Multiple sources are reporting that Tom Welling is reprising his Smallville role of Clark Kent in the Arrowverse crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths. Arrow co-creator/executive producer Marc Guggenheim was quoted as saying: “For eight years, Arrow has stood on the shoulders of Smallville. Simply put, there would be no Arrow, and no Arrowverse, without it. So when we first started talking about Crisis on Infinite Earths, our first, second and third priorities were getting Tom to reprise his iconic role as Clark Kent. To say that we’re thrilled would be a Superman-sized understatement.”
Flights and Tights?
However, it is unclear at this time if Welling will be donning the iconic Superman costume or just appearing as Clark Kent. Welling played the role of Clark Kent on Smallville for 10 seasons, but has on numerous occasions stated his contract had a “no flights, no tights” clause. Whether he has asked for a similar clause as a condition of appearing in the Arrowverse crossover is unknown.
Check out the Smallville Reunion Panel from Wizard World Cleveland where Tom Welling talks about his contract and much more!
Fans of Smallville were disappointed that Welling was never shown in the full Superman outfit during the show, particularly the final season. All shots of him “in costume” only showed the upper part of his body. With all the special effects budget used in the finale, many joked that they just couldn’t afford the pants. While Welling being involved is certainly a treat, him appearing in the full costume would definitely be the icing on the cake, and the payoff to a 20-year wait.
Rain of Supermen
Tyler Hoechlin and Brandon Routh are also slated to appear in Crisis on Infinite Earths as versions of Superman. Hoechlin is a recurring version of Superman in the CW’s Supergirl show and took part in last year’s crossover event. Routh has played the part of Ray Palmer, also known as the Atom, in the Arrowverse, but will be donning a Kingdom Come inspired version of the Superman suit for Crisis. Routh had played Superman previously in the 2006 film Superman Returns. Will Welling join the cape squad? We can hope.
There is also no news at this time about Dean Cain appearing as the Superman from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. And while he’s already established as Supergirl’s adoptive father in the CW show, he had a much smaller role than Routh has in Legends of Tomorrow. No reason Cain can’t join in as well.
More of the Gang?
It has been rumored that Michael Rosenbaum has been approached to reprise his role as Lex Luthor from Smallville, but there are also rumors that he declined to take part. No official word has been released, so there is still hope.
No other actors from Smallville have been confirmed to be taking part. Though it would be great to see Laura Vandervoort appear as Supergirl. Hey, if the Atom can become Superman again, there’s no reason that Indigo, Vandervoort’s character from season one of Supergirl, can’t become Supergirl from another Earth. If Smallville could have one Ashmore twin play a villain and the other Jimmy Olsen, then bringing back Laura should be a piece of cake.
Will other actors from Smallville or other DC Shows appear? Will current DC Universe shows like Titans and Doom Patrol be included or be off-limits? We may get hints before it premieres, but we may also need to just wait to see it.
Crisis on Infinite Earths kicks off with Supergirl on Sunday, December 8th, continues in Batwoman on Monday, December 9th and The Flash on Tuesday, December 10th. After the midseason break, the story picks up on Tuesday, January 14th on Arrow at 8:00 PM EST and concludes with DC’s Legends of Tomorrow at 9:00 PM that same evening.
