] who are very busy doing a TV show called Wednesday. But they created Smallville, they want to write it. We just need to go ahead from DC and and Warner Brothers. So if you know anybody over there…because, listen, this is a passion project. It’s not going to be a blockbuster, it’s for the fans. All the actors want to do the voices of the characters - we’re all in. We just need them to let us use the property.
Welling was also asked if he has been following what Gunn is doing with the new DC Universe, which will begin this fall withCreature Commandoson Max, followed bySupermanin July 2025.TheSmallvillestar stressed that he is a huge fan of this genre, sharing the following about how he is keeping an eye on it:
Tom Welling: I see things online about it. I’m excited to see what happens. Michael’s actually a good buddy of his, and they talk all the time. We always joke that, or Michael always jokes that James hasn’t really hired him for more than anything that covers his face, which is kind of a funny joke! But I watch all of it, dude. I watched the DC stuff. I watched the Marvel stuff, I’m a junkie for it!
What Tom Welling’s Comments Mean For The Smallville Sequel Show
As Welling stated toScreen Rant,it is all up to Warner Bros. and DC whether or not anySmallvilleresurrection can happen, as they have to sign off on the usage of the IP. To this point, DC Studios (with Gunn included) have not stated one way or another if there are or aren’t chances forSmallvilleto get a sequel greenlit. Since they are heavily focused onthe DC Universe’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters"slate, they may be holding off on discussing pitches like aSmallvillerevival for the time being.
DuringScreen Rant’sinterview withSmallville’sRosenbaum, the actor also added,“It has to be the right time, and right now is not the right time,“acknowledging the new direction for DC Studios. As Welling also added, they are likely also waitingfor when theSmallvillecreators, Al Gough and Miles Millar, have some more availability, as they are in the midst ofWednesdayseason 2 for Netflix. In the end, it all comes down to finding the proper timing to not only pitch theSmallvillesequel but also get it produced properly if it gets ordered into a series.
Our Take On Tom Welling’s DC Comments
Given the massive popularity that exists withSmallvilleto this day,it would be shocking if DC Studios didn’t at least try to meet with Welling, Rosenbaum, and the attached teamto see whether or not the animated revival could happen. Despite the DC Universe being the main priority for DC Studios, there is still the Elseworlds-banner that they are also pursuing, which is where the Smallville animated sequel could fit under in parallel to the new primary continuity. Hopefully,Smallvillewill get to return sooner rather than later, allowing fans to follow these versions of the characters once more.
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.
