The Official Tom Welling Thread

[Gmanofsteel]

I love that his hair has been cut so short now that it no longer covers his ears. I wish it looked like that in the show. though given what we've seen of the new Blur look, we may be getting that. though I have to say Tom's natural hair in that pic above looks far more Superman than the slicked back, Dean Cain hair that it seems were getting.




Steve

someone should manip it using the Jim Lee styled Superman shot

 

[DaJanksta]

His face has really matured over the years.

Yea it got a lot thicker in the cheeks

 

[SpideyVille]

Tom Welling Talks Smallville #200, Darkseid and Lex Luthor

What's to come in the final season?



Smallville achieves an amazing milestone this week, as the series airs its 200th episode. Just how notable is this? Well, at the recent party held to celebrate this accomplishment, Warner Bros. Television's president, Peter Roth, pointed out to me that only 79 scripted TV series in history (and that's among some 200,000 shows!) have reached 200 episodes.

The episode, called "Homecoming," finds Clark and Lois attending a Smallville High 5th year reunion, leading to a look into Clark (and the show's) past – even as the arrival of Brainiac 5 (James Marsters) also gives Clark another glimpse at his future.

Smallville executive producer Brian Peterson told me that crafting this installment, "was hard, because the 100th episode was so iconic and had such a huge gravity to it. We wanted to have something that really had that kind of gravity, but also be a much more uplifting push off, because that's kind of this season – looking back, but also pushing off with hope. I actually think we accomplished it. I think we do. I think everything came together, from the director, who is amazing, to all the actors' performances. They're unbelievable. Everybody just rallied."

Peterson's fellow EP and showrunner, Kelly Souders, added, "You'll have a few moments with some old characters. There's some characters we haven't seen for awhile and it's wonderful to see how they've impacted the show after ten years. So Clark goes on a journey, just by remembering some of his past."


I also had the opportunity to speak to none other than Clark Kent himself, Tom Welling, to find out what he felt about the show reaching its 200th episode and what we might expect, as Smallville heads towards its conclusion next May.

IGN TV: So few shows last ten seasons and 200 episodes. What do you think is the secret to Smallville's success?

Tom Welling: Hard work, dedication and fans. I think those are the elements. That's why we're here tonight.

IGN: As an actor, I imagine it must be pretty amazing to play a character for this length of time and get to show him developing and evolving. Do you ever look back at Season 1 and see how much you've changed?

Welling: It's amusing for me to look back at some of the earlier episodes. I mean, I'm a completely different person, physically and mentally. The times when I catch an old episode, or maybe even put one on as reference for something we're doing now, I can't help but be a little surprised. "Look at that kid! He doesn't know what the hell he's doing!" And that's Clark and me. So I've been able to hopefully grow along with Clark. It's been a good journey for both of us!

IGN: In the season premiere, we saw Clark get closer than ever to his destiny – he nearly puts on the suit. What more do you think he needs to do to be ready?

Welling: Well I think what Clark's going to be dealing with is him being in his own way. I think it's an issue and a dilemma a lot of people are familiar with or at least can relate to, where a lot of times, we're in our own way and preventing ourselves from moving forward with our lives. Clark has to deal with that. He's got everything going for him. Why doesn't he just put it on? And I think that's what he's trying to figure out for himself.

​

IGN: Should we expect to see Lois keeping it to herself that she knows Clark's secret for awhile?

Welling: I think so. Clark doesn't know she knows, so it adds for good drama I think.

IGN: Obviously a lot of people would love to see Lex Luthor again before the end of the series…

Welling: I would! I definitely do!

IGN: Have you talked to Michael [Rosenbaum] about it?

Welling: I text him all the time. I'm directing an episode right now and he was like, "Hey, what are you doing?" I go, "Directing. You should be in this episode!" He's like, "Anything for you." I'm like, "Ah, go to the airport!"

We try! We love him. We can't wait to see him. Our fingers are crossed.

IGN: Can you talk about Clark facing off with Darkseid this season and where that may lead?

Welling: I don't know what the end game is. I know he'll have to face it at some point. It's a huge villain because it's not necessarily something you can beat up or grab or throw or fight. It's something that is deep in the psyche that affects people on a level where they can't just beat it up or be stronger. It's going to be a mental and physical challenge at the same time.

http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/112/1128067p1.html

 

[annie.j88]

i think it's fair to say, if tom welling were texting any one of us all the time , asking us for a favour, we would definatley respond.

sort it out , rosenbaum t:

 

[Webhead2006]

Nice interview with tom.

