Tom Welling as Superman

[KalKai]

infamous_emijayne said:

At this point, I'd say with the strike looming and a deadline to begin shooting, Welling fans like myself should be cautiously optimistic. I'm told it's a combination of filming schedules and money, but that may not be the case. I was also told it was wording in a specific part of the contract. Just like with any business contract, a single word can be a deal breaker. We may never know what happened. Yet again, they may still work something out.

At least all speculation of Man Of Steel is over with. It's indefinitely on the shelf. That news kept me from being too upset about Welling.

 

[Zing79]

And yet the hope continues on. Is there anything that can be said to get people over this idea? He was never going to do this. Anyone around from 2004 should know it wouldn't happen.

My opinion? Robert heard the same thing about Welling that he did about Gosling, and took it a step too far. He created hope where there shouldn't have been any, and now it's like 2004 all over again.

 

[Bruce_Wayne29]

If this is true (and not just a leak to test the waters and how fans react to Welling not being cast) Warner Bros and Gough and Millar can go to hell !

 

[Justice Bringer]

Then again, if Brandon is cast as JL Superman, theres a good chance MoS will be picked up at some point later; since the character would be consistent.

Let's see what result IESB's phone call will yield.

I'm on the fence about Brandon being involved in this.

This wasnt the right gameplan.

 

[Showtime]

infamous_emijayne said:

At this point, I'd say with the strike looming and a deadline to begin shooting, Welling fans like myself should be cautiously optimistic. I'm told it's a combination of filming schedules and money, but that may not be the case. I was also told it was wording in a specific part of the contract. Just like with any business contract, a single word can be a deal breaker. We may never know what happened. Yet again, they may still work something out.

At least all speculation of Man Of Steel is over with. It's indefinitely on the shelf. That news kept me from being too upset about Welling.

Well as everybody always says when Showtime reports something, we'll wait to see what IESB says. Rob is actually going to get a report on MOS and the Routh rumors.

 

[AgentPat]

I am not so sure about that, IESB has already reported the Welling deal is dead and the info about Routh being cast as Superman in a reboot, makes no sense whatsoever. Routh's contract is peanuts compared to Singers, why would they try so desperately to keep Routh but nix Singers contract so easily. They would just rid themselves of both of them and move on with the supposed reboot.

Wait. Back up for a second. Nobody said Warners was "desperate" to keep Routh. If anything, the rumor has been they're desperate for Welling. But lets assume Welling is out for whatever reason. So Warners can either put Routh back in the tights (a fairly easy task since he's already optioned anyway) or recast the role (arguably more expensive given the time and effort involved.) Singer isn't involved in this at all, because MOS is now allegedly shelved.

I am saying Routh's option is around 1 million, it would make no sense to bring Routh back to reboot the franchise. Think about it. Singer's contract is huge, he is getting paid multiple millions, why is it so easy to cut Singer loose but they want to bring back Routh for a special meeting when they can just cut his option. It doesn't add up.

Show, I think you're filling in some blanks that weren't elaborated on in the original post. Jayne said Routh was told the news about a week ago. She didn't say they want to "call him back for a special meeting." The news could have come via a phone call relayed through his agent. Who knows?

Secondly, these contract "options" have expiration dates. Routh was signed for three films, but that doesn't mean Warners could call him back to play a geriatric Superman when he's 50. They would have a drop dead date to let Routh know if they were going to need him. So who knows? Maybe that deadline was last week?

Now if Warners wants to reboot the current Superman franchise, they *could* still use Routh. Personally, I think that's stupid, but hey, what do I know? Besides, my opinion means squat.

And finally, I don't think money is the issue with the actual casting. Maybe the s*** going on behind the scenes, but not the casting itself. Welling probably pulls in $2M per season of SV *minimum* (it's probably closer to $3M, but I'm being conservative here), so I think we can safely assume he would cost a little more than $1M for a JL film, yet Warners still wants him for the role. When you consider what other thesps get for leading roles in tentpole pics, $1M is chump change.

 

[KalKai]

zipbags said:

Between the bad news from IESB and now the possible good news from you. I think I am going to be sick.

