SMALLVILLE Revival Update Brings Fresh Hope From Michael Rosenbaum
Fans of Smallville have been waiting a long time for any movement on the animated revival that Michael Rosenbaum and Tom Welling have championed, and it looks like there is finally a bit of energy behind the idea.
During a recent appearance at Comic Con Liverpool, Rosenbaum opened up about where things stand and what is still holding the project back.
In front of the crowd, Rosenbaum confirmed that early development work has already begun. He explained, “We did some artwork and Al Gough and Miles Millar, who created Smallville, they’re attached. And Tom Welling and I wanna do it, but it’s gotta be the right time, when you pitch.”
Hearing that Al Gough and Miles Millar are involved is a pretty exciting detail for longtime fans, especially since the duo shaped the original series from day one.
Rosenbaum also made it clear that despite the enthusiasm from the original creators and cast, there are still hurdles that need to be cleared before anything can officially move forward.
“You have to make sure that the studio is wanting to do something like that right now.” He emphasized that everyone wants to bring back familiar faces if the animated continuation becomes a reality and described the entire effort as “a work in progress.”
The idea for a revival first surfaced back in 2021, a full decade after Smallville wrapped in 2011. The concept would bring Welling back to voice Clark Kent in a continuation of the story fans followed for ten seasons. The passion from the original cast has been consistent, but approval from DC Studios remains the key piece of the puzzle.
Welling echoed that sentiment earlier in 2024 when he revealed just how far along the creative team already is. “We have already got an artist and we have a poster, and we haven’t been able to share it yet, but Lionel Luthor is looming over everybody, and it is really cool.”
He continued, “We can’t do anything without DC saying we can do it, and they haven’t given us the green light, but we are ready. Al and Miles who wrote Smallville want to write it, but it is not our property until they say we can do it.” His comments line up perfectly with Rosenbaum’s update that the team is prepped and eager but must wait on studio approval.
I love that everyone who helped shape Smallville into a superhero TV staple seems excited to return, the creative foundation is already in place, and the spirit of the show is alive and well among the cast. Now the next move is entirely in DC’s hands, and the community is hoping they recognize just how ready the world is for more Smallville.