Here We Go Again Part 3: New Welling As Superman Rumors?

[Hush]

Snyder wants new and fresh, nothing would be more new or fresh than Welling in a Superman suit for once.

 

[MJZ]

At this point we don't know anything so you can't really rule anything out. Sure it might be a bit of a longshot that they'd want TW but you never know. The timing is so interesting that right as SV is coming to a close the new Superman film has been fast-tracked and will deal with a younger Superman in the early days of his career. It is not out of line to think that the same thought we all have is occurring to the movie people, whether it will come to pass or not.

 

[Mach2Infinity]

I'm fully aware.

I already said so:

He was only cast by Bryan Singer due to his likeness to Christopher Reeve as you know.

It's not exactly a secret that I've always favored Welling for Superman.
Would I like to see it happen? No doubt about it, but I am just as optimistic about an unknown, and I would be willing to give anyone a chance as long as they fill the requirements. The physicality is a must. Reeve was asked this question once and he said that Superman was 70% appearance and 30% acting, and I agree with him. If they get some dude that doesn't have the proper look, that superman is shot to hell from the get go.
Wellings biggest advantage is his look. He has an undeniably terrific look that's a mixture of classic and modern that suits Superman in a great way. And his physicality is just amazing, and he's not even that ripped, he's just big boned.Acting wise, he's not oscar worthy that's for sure, but has a certain thing about him that's calming, there's a reassuring quality in his presence that fits superman down to perfection. He's shown he can do the action and heroics very very well, and the mild mannered reporter is also conveyed well by him. This is someone you put in a Times magazine all bloody in a torn suit, with the tagline "He's back with a vengeance" and it would pique peoples interest like never before, because he's very marketable, and has aged very well, in fact, put enough make up him and with the right lighting you could very well shoot his early college years with great conviction. Superman is tough one to cast and and Snyder will come to understand this the hard way through the auditions.
Smallville is far from perfect but I have enjoyed it tremendously over the years and I can't wait for the series finale, even though it will be bitter sweet.

Of course I'm open to the possibility that they'll cast a different actor for the film role and as there's strict requirements for the role, I expect them to be thorough with the audition process and not hand out the role to someone with whom they've worked before as a personal favour. The good thing is Welling has given a 10-year audition to them and he has shown glimpses of what he can do as the elder Clark Kent and by the end of "Smallville" I imagine Superman too. His physique is obvious to see and while he isn't 'ripped' as you say, he's got a fair bulk on him and all he'd need to do is just tone up a little if one wanted a suit that accentuated all his muscular tone. The question of his age and looks is an important one, we want someone with a good deal of longevity who would make at least three films and possibly more if Warner Brothers want to do a "Justice League" film. Of course this isn't a problem for Welling and it's why he'd be perfect. If he was considered for the last film then I can't imagine he won't be given a shot with the new film. It doesn't mean it would be a certified casting for Welling but it would give us hope, which is what Superman does! Going on the point you made about the marketability of Welling. It doesn't matter if one is a fan of "Smallville" or not, he's instantly recognisable as Clark Kent and that makes it much easier to market him as Superman. People will accept him because they'll know he has inhabited the role for such a long time. It's funny how the 10-year span of "Smallville" mirrors the 10 years of training Clark Kent undertakes before becoming Superman. He is now ready. I really hope the rumours that Natalie Portman is considered for the role of Lois Lane is completely unfounded, otherwise she'll be a Kate Bosworth Mk.2.

if Tom Welling doesn't get the film role. Does anyone think that a "Metropolis" series would be likely? Given that the film series will have been revived and they could be deemed as competing against one another.

 

[Superman]

Me either....I mean there has been hundreds of posts about how Routh talk goes in Superman Forum and Welling talk goes in Smallville forum....but yet, here we are again.......


People...if you don't want people dissing on Welling over there, do not piss them off by dissing Routh over there.

It's very simple.

I like them both so I'm good either way.

 

[Webhead2006]

Smooth I keep saying fresh because I believe it would be for the best to start clean and build from the ground up. No ties to the past(besides some noda here/there) and let the next cast become there own characters. Also looking at leads snyder and nolan have picked bale/caine/freeman/butler/halelty. I am sure they will cast this superman well. Plus with nolan on board. I am sure we will get more actors on board who in the past wouldn't bother with a comicbook movie.

