Tom Welling - Clark Kent/Superman : The Man Behind The Cape

[The Caped Knight]

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/8431/sm10180021.jpg
"I finally know who I am and what I'm meant to do here on Earth."

Call him Clark Kent or call him Superman, no actor has owned the role of the last son of Krypton longer than Tom Welling.

This Thread is devoted to Tom who showed us a 10 year journey of what it takes to be a Superman .

[Webhead2006]

Thanks tom for all the fond memories of smallville this past decade. He played clark very well had his ups and downs through the years but continued to grow alot.

[Young Superman]

I don't care what some people say, Tom Welling was awesome in the role of the last son of Krypton.

[triplet]

I don't care what some people say, Tom Welling was awesome in the role of the last son of Krypton.

I agree.

:up: :super: :supes:

[elgaz]

Tom got a lot of flak over the years. But a lot of it came from people who tuned in to S1, maybe S2, and then never came back.

As an actor, he came into the show with very little acting experience and he matured and grew a huge amount in the 10 years between the Season 1 Premiere, and the Finale. There's a noticeable different in his acting ability in the early seasons and the later ones. Physically, he also matured a huge amount and whilst he had very much a young teenage look in Season 1, by Season 10 he was definitely looking more like Superman than Superboy.

I've got a lot of respect for actors who don't just pick up a paycheque and then head home, or to a party to get high, or whatever they happen to do outside their job. Tom put in a huge amount of hours on the show from day one, and many other actors on the show have mentioned in interviews how hard he worked - above and beyond what he was required to do. And then to top it off, he took on an executive producer role after sitting in production meetings (which he wasn't really meant to be at) at the back of the room just to get some experience. The guy really did just live, work and breathe Smallville for 10 years.

I also think that he's carried the Superman mantle with a lot of dignity in his personal life, just as many of the other Superman actors have done before him. No scandals, happily married, pleasant and nice guy from all accounts. Gives a lot to charities in his spare time but keeps it very low key - there was a story one time about how him and his wife spend a few thousand on Xmas presents every year for a children's charity, but they always do it very discreetly and avoid publicity over it.

So, thumbs up for Mr Welling - if I ever bumped into him in a bar, he's one of the few celebs I'd be honoured to buy a beer. I hope he's successful in whatever future projects he's involved in.

[Webhead2006]

Totally he grow and matured well, and then also became a good director and producer.

[Indy1Jones]

I don't care what some people say, Tom Welling was awesome in the role of the last son of Krypton.

I agree 100%

[Indy1Jones]

I enjoyed tom as clark.

[The Incredible Hulk]

funny seems E! is now pimping Tom be cast as the Little Mermaid's Prince Eric in Once Upon a Time.

http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=4025#150910

[Webhead2006]

They have done a bunch of those for possible castings for upon. It would be neat to see him appear on the show.

[fixxxer1022]

i still think the smallville cast should of moved over to the man of steel but oh well.

[SpideyVille]

I love Tom and definitely hoped to see him as Superman on the big screen. But at the same time, I wouldn't want to see it without the rest of the cast.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Tom and Erica as Bonnie and Clyde?

http://www.tvline.com/2012/01/exclusive-lifetime-developing-bonnie-and-clyde-miniseries/

Ausiello is losing his mind....

[Prison Mike]

Any publicity is good publicity I guess...

[AgentPat]

funny seems E! is now pimping Tom be cast as the Little Mermaid's Prince Eric in Once Upon a Time.

http://www.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=4025#150910

Tom and Erica as Bonnie and Clyde?

http://www.tvline.com/2012/01/exclusive-lifetime-developing-bonnie-and-clyde-miniseries/

Ausiello is losing his mind....Not to go all Jack Mercy on people, but where there's smoke, there's usually fire. SV ended a year ago. Despite appearances, randomness like this rarely comes out of the blue. It's likely Welling's agents have been busy.

[SpideyVille]

I really hope we see Tom in something soon.

[Webhead2006]

Ya will be nice to see tom in some other stuff. We know he wanted some time off as he said in interviews when production wrapped. And probably been working on things if his production company trying more things. We just don't know to things become more confirmed and all that.

[lespaul59]

It's still kinda hard to believe Tom has only been in three movie and four tv series. Two of his movies where Cheaper by the Dozen and two of the shows he was on was only one episode each.

[The Incredible Hulk]

He was the lead actor and executive producer of a TV series for 10 years, doesn't leave much time for a lot else.

