SMALLVILLE co-creator says executive producer had to ask Tom Welling to audition for the role of Clark Kent

Smallville was a hugely popular series that had an epic 10 seasons from 2001 to 2011. It told the story of a young Clark Kent, as he not only sailed into his teens but realized he had superpowers that he must learn to harness and realize completely. It featured a young and talented cast and a story with a lot of heart, but was close to not being as perfect as it turned out.

In a recent interview with THR, some of the main actors and creators sat down to talk about the start of the series and how finding her star was a difficult task. Tom Wellingwho was ultimately cast to play Clark Kent, said:

“I auditioned a lot during that period of the pilot season, going out three, four times a day. I’m just trying to figure out what the hell I was doing. This show Smallville arrived and they weren’t releasing the script. They just wanted me to audition. My manager at the time says, “That means they don’t have a script, or it’s not very good.” We refused “.

Co-creator of the series, Miles MillarShe said:

“Tom’s headshot was in the office and he refused to enter. In the end, [director] David Nutter prayed to see him.

Welling added:

“He said I could go in and read the pilot script if I signed a nondisclosure agreement. I realized the show wasn’t about Superman. He was talking about a high school boy growing up and trying to figure out who he was. It is a very human journey. I called a meeting with the producers and writers because I wanted to ask questions. Somehow they accepted. I was terrified of entering a show in which I run in tights. I entered this room. There are 15 people sitting in a semicircle. It was like a consultant’s meeting or something. I sat down with this list of questions. ‘Who are the bad guys? How am I physically? ‘”

Co-creator Alfred Gough talked about Welling having the exact vibe they were looking for. He was from the Midwest and he was so handsome, he was just perfect.

Welling went on to say:

“Next thing I know, I’m coming for an audition with Kristin. Kristin had already been cast, so I walk into the waiting room and it was me and Jensen Ackles, who I had seen on TV before but didn’t know. I was like, ‘This guy is a real actor. I’ll never have it. ‘”

Obviously this was not the case. Maybe Welling can credit his cancellation of getting the role on why he was able to audition so well, but either way, the rest is history. You were a huge fan of Smallville?