00:00Not many comic book characters are as well known as the last son of Krypton.
00:13Superman's popularity would lead to many television shows and films being produced
00:17over the years.
00:19Several actors viewed the opportunity to play the Man of Steel as a celebrated opportunity
00:24in their careers.
00:26But one actor in particular would receive tons of backlash for his portrayal and attitude
00:31toward the character.
00:33Let's take a look back at how Tom Welling became the most hated Superman of all time.
00:40In the early 2000s, WB was a go-to network for the young audience.
00:45Their television lineup consisted of fan favorites like 7th Heaven, Dawson's Creek, and Buffy
00:50the Vampire Slayer.
00:53Sticking with the trend of teen drama, creators Alfred Goff and Miles Miller pitched a Superman
00:59origin show to the network.
01:02They were adamant about it being strictly a coming-of-age story.
01:06The two even implemented a no-tights-no-flights rule for the writers working on the project.
01:12When it came to casting the most important role, the producers would sign a former model,
01:18turned actor Tom Welling to play the part.
01:21He was the typical tall, dark, and handsome archetype, which was perfect for a young clerk.
01:27Originally Welling was not interested in the show or the role because of a fear of being
01:31type cast.
01:47But he was reassured by the creators, he would technically not be playing Superman.
01:52Smallville would make its debut with over 8 million live viewers tuning in.
01:57It was off to a fantastic start and many Superman fans were pleased with the new angle.
02:03The earlier episodes featured several relatable topics for high school teens finding their
02:08way in life.
02:10Exploring the dynamics of friendships, family struggles, as well as teen romance.
02:22Aside from the relatively grounded portions of the show.
02:26The creators also explored the science fiction aspect of the character.
02:31Fans got a chance to see Clark gaining many of his special abilities as a teenager.
02:36And using the powers to defeat kryptonite infected foes every week.
02:41The reception was fairly positive among the audience, despite the less-than-stellar acting
02:45ability of Welling.
02:48The mix of drama and its superhero element left millions of viewers satisfied for multiple
02:53seasons.
02:55But soon major frustration from the fanbase would arise.
02:59The original plan of the creators was to do five seasons of Smallville.
03:04It was strictly meant to cover only the journey to becoming Superman.
03:08However, thanks to the success, more and more seasons would be requested from the network.
03:14The money offered to the cast and production would be enough to continue on with the show.
03:19Despite the problems it would inevitably cause for the story.
03:23As the adventures in high school came to a conclusion.
03:27More notable characters from the Superman mythology would be added.
03:31The series began to venture closer to a Superman story arc, without fully embracing the change.
03:38Clark would forego the college life and take his talents to Metropolis.
03:43He then would embark on a vigilante journey as the fictional red-blue blur.
03:48And also take on prominent villains from the Superman comics.
03:52As a result of the unnecessary extension of the series.
03:56Many plot holes would come of it.
03:59Clark was able to become a reporter for the Daily Planet with no experience.
04:04Despite Clark being in the public eye often.
04:07He rarely wore his trademark glasses as a disguise.
04:12Also now in his mid-twenties, he still was unable to fly.
04:16These issues would lead to frustrations for Superman fans that watched Smallville since its inception.
04:23Welling made it clear he wanted to stay true to the no flights, no tights rule.
04:28Which seemed rather pointless as the series had transformed into Superman territory.
04:34When season 10 was announced to be the final season of the series.
04:38Many fans expected a big payoff in the form of Tom officially becoming Superman.
04:44And the actor finally putting on the suit and cape.
04:47However, many people would be left disappointed with the final episode, which was directed by Welling.
04:54While the character did take flight in the final minutes, he could only be seen from a far distance.
05:00Tom decided not to wear the Superman suit and cape after all.
05:04Instead, he decided to use several shots from the neck up.
05:08It wasn't the ending that fans wanted after supporting the series for so long.
05:14Following the backlash over the long-awaited conclusion of the series.
05:19Tom was accused by the vocal Superman fanbase as being ungrateful for the opportunity to play
05:24the character.
05:26It was later to add insult to injury.
05:29Tom would reprise his role as Clark Kent in a CW crossover event called Crisis on Infinite
05:34Earths.
05:36Which involved a multiverse of Superman that were all in costume, except Welling.
05:41Once again denying Smallville fans the opportunity to see him as Superman on screen.
05:47Ironically his career never took off following the series, despite his fears regarding the suit.
05:53What do you think about this story?
05:56Was Tom in the right for sticking to the prior agreement of no tights, no flights?
06:01Who is your favorite actor that played the iconic character?
06:05Leave a comment below and let me know.
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