[CLARKY]

I was wondering something.
In a interview, someone of the show (the last producers I think) mentionned that they had their own idea how to finish the show (with which suit), and that they also had to deal with the original idea of Millar & Gough. I was wondering what was Millar & Gough idea? the red jacket with the "S" or the complete suit? What was the original idea and whose idea is the last one? Does anyoneknow about this?

[Orb]

I was wondering something.
In a interview, someone of the show (the last producers I think) mentionned that they had their own idea how to finish the show (with which suit), and that they also had to deal with the original idea of Millar & Gough. I was wondering what was Millar & Gough idea? the red jacket with the "S" or the complete suit? What was the original idea and whose idea is the last one? Does anyoneknow about this?

Clark flying out of the fortress wearing the Superman suit after training was the original idea.

[Webhead2006]

who knows what gough and millar would have really done. We probably wouldnt have gotten as far as we did if they were still around.

[SpideyVille]

I thought Beeman said that ending with the shirt rip was how they always planned it back when he was always around.

[Prison Mike]

Millar and Gough's original idea was the shirt rip that we got at the very end. It would have been okay if this show ended in season 5...

[Bruce_Begins]

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z90/bruce_begins/940.jpg

I wish that TW would get some more roles in big movies. :dry:

[Webhead2006]

Who's the say he won't now. We have no clues what's his plans with the show over. Maybe he will do some tv spots/films, and probably try again with his production company for another show.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Tom Welling sighting at the Michael Jordan Celebrity Golf Tournament

http://www.justjared.com/2012/04/04/tom-welling-michael-jordan-celebrity-golfer/

http://cdn03.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/welling-jordan/tom-welling-golf-03.JPG

[Prison Mike]

Digging the beard. :up:

[Webhead2006]

Very cool hasn't he done a few stuff like this before.

[elgaz]

Yeah he must be a golfer. Funny, Smallville was on TV (repeat) the other day and I was wondering to myself what Welling's been doing since it ended, haven't heard any movie or TV news concerning him.

[Bruce_Begins]

So, he is no longer interested in being a producer / director / actor ?

[elgaz]

Maybe he's just taking some time out, he worked crazy long hours on Smallville for 10 years

[SpideyVille]

Tom was always a private person, so its not shocking to see him off the radar.

However, my only concern is if he's having trouble finding work since Smallville ended and Hellcats was cancelled. I hope he's got something else lined up.

[Webhead2006]

Guys just because we haven't heard of him doing things doesn't mean he isn't developing or working on stuff. For all we know he could be working on things. Just isn't in any filming/producing stage.

Plus second when the show wrapped last april. Tom did mention he wanted to take some time off. To just relax and unwind. After working on the show for ten yrs, working 6 days a week, 16 hr days, for x amount of months per yr. So he probably taken the time since then for that. Spending time with his wife, family.

Also look at other actors who take a break from tv/film work. They could just step away from things for a yr or two and then come back and have like 5 or 6 different things going.

[The Incredible Hulk]

maybe Tom became a Doomsday Prepper lol

[Webhead2006]

Lol hulk that's a good one.

[The Incredible Hulk]

And the "Cast Tom Welling as the JLA Superman" articles start up again...

http://www.flavorwire.com/297175/lets-cast-the-justice-league-movie


Our pick, truth be told, is kind of a predictable one: Tom Welling played Clark Kent for ten years on TV’s Smallville, and did it well. If Justice League does end up disconnected from Man of Steel, casting Welling may be the closest thing Warner Brothers has to an Avengers-style connection to their film.

[SpideyVille]

And the "Cast Tom Welling as the JLA Superman" articles start up again...

http://www.flavorwire.com/297175/lets-cast-the-justice-league-movie
Yes!!!! I love the endless rumors and speculation of things that are claimed to be true even though they never really happened or were said! :awesome:

[elgaz]

And here we go again ................. lol

I'm a Welling fan, and was a supporter back in the day, but I think his time has passed tbh. Surely if they go down the JLA route they'll use Cavill in some manner, rather than having two completely different Supermen on big screens in the same era? And also, if they go with Welling, people may mistakenly assume we're getting Smallville the movie.

[Rockstar]

Tom Welling as Superman.

From the genius who brought you Daniel Radcliffe as Batman.

[Webhead2006]

As nice as tom in jl film would be. The smart business move is if and that is a big if with wb. That if jl does actually get off the ground in next few yrs. It should bbe cavill. More so if mos is a successful film.

[Young Superman]

Tom Welling and Christopher Reeve are my favorite actors who have played The Last Son of Krypton.

[Indy1Jones]

Tom Welling and Christopher Reeve are my favorite actors who have played The Last Son of Krypton.