 

[Bruce_Wayne29]

New poll: http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/who-should-play-superman/question-1288813/

 

[Last Kryptonian]

Thanks for posting that link Bruce Wayne 29! Awesome. I vote for TOM!

 

[elgaz]

Wellings biggest advantage is his look. He has an undeniably terrific look that's a mixture of classic and modern that suits Superman in a great way. And his physicality is just amazing, and he's not even that ripped, he's just big boned.Acting wise, he's not oscar worthy that's for sure, but has a certain thing about him that's calming, there's a reassuring quality in his presence that fits superman down to perfection. He's shown he can do the action and heroics very very well, and the mild mannered reporter is also conveyed well by him. This is someone you put in a Times magazine all bloody in a torn suit, with the tagline "He's back with a vengeance" and it would pique peoples interest like never before, because he's very marketable, and has aged very well, in fact, put enough make up him and with the right lighting you could very well shoot his early college years with great conviction. Superman is tough one to cast and and Snyder will come to understand this the hard way through the auditions.
Smallville is far from perfect but I have enjoyed it tremendously over the years and I can't wait for the series finale, even though it will be bitter sweet.

Very well put.

The Superman casting thread has a lot of choices, it's just a shame that due to the bickering they've banned any mention of Welling or Routh.

I don't have a particular favourite for the Superman role - I'm trying to keep an open mind. If going for a brand new Superman with a new look totally distanced from the Donner films, I like Joe Manganiello for the role - big guy, great build, a bit different facially from previous incarnations but could still carry off a fresh Superman look.

If they recast Routh, or decided to go with Welling, I'd be happy with either - although they look very different, both plainly have that 'look' and qualities that a Superman actor needs. Although Routh had to work at his physique very hard (and was dedicated in doing so), Welling - as previously stated - is just a naturally big guy with huge arms and shoulders and the potential to build on that even more with some gymn time. Out of all the actors who have played Superman or been touted for the role, he probably has the most natural 'strong farmboy' look.

Manganiello, Routh and Welling may not rank among the greatest actors on the planet, but they all have one thing in common - a passion for the Superman role. And I think that no matter what their limits are acting wise, with the right direction and a hunger to make the role work, they will go above and beyond what is required of them.

Manganiello has been shown in interviews a few times saying how he's been a huge fan of Superman since a young age and would love a shot at the role.

Routh worked hard at the role, is proud of it and whether you like him or not, he's been a great ambassador for the Superman role - he has no dirty baggage, is a nice guy and clearly respects the message that the Superman symbol sends.

And as for Welling .......... what can we say that we don't already know. 10 years in the lead role on Smallville, Executive Producer also, very private guy, hugely invested in the Clark Kent character (and by association, Superman) and pretty much unanimously described by his Smallville castmates as a workaholic who cares greatly about his role. And as far as being a nice guy goes, this is the guy who was 'exposed' by a paper somewhere when they found out him and his wife spend thousands on gifts for a children's charity every Xmas but do so under the radar and want no credit for it.

So yeah, Tom Welling will likely never get the kind of acting respect that Jon Hamm seems to get. But do we need someone with oscar-winning potential to play Superman? Would Hamm have the same passion for the role? Does Hamm have the look at all?

Of course I don't want a rubbish actor in the Superman role, but as long as the guy can act convincingly, he doesn't have to be the absolute best out there.

 

[annie.j88]

if he already weren't on smallville, i'd say cast him, he really does look and act the part but i think deep down, we all know that this is a reboot so i think it's highly unlikely that welling will get the role as i said on the brandon routh thread, it will just confuse the GA.

they are starting anew, so why cast anyone who has anything to do with past incarnations of superman, it just doesn't make sense

 

[Zing79]

I just walked out of a marketing meeting, and upon coming on here had myself a mini-revelation.

There is a very strong case to be made that Smallville and its fans had a rather HUGE impact on SRs performance and it will likely have an impact on the next film as well.

Everyone always likes to point out (as a negative) that the Smallville fanbase is only a few million. That the General Audience (GA) is so much bigger, and that the SV audience really can't have an impact on the movie's overall performance. I HIGHLY disagree, and there's years and years of evidence and market research to back up the claim.

Negative word of mouth doesn't have to happen AFTER you've done something you know? With most movies the negative WOM comes after the studio has made its cash (in most instances). But with SV around you have to consider that negative WOM could start well before the movie comes out.

