SMALLVILLE Animated Sequel Series Update: Why Fans Might Be Waiting a While

For years, Smallville fans have been eager for a continuation of the beloved Superman series, with stars Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum actively championing an animated sequel series. However, according to Smallville co-creator Al Gough, the project has hit a roadblock that might keep it on the shelf for the foreseeable future.During an appearance on the Talk Ville podcast (hosted by Welling and Rosenbaum), Gough shed light on the status of the sequel, pointing to behind-the-scenes shifts at Warner Bros. as a key reason for the delay. The upcoming Superman film from James Gunn appears to be the primary factor keeping the Smallville sequel from moving forward.Gough explained: “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 for Hulu.”The Smallville sequel has been in discussion for some time, with Welling first confirming plans back in 2022. The idea was for the animated series to pick up right where the live-action show left off, continuing Clark Kent’s journey in a new medium. However, securing Warner Bros.' approval has proven to be a major hurdle. “We need their permission,” Welling stated last year.With Gunn’s Superman hitting theaters this July, Warner Bros. is focused on launching its new DC Universe. The animated series Creature Commandos debuted in late 2024 as the first official entry in the DCU, and several other projects are in development. Given the weight that Superman carries, it’s essentially the franchise’s foundation and Warner Bros. obviously doesn’t want any new competing Superman-related stories drawing attention away from the film.That being said, history shows that multiple Superman stories can coexist. Smallville was still on the air when Superman Returns hit theaters in 2006, though that was before interconnected cinematic universes became Hollywood’s standard. In today’s climate, Warner Bros. seems determined to keep audiences focused on a singular vision, at least for now.However, there are Elseworlds projects, which consist of stories set outside the main DCU continuity. These projects are still on the table, so if the DC Universe gains momentum, Warner Bros. may be more open to greenlighting other out-of-continuity stories. A Smallville sequel would fit right in, and if the demand remains strong, Maybe Warner Bros. will eventually move forward with it. But, we’ll have to wait and see.

Mar 21, 2025 - 18:02

SMALLVILLE Animated Sequel Series Update: Why Fans Might Be Waiting a While

For years, Smallville fans have been eager for a continuation of the beloved Superman series, with stars Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum actively championing an animated sequel series.

However, according to Smallville co-creator Al Gough, the project has hit a roadblock that might keep it on the shelf for the foreseeable future.

During an appearance on the Talk Ville podcast (hosted by Welling and Rosenbaum), Gough shed light on the status of the sequel, pointing to behind-the-scenes shifts at Warner Bros. as a key reason for the delay.

The upcoming Superman film from James Gunn appears to be the primary factor keeping the Smallville sequel from moving forward.

Gough explained: “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 for Hulu.”

The Smallville sequel has been in discussion for some time, with Welling first confirming plans back in 2022. The idea was for the animated series to pick up right where the live-action show left off, continuing Clark Kent’s journey in a new medium.

However, securing Warner Bros.' approval has proven to be a major hurdle. “We need their permission,” Welling stated last year.

With Gunn’s Superman hitting theaters this July, Warner Bros. is focused on launching its new DC Universe. The animated series Creature Commandos debuted in late 2024 as the first official entry in the DCU, and several other projects are in development.

Given the weight that Superman carries, it’s essentially the franchise’s foundation and Warner Bros. obviously doesn’t want any new competing Superman-related stories drawing attention away from the film.

That being said, history shows that multiple Superman stories can coexist. Smallville was still on the air when Superman Returns hit theaters in 2006, though that was before interconnected cinematic universes became Hollywood’s standard.

In today’s climate, Warner Bros. seems determined to keep audiences focused on a singular vision, at least for now.

However, there are Elseworlds projects, which consist of stories set outside the main DCU continuity. These projects are still on the table, so if the DC Universe gains momentum, Warner Bros. may be more open to greenlighting other out-of-continuity stories.

A Smallville sequel would fit right in, and if the demand remains strong, Maybe Warner Bros. will eventually move forward with it. But, we’ll have to wait and see.