Me too.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Smallville's Clark Kent one of TV's Top 50 Sci Fi Characters

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/08/01/tvs-top-50-sci-fi-characters-mr-spock-starbuck-and-tobor/#/10

[Young Superman]

That's awesome.

[Pepsiguy2]

Has Tom done anything?

[Webhead2006]

That is pretty sweet deal for tom to make the list. As to your question pepsi I don't think I heard of him doing much aas of late besides earlier in summer did charity/celeb golf thing. As for worrk just cause we don't hear anything doesn't mean tom may not be doing anything. If he still doing things for the production company he formed he could be developing new shows. I would also love to see him some day do a guest spot in any shows, and maybe direct for some shows like spn. Plus also since the show wrapped last year it was said he wanted time off to relax/and spend time with family. Look at other actors/etc... that take time off for a bit between work and then come back. Just look at how much time and effort he put into sv for ten yrs. But again I would like to see him dab into more acting/directing.

[Young Superman]

Shout out to one of my favorite versions of The Last Son of Krypton.:yay: I will never understand why some people hate him so much.:huh::csad:

[Young Superman]

In my opinion, Tom's physique looked it's best during Smallville, Season 4, Episode 8: "Spell". When Clark's chained up by the witches Welling's physique looks it's most "Supermanish" out of the whole series.

[Bruce_Wayne29]

I'm crossing my fingers for a different Superman for JLA and for Tom to get the job. Especially now that WB won the lawsuit, maybe they'll return to the classic look on the JLA movie. It will be a good way to give the fans who aren't interested or don't relate to Cavill's Nolanized Superman, another choice. Tom's Superman JLA connection on the show may prove to be an advantage in him getting the gig. It would also give Warner a safety net on a movie that aside from the brand name is not having much credibility with the fans, with the whole going after Marvel without separate movies being released, no real strategy and even the rumors of them going back to the Miller cast which was never a popular choice, etc....

[SpideyVille]

The big question that has never been answered is did/does Tom even want to wear a costume?

I still believe the answer was and still is no, which is why, sadly, we'll never see him as Superman. A shame though, because he played one hell of a Clark Kent.

[elgaz]

I think that ship sailed a long time ago to be honest. Tom was reluctant to even wear the suit in the Smallville finale, and he's done 10 years of Clark Kent. I'm a fan and I'd like to see it happen, but I think there's no hope at this point, realistically.

[SpideyVille]

According to his unofficial facebook page, this is a recent photo of Tom. I don't know legit it is considering its a fan page, or where it's from, but he doesn't really look the same to me here. He almost looks more generic.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/404341_10151096814103683_783460908_n.jpg

EDIT: Here's another. Apparently this was earlier in the month.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/299390_10151096819708683_493454671_n.jpg

[elgaz]

Tom's had his hair longer for as long as I can remember, I always wondered what he'd look like with it cut short or shaved but knew they would never do it whilst he was playing a young Clark on Smallville. He looks about 25 in that top pic, not 35.

[Bruce_Begins]

EDIT: Here's another. Apparently this was earlier in the month.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/299390_10151096819708683_493454671_n.jpg

He looks sad. :csad:

I wonder where his career headed ?

[elgaz]

He was given a desk in the WB lot not long before Smallville ended, so after his role as an exec producer on Smallville (and also directing a couple of episodes), and his work on Hellcats, he's probably doing more stuff behind the scenes.

I don't think his career has went anywhere as such, the guy did crazy long days working on Smallville for 10 years so is probably taking a well deserved year out.

[Binker]

Here's a question: as the show was closing, the suit was seen, it was the SR suit/prop. The reason why it was chosen was because the producers felt that the SR suit, or the Routh suit, fit more with their universe than the Reeve suit, which was another choice and one fans brought up as well because the SR suit was for Brandon Routh, and was felt that Routh's suit wouldn't fit Welling.

My question is: the Reeve suit would fit Welling, but not fit the universe; the Routh suit did fit the universe, but not Welling; what about the Dean Cain suit from Lois & Clark?

Yeah, the suit is divided between fans in terms of quality, but unlike the Routh suit, the Cain suit did look like it was homeamde as the origin of the suit itself from the show. Plus, unlike the Routh suit, did sport a yellow "S". Other fixes would've been easy I think, because I think they would just change the belt to something "normal" like a black one with a gold buckle (giving it a Golden Age feel).

So, what of it? Could that have worked better or not, and yes this is a Welling thread, so would he have been able to wear that suit, or willing to do so?

