The Official Tom Welling Thread

[jas01724]

Here's what I've heard: He didn't want to screentest. If he had screentested, the role would've been his. Any thoughts?

That always sounded way too simple for me... can't place a finger on it, but it seems too easy. There is more to this than meets the eye, no question.

The photographers are too tall? Or they make photos of Welling look too tall? Me confoozed.

Ahem. They need photographers who can shoot those nude scenes from a slightly lower vantage point. His abdomen is all well and good, but, well... *cough*

 

[AgentPat]

That always sounded way too simple for me... can't place a finger on it, but it seems too easy. There is more to this than meets the eye, no question.

Agreed. It's almost laughable. Not wanting to screen test? Meh. There are undoubtedly more details being left out if this was truly one of the bones of contention.

Ahem. They need photographers who can shoot those nude scenes from a slightly lower vantage point. His abdomen is all well and good, but, well... *cough*

[slaps head] Ohhhhh! Got it. [wink wink] LOL

BTW (being serious for a moment - if that's possible considering this line of discussion LOL), I wonder if Tom does a lot of bench presses? I mean, a LOT! He seems to have an unusually deep chest, which is disproportionate to the rest of his body. Kinda odd. Sexy, but odd. Just an observation. Don't beat me up for it.

 

[jas01724]

I wonder if Tom does a lot of bench presses? I mean, a LOT! He seems to have an unusually deep chest, which is disproportionate to the rest of his body. Kinda odd. Sexy, but odd. Just an observation. Don't beat me up for it.

Oh, you mean the "top-heavy" phenomenon that i've mentioned before over on KSite? Where he has almost spindly legs but a HUGE chest? I call it the Weeble effect... Weeble's wobble but don't fall down, or some such nonsense.
Anyhoo, whether or not it's bench presses I couldn't tell ya, but it's definitely something. Looking at his older model pictures, his build is fairly broad boned but very slim and sinewy, like he has trouble putting any real fat or bulk onto his frame. I suspect he finds it pretty difficult to bulk up a lot, just as he probably couldn't get fat even if he wanted to... with a build like that it's quite difficult to build up the legs, and becoming top-heavy is all too common if you do too much cardio and not enough lifting with your legs, which I suspect is his problem.

My build now is similar to his when he was really slim, so I know how difficult it is to put any weight on.

 

[uGa2000]

Where he has almost spindly legs

I don't make it a habit of checking out men's bodies, but with Welling being naked in every other episode, you can't really help it if you watch Smallville. Either way, I certainly wouldn't call Tom Welling's legs spindly. Barney Fife had spindly legs.

Looks pretty well proportioned to me.

He might be slightly larger in the upper body, but here sure isn't spindly. He's pretty good sized man, legs and all. He's no hulking beast. But far larger than Routh.

Although at this point, it doesn't matter one bit. Routh is Superman, for better or worse.

 

[uGa2000]

That said, I am quite interested in discussing why Tom would have dropped out/been kicked out.

Bottom line. Welling did not want to be Superman. He even said as much in interviews. Had no interest in the part. It's a simple as that.

 

[jas01724]

Bottom line. Welling did not want to be Superman. He even said as much in interviews. Had no interest in the part. It's a simple as that.

That's not the bottom line at all, and I'm getting a little bored with the either/or thinking that most seem to have. 99% of people who are asked will say, flat out, that he either did or didn't want it. Read back through my posts and you'll find that i've been quite adamant that he didn't WANT it, but not wanting something doesn't automatically mean that you're going to turn it down out of hand if the offer is good enough.

There's such a thing as being on the fence, not particularly caring either way. If you were to ask Tom, "do you want to do the new Superman movie," I'm sure you'd get a shrug at best, but if you asked him, "would you be willing to do it," you might be surprised by the answer.