I will not deny that with SR, they literally did everything humanly possible to piss me off as an SV fan. A mediocre choice who looked brutal in the costume when those first pics came out. They did nothing to appease me or the millions of hardcore SV fans. Conversely I had ZERO issue telling anyone that was willing to listen that I wasn't going to see the movie, and railed against the thing every chance I got. I'm sure many of the hardcore SV fans did the same.

It's safe to peg the hardcore fan base (worldwide) as at least 10 million. Do any search on the net for word of mouth advertising and the general rule of thumb is 1 person can promote to 10 others. You do that math for a second and tell me SV's audience has no effect on the B.O. performance of the Superman movie.

I can guarantee you if they make the same mistake again. (Not cast Welling. Give me a worse option. Put him in a crappy suit), I'll do what I did last time (again)! I'll rail against the movie; to anyone that will listen, and I'm equally sure that will impact the movies performance.

Again, you can tell yourself whatever you want. But nothing - NOTHING - beats WOM. Period. Not your opinions, not money spent marketing - you cannot beat it.

So tell me again, how not casting Welling and potentially pissing off 3 million American's - who will ***** to 10 of their friends won't have an impact on a movies bottom line?

This isn't a situation where you don't know how they'll react. You know they'll be less likely to watch the new Superman movie, and they'll likely affect other peoples drive to want to see it as well.

What's worse? Confusing the GA who's never seen Smallville, but can be promoted to (both with advertising and WOM), or pissing off a group that isn't likely to be won over with any amount of advertising and will in-turn pass that negative buzz around to anyone willing to listen?

In conclusion: If WB has any sense in their brains they'll take a serious look towards Welling.

 

[ZIPBAGS]

we all know that this is a reboot so i think it's highly unlikely that welling will get the role as i said on the brandon routh thread, it will just confuse the GA.

they are starting anew, so why cast anyone who has anything to do with past incarnations of superman, it just doesn't make sense

You are assuming that most of the GA knows who Tom is..Let alone know about Smallville. The average audience for Smallville is under 3 million. Big shows get over 10 million. So its not like Smallville is a big name show that every knows about. Like I have said before. Most people if you ask who Tom Welling is won't know. And if they do. They will say he is on that show about Superman. So even if they do a complete reboot in the movie and Tom is cast. It won't matter. Since most people wouldn't know anything about what happened on Smallville. And those fans that do will...Won't care that much because they are excited to see TW on the big screen as Supes.

 

[triplet]

I just walked out of a marketing meeting, and upon coming on here had myself a mini-revelation.

There is a very strong case to be made that Smallville and its fans had a rather HUGE impact on SRs performance and it will likely have an impact on the next film as well.

Everyone always likes to point out (as a negative) that the Smallville fanbase is only a few million. That the General Audience (GA) is so much bigger, and that the SV audience really can't have an impact on the movie's overall performance. I HIGHLY disagree, and there's years and years of evidence and market research to back up the claim.

Negative word of mouth doesn't have to happen AFTER you've done something you know? With most movies the negative WOM comes after the studio has made its cash (in most instances). But with SV around you have to consider that negative WOM could start well before the movie comes out.

I will not deny that with SR, they literally did everything humanly possible to piss me off as an SV fan. A mediocre choice who looked brutal in the costume when those first pics came out. They did nothing to appease me or the millions of hardcore SV fans. Conversely I had ZERO issue telling anyone that was willing to listen that I wasn't going to see the movie, and railed against the thing every chance I got. I'm sure many of the hardcore SV fans did the same.

It's safe to peg the hardcore fan base (worldwide) as at least 10 million. Do any search on the net for word of mouth advertising and the general rule of thumb is 1 person can promote to 10 others. You do that math for a second and tell me SV's audience has no effect on the B.O. performance of the Superman movie.

I can guarantee you if they make the same mistake again. (Not cast Welling. Give me a worse option. Put him in a crappy suit), I'll do what I did last time (again)! I'll rail against the movie; to anyone that will listen, and I'm equally sure that will impact the movies performance.

Again, you can tell yourself whatever you want. But nothing - NOTHING - beats WOM. Period. Not your opinions, not money spent marketing - you cannot beat it.