[Bruce_Begins]

Smallville series was loosely inspied by Donner's take, so the Suit was of alien origin given to Clark in Fortress, it was not home made like Lois and Clark series suit.

So they has two options either use Reeve suit or SR suit. Dean Cain's suit (Lois and Clark) was out of question.

Creative team decided to use SR suit as Welling was going to be shown in CGI- Superman in the finale. (IMO.)

[ironman29758]

Smallville series was loosely inspied by Donner's take, so the Suit was of alien origin given to Clark in Fortress, it was not home made like Lois and Clark series suit.

So they has two options either use Reeve suit or SR suit. Dean Cain's suit (Lois and Clark) was out of question.

Creative team decided to use SR suit as Welling was going to be shown in CGI- Superman in the finale. (IMO.)

Actually kind of this. Smallville has a lot of Donner/Singer inspiration(Superman returns S is official House of El symbol, etc) and even though Martha made the costume(out of homemade materials or kryptonian blankets) it would make more sense to use a Superman Returns like costume instead of the Dean Cain or Christopher Reeve costume.

[gohei_]

He looks like CHris Evans up there.
And regarding the suit, the one that Jonathan holds in his arms in the finale looks a lot different, and better, then the SR suit shown in the ice.

[Llama_Shepherd]

The Superman suits Smallville actually made looked really bad I thought. The unworn prop looked like masses of cheap rubber, and the shirt they made was much superior, but still very underwhelming, given the TV budget.

[Spider-Fan83]

it is rather surprising that he hasn't done anything since smallville ended...

I would imaged that during the making of the show his availability was rather limited in-between his shooting schedule of the show (plus not being able to change his looks drastically for other roles...)

but once his schedule freed up, you'd think he'd get more offers, or gone to some auditions...

I get the impression that he's purposely taking a break

[B]

Based upon what I've read over the years during Smallville, I get the impression that Tom Welling liked the production side of things more than the actual in front of the camera side of things so it wouldn't surprise me to see him involved more with the production of other TV shows in the future as opposed to him going on to do other acting roles.

The last time I read something regarding what was next for Tom Welling post-Smallville & what he wanted to do next he was planning on taking time off to be with his wife & wanted to start a family.

Unsurprising really given that he supposedly worked 12+ hours a day, 7 days a week, virtually all year round for the best part of 10/11 years. It would be no real shock to me if I didn't hear a thing about Tom Welling again for another 3 or 4 years if he is planning on starting a family with his wife.

[Showtime]

I'd like to see him in a cameo role on Arrow. Not necessarily has Clark, just a role.

[Deathstroke]

I'd like to see him in a cameo role on Arrow. Not necessarily has Clark, just a role.


I'd rather Arrow avoid any ties to Smallville. It's doing fine as its own thing.

[Binker]

Didn't know where to put this, but inspired by the New 52, I'm sure:
http://www.deviantart.com/download/337262813/superman_by_nellycooke-d5kspnh.jpg

[Young Superman]

Cool

[SpideyVille]

I know that this is a fan-made account, but I saw this on Facebook and thought it was just ironic.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/irony.jpg

[Dagoods]

According to his unofficial facebook page, this is a recent photo of Tom. I don't know legit it is considering its a fan page, or where it's from, but he doesn't really look the same to me here. He almost looks more generic.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/404341_10151096814103683_783460908_n.jpg

EDIT: Here's another. Apparently this was earlier in the month.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/299390_10151096819708683_493454671_n.jpg

He looks younger than Cavill :wow::wow::wow:

[ChiefOlsen!]

Hi ya'll!! I wanted to share this somewhere on the Smallville forums and since the video features my Tom Welling Superman figure, I thought here would be a good place!!

Me as JIMMY OLSEN in IGN's newest Episode of GEEK LOVE! Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXvsxNhoRw&list=SP99PCYdTX-vcCIJx4McZceyvt0I1WScfO&index=4

[Young Superman]

Hi ya'll!! I wanted to share this somewhere on the Smallville forums and since the video features my Tom Welling Superman figure, I thought here would be a good place!!

Me as JIMMY OLSEN in IGN's newest Episode of GEEK LOVE! Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXvsxNhoRw&list=SP99PCYdTX-vcCIJx4McZceyvt0I1WScfO&index=4


This is cool.


P.S I love your avatar, and Welling as Superman fanart SpideyVille.

[The Caped Knight]

Hi ya'll!! I wanted to share this somewhere on the Smallville forums and since the video features my Tom Welling Superman figure, I thought here would be a good place!!