And on the legs thing - I'm also bored with people not taking into account exactly what I said when they reply that I'm wrong. The "almost" part of my comment about "almost spindly legs" was there for a reason, that being that no, his legs aren't *actually* spindly, but compared to the rest of his body they sure aren't all that big. It was meant solely as a descriptive comparison, not as statment to be taken literally, hence the inclusion of the qualifier - besides which, the angle of that photo is poor; try looking at a picture viewed from the side, like this one:

He looks like he's about to overbalance. Pat made a fair point that he has a disproportionately large chest, and I'm inclined to agree. It doesn't bother me in any way, but I notice it nonetheless.

 

[Lara]

As I mentioned earlier I think a 3 picture deal would have been a mistake for Tom career wise. Purely as a bussiness decision on the WB's part keeping a sucessful TV show on their network AND signing someone for all 3 pictures probably for less money just makes sense. About Tom's legs I have never seen a man that tall with any larger legs. IMHO I am impressed that they are as large as they are it is very hard for men of that height to have muscular legs as he does. Ok now I have to look closer at his chest to see what I think oh darn......the things I'll do for research =)

 

[jas01724]

IMHO I am impressed that they are as large as they are it is very hard for men of that height to have muscular legs as he does.

Indeed, although as I mentioned before, it's not so much the height as it is his build. If you see a 6'4 man who's built like a sumo wrestler, he will have bigger legs, but many tall men are naturally slim, and as you'd expect the legs follow suit as they're just about the hardest part to really add bulk to. It is impressive that his quads are as big as they are, but it's still a case of chicken legs in comparison to the upper body. His legs are just as toned as the rest of him though...

Personally I preferred it when he had a little less in the chest area.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

He's signed for two, Timstuff.

2 movies: One is Superman, the other is Logan's Run. Singer isnt signed for 2 Supes films

 

[The Sage]

2 movies: One is Superman, the other is Logan's Run. Singer isnt signed for 2 Supes films

That's right, I forgot about Logan's Run.

 

[Bruce_Wayne29]

About the screentest: if we were to believe that he did refuse to test, as I previously stated I agree with him given the fact that he had made an agreement either signed or not that he was gonna play Superman. Given the fact that he almost gave it away at the CCA's I'm pretty sure it was something significant that made him realize that the role was his. After all the problems he and Warner have been having and they always chasing him to do the role and when he does, they go on a nationwide rampage to find an unknown for the same role he's supposed to have been guaranteed to play ? You can talk about how Batman Begins also made ppl sign things in case Warner wanted them but it's not really the same thing because all actors for Batman did the casting at around the same time frame. It was a normal casting from day one. THEY didn't came to Bale (or any other actor for that matter) first, made him agree to play the part and then and only then announce a casting.
To me plain and simple they wanted to secure Welling as the fall back guy in case they didn't found anyone else because they're so eager to make another franchise and make money in an area that Marvel now dominates. The only way they manage to make Tom sign for something was making him believe he was the only one they came to and that the role was his. After that, they could do whatever they wanted and continue with their plan. I can't blame Tom if he refused to screentest after being jerked around like that.
On another note regarding the screentest: if we are to believe every rumour (such as this one where he refused to screentest) we also have to believe that he already did under McG. We all heard like he even did publicity shots for the movie with Beyonce, how he was the one in which the suit looked better and even how in some angles he was resembled Reeve so much it was scary. Just a thought. ;0)

 

[The Sage]

I don't know about that. It's still sketchy. Heck, Welling's involvement in this is sketchy. We know he met with Ratner, possibly tested or refused to test with McG. I'm starting be more inclined with James' theory about him not wanting to do three films. Maybe afterwards, WB decided they wanted to do three instead of two, and Welling decided against it, only was willing to do two, and they parted ways cleanly.

Still weird.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

I think WB should just be hoping that the first one does well at this point, before they start worrying about #3. Supes fan base isnt what it used to be, and now that a certain portion of the newer fanbase feels somewhat alienated (not saying I do, I've just been doing a LOT of reading at various places since the announcement) who knows how this thing is going to turn out? Then again I'm not really sold on Batman Begins being the monster hit that some here are making it out to be, so maybe I'm just a skeptic...