 

[Serene]

Article about Tom in Variety.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025355.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

Not long after Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders joined the "Smallville" writing staff in the show's second season, they began noticing an unexpected participant in their weekly video meetings with the Vancouver production staff.

Series lead Tom Welling turned up one day unannounced and, afterward, just kept coming back for more.

"We'd be in our windowless room in Los Angeles, look up and notice Tom sitting in the back of the production office in Vancouver," says Souders, who now, with Peterson, acts as the series' producer and showrunner. "It'd be like a wardrobe meeting, something he didn't need to attend. And after that, he was there all the time, no matter what the meeting was about. His interest was piqued."

Welling has played Clark Kent on "Smallville" for 200 episodes, surviving a network merger, a move to Metropolis and numerous threats from a revolving carousel of villains. During his decade on the show, Welling has done no other TV work and acted in just three movies -- the two "Cheaper by the Dozen" comedies and the 2005 remake of John Carpenter's "The Fog."

Instead, Welling has devoted his time and energy to behind-the-scenes aspects of "Smallville," directing episodes and, since season nine, serving as an exec producer.

"The most rewarding aspect of my time on the show has been the opportunity to learn about and experience storytelling," the interview-shy Welling says. "The opportunity to direct has provided valuable insight into the process."

Says Souders: "It sounds odd, but Tom has a great gut. He understands story. He has directed some big episodes for us, but even when he's not directing, we'll often get a phone call from him, either discussing his character or the general concept of an episode. As the season goes along, we sit down with him every quarter and discuss what's coming up, just so that, in his mind, he's able to start prepping for what's going on down the road."

"He loves the prep work," adds Peterson.

So much so that, in addition to his acting, producing and occasional directing duties on "Smallville," Welling is also an exec producer on the CW cheerleading dramedy "Hellcats," currently in its first full season. Welling helped develop the show through his shingle, Tom Welling Prods., and sold it to Warner Bros. Television, the home of "Smallville."

What Welling is sacrificing, apart from sleep, isn't clear.

"I want to do it all -- act, produce and direct," Welling told fans at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego.

Observes Souders: "When you're wearing a lot of different hats, it's hard to keep every aspect of what you're doing fresh. It's really easy to think about one thing -- producing, directing, acting -- and worry about that. But to keep everything in mind at the same time is a real skill set, and Tom has it."

There's also the physicality of the role, Peterson adds, saying Welling always has been willing to do whatever's needed in terms of stunt work.

"You put Tom in the mud, water, flames, harnesses, freezing rain," Peterson says, laughing as he ticking off the list of elements. "He's an absolute trooper to be the single lead of a show where, for 200 episodes, he has done all this gritty stuff."

From Welling, you get the sense of determination and duty, but also an appreciation that he has been able to do it for the past decade.

"Season 10 is a great number," Welling told reporters at the summer TCA tour in Beverly Hills. "I wouldn't have even known what that number meant in season one. (Warner Bros. TV president) Peter Roth told us that this show would go 10 seasons, so he had the vision. Ten is a great number. I will miss everything about being on 'Smallville.' "


Read more: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025355.html?categoryid=14&cs=1#ixzz12RYhYdtg
Visit Variety.com to become a Variety subscriber.

 

[Webhead2006]

Another cool interview. Also some nice insights on tom behind the scenes work and how it came to be.

 

[Red Cherry Lips]

Scanned this from the latest issue of EW.

 

[B]

I understand everyone there apart from Joseph Gordon-Levitt..

If he where cast it would be an insult to the character.

 

[smooth3006]

polls do not mean much to nolan but you know he has to be considering tom welling in some form. the majority of viewers want tom in the movie. i think they would bank big $$ too. t:

 

[Webhead2006]

well he is probably there just cause he is big and popular right now with his current films out and all that. Though ya no way it would be him. OR we could see someone like him rumored to be testing/make it through some casting rounds. Then is knocked out of the running/leaves on his own. Heck look at some of the names who were last possible hal jordans before ryan reynolds scored the role.

 

[triplet]

Scanned this from the latest issue of EW.

Look at Tom in that scan.

Looking at that, who WOULDN'T want him in their movie? He's the best looking guy on that page and probably one of the better actors.... And the only guy on that page that looks big enough to be physically imposing.

polls do not mean much to nolan but you know he has to be considering tom welling in some form. the majority of viewers want tom in the movie. i think they would bank big $$ too. t:

The thing is, after the decade long run of the show and the success of the first few episodes, last night's having the best ratings since they moved to Fridays, I think his profile has only gone up.