Any idea why Robert said the Welling deal was completely dead? It seems it may not be.
​

infamous_emijayne said:

He spoke to some "higher ups" in WB. I don't know how high that means. I do know how high up my source is though. She is the one who told me back in December that Man of Steel was not happening and JLA was taking it's place as well as all the info on Singer being involved with other projects months before anything came out in the news. She's never let me down.

But like I said, with the strike coming up and not having a lot of time to get started, whatever got in the way may be too much to overcome in time. From a percentage standpoint, what was a virtual lock, I'd say it's now down to a 25% chance they work this out. So IESB saying Welling is "out" could be just them going with the odds. Which I would completely understand.

Based on everything I know and what has been going on behind the scenes for months now, I'm still holding out for a last minute miracle. Either way, I'm quite confident the film will be spectacular. At least we won't get a super skinny (Routh) Superman.

 

[bootspark]

Pat, this would be your OPINION, but what do you think is going down?
Is Gough/Millar to blame? Did Welling just not want to sign? Contract problems?
If we believe the rumors, and WB did want Welling and Welling wanted the role, what the #@$% happened?

JackMercy, where art thou?

 

[Showtime]

Wait. Back up for a second. Nobody said Warners was "desperate" to keep Routh. If anything, the rumor has been they're desperate for Welling. But lets assume Welling is out for whatever reason. So Warners can either put Routh back in the tights (a fairly easy task since he's already optioned anyway) or recast the role (arguably more expensive given the time and effort involved.) Singer isn't involved in this at all, because MOS is now allegedly shelved Show, I think you're filling in some blanks that weren't elaborated on in the original post. Jayne said Routh was told the news about a week ago. She didn't say they want to "call him back for a special meeting." The news could have come via a phone call relayed through his agent. Who knows? Secondly, these contract "options" have expiration dates. Routh was signed for three films, but that doesn't mean Warners could call him back to play a geriatric Superman when he's 50. They would have a drop dead date to let Routh know if they were going to need him. So who knows? Maybe that deadline was last week?Now if Warners wants to reboot the current Superman franchise, they *could* still use Routh. Personally, I think that's stupid, but hey, what do I know? Besides, my opinion means squat.And finally, I don't think money is the issue with the actual casting. Maybe the s*** going on behind the scenes, but not the casting itself. Welling probably pulls in $2M per season of SV *minimum* (it's probably closer to $3M, but I'm being conservative here), so I think we can safely assume he would cost a little more than $1M for a JL film, yet Warners still wants him for the role. When you consider what other thesps get for leading roles in tentpole pics, $1M is chump change.

Whatever may happen, I am inclined to believe Rob at IESB who has been closest to the rumors about Welling and JLA than anybody. He is saying the deal is dead, so I have to believe that over somebody posting on a messageboard. At least that is what everybody says when Showtime029 posts something that he heard through the grapevine.

You'r missing the point on Singer, I didn't say Singer was involved. I am saying why would WB have to say anything to Routh at this point if it is an option contract, and why would WB tell him that he could be coming back for a possible reboot of Superman? They would just choose not to go forward with Routh because it's an option deal. I was using Singer to point out that they have to pay him but don't have to pay Routh, so they shouldn't have to feel obligated to Routh at all.

The blanks I was filling in involve somebody else pointing to the fact that Routh was called into WB a week ago and now this new rumor that Routh was told that MOS is dead but its possible he could be up for a reboot. Doesn't add up at all Pat. None of it.

As you have said we all have agendas, no matter what you are holding on to the fact that Welling has a possibility of being Superman so you are more likely to believe this poster rather than Rob at IESB. I have accepted that MOS is most likely not happening months ago, but I am still holding out hope that we get another solo Superman movie, whether it is Routh and/or Welling or a Reboot and/or Reorgin. Speaking of agendas, you don't see the agenda that this woman at Countingdown has? She is obviously pro-Welling and anti-Routh. Read between the lines.

 

[RakuMon]

By the by, if Sanchez's latest report is indeed true, this turn of events is truly disappointing. I still don't understand G&M's reasoning for cock-blocking Welling's involvement in the movie; if that is indeed true. I mean, I get it if they were trying to get a piece of the JL pie, but would they be so insistent as to actually prevent TW from the role? And if WB wanted him so badly, why couldn't they just give them a producers credit or something?