 

[Ardrhielle]

About the screentest: if we were to believe that he did refuse to test, as I previously stated I agree with him given the fact that he had made an agreement either signed or not that he was gonna play Superman. Given the fact that he almost gave it away at the CCA's I'm pretty sure it was something significant that made him realize that the role was his. After all the problems he and Warner have been having and they always chasing him to do the role and when he does, they go on a nationwide rampage to find an unknown for the same role he's supposed to have been guaranteed to play ?

To me plain and simple they wanted to secure Welling as the fall back guy. The only way they manage to make Tom sign for something was making him believe he was the only one they came to and that the role was his.

Since we have no definite recent input from the parties involved, I tend to wonder if this mess is yet cleaned up completely. If it is true, and WB did jerk him around like that, (if I were in that situation) I'd get a really good entertainment lawyer. Maybe this is why no one official is "allowed" to talk about it? I dunno. Just conjecture.
Most actors can and do talk about things they've auditioned for, quite readily, once the part is already cast. (or should I say "casted" just to get someone's dander up and sound like I'm a12yearoldgrammarschooldropout ...hee...but I digress). Instead, we've seen cancellations of appearances and quite a big effort not to talk about it. I don't blame the guy either. I knew casting in Hollywood could be very political, but I had no idea it could get THIS convoluted.
Of course, either or both parties could have had out clauses in the contract...
I have nothing personal against Routh, he's just an actor who did the best he could with what was in front of him. Most actors have very little influence in the final decisions. He just isn't my idea of Superman, that's all. It would still be affirming to know how the tides turned, and why.

 

[Bruce_Wayne29]

I will have to agree with Hulk: they should be more worried that the first one does good. The Batman example is a very relevant one - I'm a big Batman fan and I'm hoping BB would bring Batman back with a bang but I don't know for sure if that will happen (I see this movie doing at least 200 plus worldwide but more than that who knows ?), ppl's interest in Batman movies falled alot and even with the amazing cast/director the movie is having (worldwide I mean) a very low profile compared to Burton's Batman where everybody and I meant EVERYBODY knew a Batman movie was coming. Getting back to Superman when Chris died, they wrote on the paper that they were turning Superman into a gay icon so you get the drift...
But with Warner (and even with Marvel at some extent) they're only worried about making the biggest amount of money possible. I think 2 picture deal is a very good one. They do the best they can with the first, put it out, if it does great, they do the second one, if it doesn't do as great, they can try better the next time around. And after that and only then you would have to think about the third one.
A 2 picture deal avoids an actor having to be forced into Batman and Robin type situations and sign only if he feels he likes the project. I'm sure that if Tom would have liked the third one (script, director wise) he would have signed. I don't blame him for hesitating on signing for a third one if indeed that was the case. Warner and Super-heroe franchises in general have a tendency to go from good to worst with each sequel.
You can now have the opposite: if the majority of the fans don't buy into Routh (they don't seem to do already) what does it matter if he signed for 3 pictures or not ?

As for the entertainment lawyer thing: the fact is Tom doesn't have enough pull in the business yet. He may be silent because a public fight with a big corporation like Warner could cost him dearly as far as career opportunities. But if one day he does get bigger and with more prestige we might hear the complete story.
I personally feel that this silence is a form of protest for what is happaned (sometimes silence can speak louder than words) and at the same time respect for Routh (if he comes out everybody will ask him why he wasn't cast instead)

 

[Gmanofsteel]

tom welling for superman !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[uGa2000]

He looks like he's about to overbalance.

Nothing in that picture shows me he has skinny legs, so I don't know what you're looking at. He doesn't have huge legs, but they seem right for his body. As for his chest, if you saw tonight's Smallville episode, you could clearly see he's well proportioned and has a symetrically muscular build. You talk like he has a grotesquely out of proportion chest. His arms, delts, chest, and back all look the right proportion to me.

Looks fine to me. Either way, it just isn't a big deal and I don't even know why I'm talking about his legs. Who cares? Maybe if I was gay, I would care.

but not wanting something doesn't automatically mean that you're going to turn it down out of hand if the offer is good enough.