So tell me again, how not casting Welling and potentially pissing off 3 million American's - who will ***** to 10 of their friends won't have an impact on a movies bottom line?

This isn't a situation where you don't know how they'll react. You know they'll be less likely to watch the new Superman movie, and they'll likely affect other peoples drive to want to see it as well.

What's worse? Confusing the GA who's never seen Smallville, but can be promoted to (both with advertising and WOM), or pissing off a group that isn't likely to be won over with any amount of advertising and will in-turn pass that negative buzz around to anyone willing to listen?

In conclusion: If WB has any sense in their brains they'll take a serious look towards Welling.

Excellent points.

I think WOM being poison if there are negatives is true.

Think about: if you get lousy service or food at restaurant, how many people do you talk to about it?

Yet, if you have great food or service, how many people do you talk to about that?

In one customer service seminar I took for a hotel I was working at the guy running it said a good experience will be repeated by WOM to only one or two people, but a bad experience will be repeated up to 15 times...

Personally, I told everyone who asked what I thought of the film after seeing it.

I think Word of Mouth is huge for this kind of film.

 

[Mikelus]

What's worse? Confusing the GA who's never seen Smallville, but can be promoted to (both with advertising and WOM), or pissing off a group that isn't likely to be won over with any amount of advertising and will in-turn pass that negative buzz around to anyone willing to listen?

In conclusion: If WB has any sense in their brains they'll take a serious look towards Welling.

I would like to see Tom, but if they cast another actor that is perfect for the role and the movie is really good, plus Nolan being involved won't hurt the marketing buzz either, then success is more than likely, doesn't matter how some fans may feel, that's how it works in reality.

 

[Webhead2006]

I still think nolan and snyder will find a good cast. They have done well with leads in past films and they know who and what the character is. So I hope they find the best person suited for the qualities they are going for. Then of course being a decent actor and right look.

 

[darkzombiemutt]

I think hiring Routh is a bigger problem then Welling. With Smallville, you have a a general superman backstory that can be ignored or embraced, With Routh you have the whole Superman has a kid problem thats not as easily dismissed. Could you do it? Sure, but why would you want to make a new movie with that monkey on your back?

 

[Webhead2006]

That is why this film needs to be a clean break and start fresh. And get it to the masses this is all new film not assoicated or connected to past movies or even smallville. Superman on film needs a new start.

 

[AgentPat]

I think we as fans have a tendency to oversimplify what appears on the surface to be an obvious decision, particularly when it comes to casting. About half-way through SV's fifth season, Eric Durance was asked if she'd want to play Lois in a Superman film. She said sure, but she wouldn't do it without Welling. While that's wonderful praise for a coworker, it wasn't the most interesting part of her response. She also said it's much more complicated than that and really doesn't work that way anyway. Welling had a similar response recently when he said he's always been open to it, but it's complicated (paraphrasing.)

For example:

• Would Gough and Millar need to be paid anything, before, during or after? Note that their names are still associated with SV in the show's credits, they're still being paid royalties, and they were responsible for casting Welling - and Durance too for that matter. $$
• Would the current producers of SV need to be involved contractually? $$
• Would Nolan as producer be "ok" with dishing out a higher salary for Welling than a potential unknown actor? This applies to any known actor of course - even Routh - but it's still part of the budget. Depending on the actor, it could be a big deal. $$
• What are the studio's goals for the film? I'm not just talking box office profits here. How would these goals be affected by cross pollinating SV and Superman film franchises?
• Does the imposed legal deadline for the start of the film's production hinder the production of either the film or SV? Basically, is it a moot point if the actor cast as Superman in the film has to be on the set and ready before SV has completed its production?
• Would everybody involved (actors, writers, producers, studio, GA, etc) be "ok" with taking an actor who's played a character one way for 10 years (backstory and characterization) and change it to fit the new story, which we all know WILL be different? This is the most intangible question and will have a different answer depending upon who you ask.
• And finally, are there egos involved? Yes, that's a rhetorical question.

These were just a few questions off the top of my head. I'm not in the motion picture business and don't know all of the road blocks that would need to be overcome, but I do know some of them are apparently immense. This is confirmed every time an actor is pushed for a response about taking his/her role to film: it's a lot more complicated than that. There are a boatload of creative and monetary considerations that we as fans either wax over or are simply not privy to because they're not our problems.