Someone on Livejournal posted some scans of the congratulations ads that were placed in this week's Variety for Smallville's 200th episode and several showed Tom prominently and/or mentioned him by name.

With all the press the show has gotten recently, he's got to be in everyone's mind.

I will probably see whomever they cast, it will be a Superman film. I saw Superman Returns in the theatres even though I didn't have high hopes, I was right about how I would feel, btw. I hated it so much I was >< close to walking out, but if Tom is cast I will see the film multiple times in the theatre and buy it on iTunes and Blu-Ray and any other merchandising for it.

I would adore it if they had Tom as an action figure Superman.

I would die happy if that were to happen, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[SuperMike335!!]

I love that his hair has been cut so short now that it no longer covers his ears. I wish it looked like that in the show. though given what we've seen of the new Blur look, we may be getting that. though I have to say Tom's natural hair in that pic above looks far more Superman than the slicked back, Dean Cain hair that it seems were getting.

Steve

I agree 100% that the shorter hair helps his look.

I have said for a while now that they obviously have to do things to make him look younger on the show. One of them was keeping his hair longer to give his face a rounder silhouette.

The new shorter haircut certainly makes him look more masculine.

Not saying he needs a crew cut or anything, but having the hair medium short helps, as the newer shorter version makes his head look more rectangular = more masculine and less boyish.

Which is important if they want him to look like a SuperMAN in the costume.

 

[The Caped Knight]

Tom nailed Mild-Mannered Reporter Clark Kent perfectly. He look great with the glasses

 

[The Caped Knight]

Two Supermen

Michael Daingerfield (Krypto:The Superdog) & Tom Welling (Smallville)

 

[lespaul59]

Do you guys think that Terry McGinnis(Batman from Batman Beyond) looks a little like Tom in the Justice League Unlimited episode Epilogue?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioaOSbH71s&feature=related

The is a good shot of Terry at 1:05.

 

[triplet]

Two Supermen

Michael Daingerfield (Krypto:The Superdog) & Tom Welling (Smallville)

Michael Daingerfield has an awesome speaking voice, he was perfect as Gordon Godfrey.

Wish I'd known he'd played Superman, even as a voice-over actor. I would have mentioned it.

I wonder if they'll try to get Timothy Daly on the show?

That'd be awesome. He was terrific as the voice of Superman in the animated series and the other movies and tv shows he's done since.

 

[Karelia]

Anyone have pics of the progression of Clark Kent's outfits throughout Smallville? From the red jacket blue shirt-Black Suit-To the red jacket?

 

[lespaul59]

Michael Daingerfield has an awesome speaking voice, he was perfect as Gordon Godfrey.

Wish I'd known he'd played Superman, even as a voice-over actor. I would have mentioned it.

I wonder if they'll try to get Timothy Daly on the show?

That'd be awesome. He was terrific as the voice of Superman in the animated series and the other movies and tv shows he's done since.

You also have George Newbern who voiced Superman in Justice League/JL Unlimited, who I also wouldn't mind seeing on SV.

I would like to see WB/DC get Tom to do SM for one of the DTV animated movies. I also think Tom could play Terry McGinnis/Batman in a Batman Beyond movie.

 

[The Caped Knight]

Here triplet

Michael Daingerfield as Superman (0:23 - 0:36)


Full scene (8:59- 10:30)

 

[Young Superman]

In my opinion Tom Welling is Superman. I don't care what anyone says.

 

[triplet]

Here triplet

Michael Daingerfield as Superman (0:23 - 0:36)


Full scene (8:59- 10:30)

Nice find and thanks for the vid, but that show seems stupid even for kids.

It's great in the second video: they put a cape on Krypto and the kid says to the dog (8:40 or so):

"Do you believe it? All we had to do was put a cape on you and everyone thinks you're another dog. It's like you got a secret identity."



Hysterical.

 

[Webhead2006]

yea that krypto toon was for more kiddish then other toons of supes.

 

[The Caped Knight]

Clark Kent Tribute-- Smallville (Seasons 1-9)

 

[DavidB1111]

I would be extremely happy to see Tom Welling play Superman in the movie.

I just hope if they do, they find a good Lois Lane to counter him, if Erica isn't going to be Lois in the movie.

After all, it's all about Chemistry.

That said, Tom Welling is definitely not a man I want to meet in a dark alley.
All the rest on that list, I'd have trouble taking seriously as a threat, with the exception of Brandon Routh.

I'm 6 foot 2, running into people taller than me isn't that common.

Sadly, I also weigh more than anyone on that list. By almost 100 pounds.