I'm going by what has come out of his own mouth. What exactly are you going by? As for Tom Welling screentesting or not, do you guys have sources for all of this stuff, or is this more speculation? I'm asking sincerely.

 

[jas01724]

Nothing in that picture shows me he has skinny legs

Care to tell me where I used the word "skinny"? Once again i'll point out that what I said was a term of comparison, not a literal statement. His legs are small IN COMPARISON to his upper body, but no, they're not *actually* small - and I never said they are.

You talk like he has a grotesquely out of proportion chest.

Again, would you like to point out where I said that? I said he's disproportionate, but I don't recall saying he looks bad, or using any word that can be mistaken for "grotesque."

Looks fine to me.

That picture is close to three years old, well before he had bulked up. Does his chest look as big in that picture as it does now?

Maybe if I was gay, I would care.

Comments like that one can get you warned around here, just FYI.

I'm going by what has come out of his own mouth.

Me too, as well as other things.

What exactly are you going by?

Would you like a list? Speaking to him once or twice, speaking to people who know him, speaking to casting agents who have dealt with him... and that's not even close to being the full list.

As for Tom Welling screentesting or not, do you guys have sources for all of this stuff, or is this more speculation? I'm asking sincerely.

See above.

 

[Lara]

I love the new build but here's my question why? He's not going to be in the Superman movie. He was already muscular. Does he personally want to be that big? Is he going to be in another movie where he's going to need to be that big? Does he think it's needed to show Clark's aging. I can't think of many actors that muscular in fact unless he wants to only play larger than life characters might it not harm his career. I repeat I love it but I'm curious.

 

[The Sage]

Maybe he was just bulking up for the role, since it would make sense that Clark gets bigger as time goes on. If he does choose to become a full fledged actor, he'll most likely end up doing whatever his future roles call for, dropping or gaining weight.

 

[Zing79]

Must say, his acting is improving considerably over time. I dare say if this show goes just one more year, he'll have improved enough that he'll be a full fledged and credible actor by its end.

 

[AgentPat]

I love the new build but here's my question why? He's not going to be in the Superman movie. He was already muscular. Does he personally want to be that big? Is he going to be in another movie where he's going to need to be that big? Does he think it's needed to show Clark's aging. I can't think of many actors that muscular in fact unless he wants to only play larger than life characters might it not harm his career.

Welling's definitely a big man, no doubt about it, but he's not Ahhhnuld sized. LOL His improved physique over the last four years is undoubtedly due to improved instruction and increased training for his SV character. How much spill-over there was in preparation for the film role is debatable, but he could probably step into the role right now and be fine. An interesting advantage.

As to his physique limiting his options, I think it's just the opposite. He's already got the sex symbol thing going for him as well as a pretty extensive fan base thanks to SV. His appearance and current popularity, coupled with an innate sincerity in character, will likely drive his career as a leading man.

If he does choose to become a full fledged actor...

Sage, you kill me. I *know* what you meant, but Welling already IS a "full fledged" actor. It's not like he's been kicked off a soap opera or something, y'know?

Oooo... My bad. LOL

[retracts claws]

 

[The Sage]

Sage, you kill me. I *know* what you meant, but Welling already IS a "full fledged" actor. It's not like he's been kicked off a soap opera or something, y'know?

Oooo... My bad. LOL

[retracts claws]

 

[JackMercy]

I love the new build but here's my question why? He's not going to be in the Superman movie. He was already muscular. Does he personally want to be that big? Is he going to be in another movie where he's going to need to be that big?

And it's time for... Five Questions!

--He was obviously bulking up for something (additional)...

--He was close to being (and still may be someday, who knows?).

--Sure, but this additional "advantage" (as Pat called it) would have been...useful, due to the current schedule of the project.

--He obviously didn't mind it, or he wouldn't have done it.

--Not requiring those specificities...

 

[Serene]

I *know* what you meant, but Welling already IS a "full fledged" actor. It's not like he's been kicked off a soap opera or something, y'know?
[retracts claws]

LOL! Sadly enough.. we all know.