Granted, this is all highly speculative. But I just don't understand why the SV guys were so adamant about not sacrificing SV for a JLA movie when three years ago, they almost ended Smallville to make room for Superman Returns.

 

[RakuMon]

Not to mention the fact that by the time a JL movie unspools in theaters, Smallville (even if it went eight seasons) would be off the air...

 

[Showtime]

By the by, if Sanchez's latest report is indeed true, this turn of events is truly disappointing. I still don't understand G&M's reasoning for cock-blocking Welling's involvement in the movie; if that is indeed true. I mean, I get it if they were trying to get a piece of the JL pie, but would they be so insistent as to actually prevent TW from the role? And if WB wanted him so badly, why couldn't they just give them a producers credit or something?

Granted, this is all highly speculative. But I just don't understand why the SV guys were so adamant about not sacrificing SV for a JLA movie when three years ago, they almost ended Smallville to make room for Superman Returns.

You wonder what really happened with Welling, if it is indeed 100% he isn't going to be Superman, which I am inclined to believe it is. Was WB split on Welling as well, not meaning split on casting them but being split that it would interfere with Smallville somehow. If it is over Gough and Miller than they are selfish slobs for not allowing Welling to go forward and advance his career and they should be deemed responsible.

 

[Zing79]

You wonder what really happened with Welling, if it is indeed 100% he isn't going to be Superman, which I am inclined to believe it is. Was WB split on Welling as well, not meaning split on casting them but being split that it would interfere with Smallville somehow. If it is over Gough and Miller than they are selfish slobs for not allowing Welling to go forward and advance his career and they should be deemed responsible.

You remember when you were saying you heard nothing about Welling being involved? You were right then. 100% Right.
Sanchez that idiot got wind of a rumor similar to Gosling I'm sure and ran with that like the wind.

There is nothing to understand here -- Welling wasn't doing this. And the reasoning is simple as can be: He WAS involved in 2004, it went south, and he's over it.

That was his shot -- once that ship sailed so did his chances of donning the suit on the big screen.

 

[The Joker_1000]

Damn, well, they better get someone good for the role.

 

[Zing79]

I really hope everyone gets what this means, and starts to come to grips with it. Welling will NEVER suit up. JLA fails, and Superman is shelved for years to come -- it succeeds, and whoever is in suit will carry it on.

It's now time to direct our attention to Smallville and hope that G&M don't mess that up, and give us a good stretch drive to Welling becoming Superman. Because that is all we're going to get.

 

[Showtime]

You remember when you were saying you heard nothing about Welling being involved? You were right then. 100% Right.
Sanchez that idiot got wind of a rumor similar to Gosling I'm sure and ran with that like the wind.

There is nothing to understand here -- Welling wasn't doing this. And the reasoning is simple as can be: He WAS involved in 2004, it went south, and he's over it.

That was his shot -- once that ship sailed so did his chances of donning the suit on the big screen.

You're right, I heard from the beginning that WB didn't want Welling as Superman...

 

[Zing79]

You're right, I heard from the beginning that WB didn't want Welling as Superman...

I don't so much know if WB didn't want him. There has always been (and still continues to be) very high up people within that company that desperately want to see Welling as Supes on the big screen.

They popped up again for JLA, but unlike in 2004 Welling wasn't even going to let the conversation get out of the gate. Honestly, they really fudged him hard in 2004. I told anyone that would listen how hard he got screwed -- so why people actually thought he'd do this is beyond me. I guess they just got used to the revisionist history that got written where he had zero involved at all in SR.

BTW -- these are not my opinions. These are the opinions of the people who 3 years ago made me the only source who ended up being 100% accurate about the casting as it relates to Welling.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

^ Zing you're 2004 references make no sense. This would be a completely different set of players Welling would've been negotiating with. The crew he dealt with in 2004 isnt anywhere near the JLA film. Outside of Alan Horn still running the studio that's the only similarity, and he's not involved too heavily in actor contract negotiations. Welling obviously doesnt have general issues with WB as a whole since he extended his Smallville contract a season.

