The original Smallville creators give a new update on the DC TV sequel series that is in development by Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum. While it has been over a decade since the Smallville TV show ended, the story for this particular version of the Man of Steel may not be completely done, as Welling and Rosenbaum have been working on an animated continuation series. However, things have been very slow in the development phase for the potential Smallville sequel.
On the latest episode of Welling and Rosenbaum’s Talk Ville Podcast, they were briefly joined by one of the original showrunners, Al Gough, who co-created the series with Miles Millar, as they were discussing the season 6 episode, “Subterranean.” During their conversation, the topic of the animated Smallville TV show was brought up, as Rosenbaum and Welling have expressed that they want Gough and Millar involved, as they are waiting for the right timing with Warner Bros. Discovery. That is where Gough gave a concrete update on what is likely holding things up with the Smallville sequel, stating the following:
Al Gough: That is the thing, I think the problem with most projects in development in any studio and/or any network is regime change. Warners has obviously gone through a lot, and I think the fact that they are in the process of rebooting Superman again, kind of unfortunately, I think, keeps our thing off the table for a bit. Everything comes around in one form or another, I just read the other day that they are rebooting Buffy [laughs] for Hulu.
Gough’s perspective on the situation makes sense, especially as James Gunn’s Superman movie is only a few months away from releasing in theaters to help flesh out the new DC Universe. When ScreenRant spoke with Welling about the Smallville sequel in November 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery had not responded yet to any pitching about a continuation, most likely due to the new Superman film being their primary focus. The fact that neither Warner Bros. Discovery or DC Studios has given a flat-out no is a positive sign in itself.
However, Gough makes a crucial point when speaking about the Buffy The Vampire Slayer sequel that is in the works with Hulu, as many popular shows do tend to come back sooner or later in some capacity. Bringing Smallville back through animation would likely be far easier for DC Studios than doing another live-action continuation with all of the actors. The Smallville animated sequel may simply have to wait a bit for Gunn’s DCU to get established before DC Studios explores the idea of tackling another Superman franchise at the same time, even if it’s outside their main continuity.
Smallville’s Sequel Show Still Seems Possible After The 2025 Update
While a formal announcement greenlighting the Smallville sequel may not be on the table right now, Gough’s latest comments haven’t shut down the idea that it can’t happen at all. Even though the DCU timeline is the primary focus for DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, they have made it very clear that Elseworlds movies and TV shows can and will exist at the same time. Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe is a perfect example, with a sequel already in the works, and the franchise recently expanded on HBO through The Penguin TV show.
Despite having been in development for several years, J.J. Abrams’ Black Superman movie reboot is reportedly still alive at DC Studios, showing that there is clearly the possibility of having multiple Men of Steel in live-action at the same time. As Gough pointed out, it seems DC Studios may simply want 2025’s Superman to have the spotlight, which doesn’t close the door on different versions of the hero being on-screen later on. That would also apply to a Smallville continuation, whether it’s in live-action or animation, since it’d revisit an established Superman who had a decade-long successful run on television.
Even though Gunn’s Superman was reportedly one of the factors behind The CW’s Superman & Lois being canceled after 4 seasons, it hasn’t stopped the Man of Tomorrow from having his presence on the small screen. Currently, in animation, Adult Swim has its My Adventures with Superman TV show, which has not only been renewed for a third season but is also expanding their universe with another series, My Adventures with Green Lantern. This makes it clear that a Smallville animated sequel could exist at the same time as the DCU’s Superman franchise once Corenswet’s version has been established.
Based on Gough’s latest comments, there still seems to be plenty of hope that Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios will give the prospective Smallville sequel the green light sometime down the line. Given that DC Studios is also exploring Elseworlds ideas outside the DCU, Smallville would perfectly fit under that banner, especially with its massive legacy. But until then, the world can relive every single season of Smallville through streaming and on Blu-ray/DVD.
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Source: Talk Ville Podcast/YouTube
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