 

[Zing79]

I would like to see Tom, but if they cast another actor that is perfect for the role and the movie is really good, plus Nolan being involved won't hurt the marketing buzz either, then success is more than likely, doesn't matter how some fans may feel, that's how it works in reality.

You know...you could have repeated that exact quote a few years ago in relation to SR.

By all means produce one instance where a comic book movie had an AAA hero, with nothing but glowing reviews from critics as it launched and FAILED to live up to it's financial expectations.

It hasn't happened before or after SR.

I think everyone is forgetting that little nugget. Superman is an AAA character. His most recent movie was reviewed sky high. Yet, somehow, inexplicably it failed to meet expectations.

I state again - do not under-estimate the bad WOM that will come from casting someone who doesn't make people forget about Welling.

 

[annie.j88]

You are assuming that most of the GA knows who Tom is..Let alone know about Smallville. The average audience for Smallville is under 3 million. Big shows get over 10 million. So its not like Smallville is a big name show that every knows about. Like I have said before. Most people if you ask who Tom Welling is won't know. And if they do. They will say he is on that show about Superman. So even if they do a complete reboot in the movie and Tom is cast. It won't matter. Since most people wouldn't know anything about what happened on Smallville. And those fans that do will...Won't care that much because they are excited to see TW on the big screen as Supes.

well that answers half my post, and in that you make a reasonable point, my concern howerver is the fact that nolan and co. stated that this will be a fresh incarnation, having nothing to do with any previous interpretations of superman.

so again i ask, why cast someone in a new franchise who has featured so prominently in the superman mythos for the last ten years??? it doesn't make sense, and just seems highly unlikely...

 

[Mikelus]

You know...you could have repeated that exact quote a few years ago in relation to SR.

By all means produce one instance where a comic book movie had an AAA hero, with nothing but glowing reviews from critics as it launched and FAILED to live up to it's financial expectations.

It hasn't happened before or after SR.

I think everyone is forgetting that little nugget. Superman is an AAA character. His most recent movie was reviewed sky high. Yet, somehow, inexplicably it failed to meet expectations.

I state again - do not under-estimate the bad WOM that will come from casting someone who doesn't make people forget about Welling.

The major problem with SR was not casting TW, it was the script, the movie was lame for trying to imitate the Donnerverse. Also, don't forget many SV fans like Routh too (I'm not one of them though).

 

[Zing79]

The major problem with SR was not casting TW, it was the script, the movie was lame for trying to imitate the Donnerverse. Also, don't forget many SV fans like Routh too (I'm not one of them though).

What you thought of the movie doesn't change the 2 facts I presented. Critics loved it. Superman is a AAA character.

Those two facts have always contributed to box office success. Not before or since SR has it happened. Do not underestimate the idea that poor casting cost the movie mucho money.

And PS. Poor script...rehash...etc. All usually lead to poor critical acclaim, which didn't happen

 

[Webhead2006]

speaking of paid for actor if its someone unknown/semi know i could see them going for what they are doing with the spidey reboot, paying the lead like 500,000 with the option for a couple million/royalities and all that on sequels and all that. Though if they got a bigger known type of guy then yea dude probably going to get a few mill for film.

 

[Karelia]

If what Armie Hammer said was true about them looking for middle aged men to play Superman, Tom is 33.

I wouldn't mind seeing Joe M. casted as Superman. He said himself he wanted to play him, didn't he? -He's pretty much the only name being tossed around I wouldn't mind seeing play Superman aside from Tom.

 

[Webhead2006]

yea i was just reading that bit of news on slash film. was going to post it just now but you beat me to the punch karelia. Though as cool as a mature/middle age supes would be. I just think the studio would want to go younger. You know so you can tie the actors down for a 8-10 yrs deals for sequels in the event film does well enough for it. And not worry said actor like for example hamm being too old by the time a 3rd film rolls around.

Though on the other hand if this film is pretty much wb last shot as we know right now. I guess going mature is there luck at doing a all out film for the character. in the event things go even more south with all the legal issues over the copyright and come 2013 we dont get any more wb superman films.

 

[smooth3006]

right now my TOP choice is tom of course. brandon would be fine too IMO. if they go older it has to be john ham.

/thread!

i still think the only choice for lois is erica but i could live with sophia bush as well. if they go older than courtney cox, bullock or parker would be fine in my book.