 

[Zing79]

^ Zing you're 2004 references make no sense. This would be a completely different set of players Welling would've been negotiating with. The crew he dealt with in 2004 isnt anywhere near the JLA film. Outside of Alan Horn still running the studio that's the only similarity, and he's not involved too heavily in actor contract negotiations. Welling obviously doesnt have general issues with WB as a whole since he extended his Smallville contract a season.

Don't look to me for answers. As shiet as my references may be, the opinions expressed to me by the same peeps from 2004 was that he wasn't doing this. It was a non-starter on his end.

No source ever seems to end up being 100% right (they usually only get pieces of the whole puzzle), so who knows I could be wrong. But he was in, in 2004 as Supes. He's negotiated with the company over this role once before, and it ended badly. Different people same character.

He extended with SV because its a crew he knew and loved? That's my guess. I honestly don't know, but straight up, I've been saying from the moment Sanchez opened his mouth that I was told: WB wanted him, but he wasn't going to hear any of it.

How we all connect the dots is our own personal opinions.

 

[AgentPat]

Whatever may happen, I am inclined to believe Rob at IESB who has been closest to the rumors about Welling and JLA than anybody. He is saying the deal is dead, so I have to believe that over somebody posting on a message board. At least that is what everybody says when Showtime029 posts something that he heard through the grapevine.

You'r missing the point on Singer, I didn't say Singer was involved. I am saying why would WB have to say anything to Routh at this point if it is an option contract, and why would WB tell him that he could be coming back for a possible reboot of Superman? They would just choose not to go forward with Routh because it's an option deal. I was using Singer to point out that they have to pay him but don't have to pay Routh, so they shouldn't have to feel obligated to Routh at all.

The blanks I was filling in involve somebody else pointing to the fact that Routh was called into WB a week ago and now this new rumor that Routh was told that MOS is dead but its possible he could be up for a reboot. Doesn't add up at all Pat. None of it.

As you have said we all have agendas, no matter what you are holding on to the fact that Welling has a possibility of being Superman so you are more likely to believe this poster rather than Rob at IESB. I have accepted that MOS is most likely not happening months ago, but I am still holding out hope that we get another solo Superman movie, whether it is Routh and/or Welling or a Reboot and/or Reorgin. Speaking of agendas, you don't see the agenda that this woman at Countingdown has? She is obviously pro-Welling and anti-Routh. Read between the lines.

1. I never said Jayne didn't have an agenda. It's quite obvious. Helen Keller could see that. But Sanchez could be accused of the same thing however, especially after his jaw-dropping reaction to Mego's letter from Dan Lin, which in retrospect, I truly believe was the real deal.

2. We don't know the specifics of Routh's contract, but ALL contracts have an end point. Every. Single. One. If Routh's option ended last week, Warners would HAVE to inform him he was being... un-optioned. But that wouldn't preclude them from offering him another contract, which would require him to make a return visit to the Formaggio Grande's office and might be noted just out of courtesy. You know, there ARE many deals in Hollywood that are sealed with a handshake, not a signature, but I digress...

3. I don't care if MOS happens or doesn't happen, so information about it is quite irrelevant to me. I hated the first film and have no interest in seeing its sequel. But I'm dying for a JL film. Keeping my hopes up that it will be cast to my personal liking isn't a crime - it's knowing what entertains me. Some actors I just know don't entertain me, so hoping they're not cast in a film I'm otherwise looking forward to see is par for the course.

4. My desire to see Welling in the role (or Routh not in the role) has no bearing on what Warners wants or does. That said, I'm trying to keep an open mind, because anything could still happen, and I'd rather keep a shred of hope for the best, than wallow in a sea of depression over the worst. It's a matter of staying positive and maintaining hope. I think Superman would approve. People could learn from him but chose not to. Oh well.

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Can someone give me an explanation with what happened with Welling in '04? I have heard so many different things...ie-Welling didn't want to do it, He wasn't even asked, etc.

Thanks!

Also, if WB is going to do a reboot of Supes. Like what Marvel is doing with the Hulk. They can't bring Routh back. Makes no sense.