Me as JIMMY OLSEN in IGN's newest Episode of GEEK LOVE! Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXvsxNhoRw&list=SP99PCYdTX-vcCIJx4McZceyvt0I1WScfO&index=4

Awesome Welling Superman figure Olsen. Good luck on finding the right Supergirl for you man.

[SpideyVille]

Hi ya'll!! I wanted to share this somewhere on the Smallville forums and since the video features my Tom Welling Superman figure, I thought here would be a good place!!

Me as JIMMY OLSEN in IGN's newest Episode of GEEK LOVE! Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnXvsxNhoRw&list=SP99PCYdTX-vcCIJx4McZceyvt0I1WScfO&index=4
That was you! :wow:

I saw it the other day and I just love that series. I could really relate, so best of luck in your search. Great Superman stuff you have btw :awesome::up:

P.S I love your avatar, and Welling as Superman fanart SpideyVille.
Thanks. I don't think I posted the full thing on this board yet. So here it is. It's also in the style of Gary Frank's cover for the Secret Origin hardcover.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/J-Rod_007/SupermanShirtRipfinalfinal3_zps2eb6b63d.jpg

[JosephCAW]

He looks younger than Cavill :wow::wow::wow:

HA I was thinking the same thing :woot:

[elgaz]

*edited*

It appears the photo above of Tom Welling with his head shaved isn't real, it's a chop of a Rick Malambri pic - here's the original

http://cdn04.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2010/08/rick-malambri-interview-magazine.jpg

[SpideyVille]

Interesting ... Could explain why he looked younger in that pic.

[The Incredible Hulk]

Welling cast in JFK feature alongside Paul Giamatti and Billy Bob Thornton. Tom Hanks is producing. This is a pretty BIG deal! :up:

http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/smallvilles-tom-welling-joins-jfk-pic-parkland/

[Johnny]

Good for him. I guess he took a deserved break from acting for 2 years. It's awesome to come back in a big movie.

[vantheman77]

About time for TW as that 2-year hiatus was well-worth it.

[The Caped Knight]

Great Tribute to Welling as Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman for 10 years
ispPwr4eFRc
http://youtu.be/ispPwr4eFRc

[Indy1Jones]

Great Tribute to Welling as Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman for 10 years
ispPwr4eFRc
http://youtu.be/ispPwr4eFRc

Great tribute.

[gohei_]

Nice to see him back in acting. Really hope to see him make more movies from now on.

[elgaz]

A recent shot of Welling (a real one this time!) with the new haircut.

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/1~12.jpg

[Johnny]

Is he starting to go grey on the temple? He is like Hal Jordan in the early 90s lol. Maybe it's just the light though.

[KalKai]

http://i.imgur.com/6TghZnK.jpg

[KalKai]

http://i.imgur.com/OGDc5kF.jpg

[The Boy Scout]

Is it just me, or does it look like his hairline is receding at the temples?

[elgaz]

I think it's just the low quality of that photo directly above. His hairline looks normal in the other two.

[SpideyVille]

His hairline has actually been receding for a while now. You could easily see it in the last season or two when his hair was more to the side.

[clark_kent]

If you love Smallville/Tom Welling check out my new video! http://youtu.be/x2JGboJD1Ak

[elgaz]

His hairline has actually been receding for a while now. You could easily see it in the last season or two when his hair was more to the side.
Can't say I see much of a difference myself

Welling in 2006
http://cdn01.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/tom_welling_cw_launch_party/tom-welling-cw-launch-party-03.jpg

Welling in 2011
http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/21600000/comic-con-tom-welling-21652021-936-1222.jpg

[elgaz]

Pic of Parkland cast having a meeting

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/3~13.jpg

[Milos]

A recent shot of Welling (a real one this time!) with the new haircut.

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/1%7E12.jpg


He looks so old, and all that gray hair! No me gusta!

[snyderrocks]

tom welling thank you for not passing up the role of a life time the whole 10 season run was amazing and congrats to you for being cast in parkland .

[Johnny]

Um no, he doesn't look old. Look at the other picture above.

[WarriorDreamer]

Wow, the haircut looks a lot different on him! But he still looks pretty young in the face. He's one of those people who will always look 5+ years younger than he really is.

[elgaz]

Another few recent candids. I look forward to seeing him in Parkland, it's been a while since he played anything other than Clark Kent.

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/normal_01~2.jpg

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/0.jpg

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/4~5.jpg

[elgaz]

Dude looks so different with his hair buzzed. Looks like he's lost a fair bit of weight since the end of Smallville too

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ldeventstom_28129.jpg

http://tomwellingfansite.com/photos/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ldeventstom_28629.jpg