How Tom Welling Became The Most HATED Superman

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Superman is one of the most popular superheroes of all time. The character has been featured in countless movies and tv series. Many actors have comprised the role as Clark Kent. However the Smallville actor garnered the most backlash for his portrayal as the man of steel.  Hate 0:07 Intro 0:40 Smallville 1:17 Tom Welling 2:55 Issues 4:17 Hate 5:15 Legacy 6:02 outro

Transcript

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.

06:07Music

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