Finally, I wonder if G&M are holding onto Welling since its been their desire to do a Smallville theatrical film??

 

[Zing79]

Can someone give me an explanation with what happened with Welling in '04? I have heard so many different things...ie-Welling didn't want to do it, He wasn't even asked, etc.

Thanks!

He agreed to something for it -- started dropping hints about it -- then it didn't go through -- then Routh came aboard.

Anything else you hear I can guarantee you is some sort of twisted truth about what really happened.

 

[Showtime]

1. I never said Jayne didn't have an agenda. It's quite obvious. Helen Keller could see that. But Sanchez could be accused of the same thing however, especially after his jaw-dropping reaction to Mego's letter from Dan Lin, which in retrospect, I truly believe was the real deal.

Jayne's agenda is clouding her source material so to speak. Agreed 100% about Rob having an agenda. Agreed 100% that I now believe that Mego's letter could have been real, considering Lin is supposed to be at the forefront of JLA.

2. We don't know the specifics of Routh's contract, but ALL contracts have an end point. Every. Single. One. If Routh's option ended last week, Warners would HAVE to inform him he was being... un-optioned. But that wouldn't preclude them from offering him another contract, which would require him to make a return visit to the Formaggio Grande's office and might be noted just out of courtesy. You know, there ARE many deals in Hollywood that are sealed with a handshake, not a signature, but I digress...

Whether Routh was called or was invited to meet with WB, I can't fathom them asking him back for a reboot. It doesn't make one bit of sense to me.

3. I don't care if MOS happens or doesn't happen, so information about it is quite irrelevant to me. I hated the first film and have no interest in seeing its sequel. But I'm dying for a JL film. Keeping my hopes up that it will be cast to my personal liking isn't a crime - it's knowing what entertains me. Some actors I just know don't entertain me, so hoping they're not cast in a film I'm otherwise looking forward to see is par for the course.

Nothing wrong with having high hopes I guess. In regards to JLA, I wasn't impressed by what I heard originally, now what is being said entices me a tiny bit more.

4. My desire to see Welling in the role (or Routh not in the role) has no bearing on what Warners wants or does. That said, I'm trying to keep an open mind, because anything could still happen, and I'd rather keep a shred of hope for the best, than wallow in a sea of depression over the worst. It's a matter of staying positive and maintaining hope. I think Superman would approve. People could learn from him but chose not to. Oh well.

I'm all for being positive, but also being realistic. That being said it's all a matter of opinion and I am not hear to rain on anybodys parade. I've actually been floating around to see what all of you are saying about the upcoming season of Smallville and am very excited about the season opener.

 

[AgentPat]

Whether Routh was called or was invited to meet with WB, I can't fathom them asking him back for a reboot. It doesn't make one bit of sense to me.

It does me - for the same reason Welling would be under consideration: he's Superman (to some fans). It's a matter of a known commodity (Routh) over an unknown commodity (recasting.)

Despite what some people think *cough*Pickle*cough*, I *can* be objective about the big picture here. I can understand where certain motivations and decisions come from on a corporate level, even if I don't agree with them.

That said, another rumor just appeared over at CountingDown, so I think I'm gonna stick my head in the sand at this point 'cause I'm baffled.

In regards to JLA, I wasn't impressed by what I heard originally, now what is being said entices me a tiny bit more.

What changed?

I'm all for being positive, but also being realistic.

The two aren't mutually exclusive. I can be positive about what I want to happen yet still be realistic about what I think will happen. How much emphasis we chose to place on which side of the spectrum determines our overall attitude. There are a LOT of people who would rather stay positive even when all hope seems lost LOLOL!!!

Once the casting is formally announced, I can put the last shred of hope to bed. I just don't want to give up on that yet.

I've actually been floating around to see what all of you are saying about the upcoming season of Smallville and am very excited about the season opener.

Bizarro looks like it will be awesome. I can't wait! One week to go, and counting.

 

[Zorex]

Thas right! One week! And I finally got my S6 set (AND Superman: Doomsday in the mail, at last). Can't wait to sit back and watch some stuff.