Increasingly, the DC Universe is entering a new era under James Gunn and Peter Safran, and that means a complete overhaul of the brand’s on-screen identity. With dozens of heroes to cast, many are speculating about who could fill out the iconic Justice League – and Smallville cast keep seeming perfect.
Running for ten seasons from 2001 to 2011, Smallville predated the Arrowverse, the Snyderverse, and the modern superhero TV boom. Depicting a young Clark Kent growing into the role of Superman, it also introduced dozens of DC heroes and villains. More than just a fan-favorite, Smallville was a blueprint for live-action superhero storytelling on television. While it often played fast and loose with canon, it consistently got one thing right: the casting. The more I see these actors in new projects, the more I’m convinced that DC should give them another shot in the spotlight.
Smallville Is A Hugely Important Show In DC's History & Had A Stellar Cast
Smallville was a foundational moment for DC on screen. Long before the MCU became the gold standard for interconnected franchises, Smallville was building its own little universe. It introduced younger audiences to Green Arrow, the Justice Society, Supergirl, Martian Manhunter, and more. Crucially, it did this while grounding the drama in character-driven storytelling.
I’m Still Torn Over The Fact That The DCEU’s Cancelled Batman Story Resulted In My Favourite Batman Movie
I’ve never recovered from losing Ben Affleck’s Batman movie which could have saved the DCEU, even though its replacement became my favorite Bat-flick.
That only worked because of the cast. Tom Welling’s Clark Kent was the perfect mix of earnestness and quiet strength. Michael Rosenbaum remains one of the best Lex Luthors ever put to screen. Justin Hartley’s Green Arrow brought a cocky energy that predated Stephen Amell’s darker take. Meanwhile, actors like Alan Ritchson (Aquaman), Erica Durance (Lois Lane), and Laura Vandervoort (Supergirl) showed up and made lasting impressions in just a handful of episodes or seasons.
Many Of Smallville's Actors Could Still Be Great DC Hero Castings Now
Some Smallville actors have already returned to the DC world, but they still have untapped potential. Tom Welling reprised his Clark Kent in the Arrowverse’s crossover event, “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” Welling himself never stopped feeling like the ideal Clark – grounded, kind, and believably heroic. If DC ever wanted to revisit a multiversal Superman, he’d be perfect for it.
Alan Ritchson has arguably become more famous after Smallville, and audiences haven’t stopped wanting to see him return to the DC Universe. He played a surprisingly effective Arthur Curry (aka Aquaman) in Smallville, but his turn as Hawk in Titans and his breakout performance in Reacher have made him a fan-favorite pick for the DCU’s Batman. He’s got the physicality, the brooding presence, and the action chops.
I’m Convinced One Of The DCU’s Best Batman Castings Would Actually Be Better Returning To The Other DC Hero Role He Played 20 Years Ago
The most popular fan-casting choice for Batman played a different DC character already – and I think he’d should reprise that role instead.
Justin Hartley, who played Oliver Queen long before the Arrowverse existed, is another name that pops up in fan casts. Post-Smallville, he proved his dramatic range on This Is Us, and it’s easy to imagine him playing a more seasoned Green Lantern or even an older Oliver in a multiverse story. Laura Vandervoort has also remained active in genre fare (Bitten, Supergirl), and her Supergirl portrayal still stands out as one of the more underrated takes on the character.
I Need The DC Universe To Recast Some Smallville Actors In Its New World
As Gunn’s DC Universe builds its roster of heroes, it would be a missed opportunity not to reintroduce some of these actors in fresh roles. They don’t need to return to their original characters (no one would complain if Ritchson put on the cowl). Instead, they could offer gravitas, fan-service, and talent to the new DCU in meaningful ways. Tom Welling could appear as an older Jonathan Kent, or Erica Durance as Lara or even Hippolyta.
I Can't Believe I Only Just Realized Dave Bautista Was On Smallville 19 Years Ago
Almost twenty years ago, Hollywood star Dave Bautista made his acting debut in Smallville season 6, where he fought Tom Welling's Clark Kent.
Michael Rosenbaum – who has strong ties to James Gunn – as a wry, older Flash or even Metron would be compelling. The possibilities are endless. The point is: these actors have grown alongside the superhero genre they helped build. They’re not relics of a bygone era – they’re proven veterans who could bring both emotional depth and nostalgic credibility to a new generation of fans. With the DCU still forming its identity, what better way to bridge the past and the future than with the Smallville faces who helped make DC TV what it is today?
Smallville
- Release Date
- 2001 - 2017-00-00
Cast
Sam Jones III
Annette O'Toole
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