Tom Welling Explains Why He Chose Not to Reprise Clark Kent Role in Arrowverse Before Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover

Tom Welling Discusses His Absence from Arrowverse Prior to 2019

Tom Welling, known for his portrayal of Clark Kent in the beloved series Smallville, recently shared insights into why he did not appear in other DC television shows within the Arrowverse before his eventual guest spot in 2019.

Insights from Fan Expo New Orleans

During this year’s Fan Expo New Orleans, Welling, along with the Smallville cast, discussed their experiences and their connections to the DC universe. It was during this panel that he elaborated on his reluctance to reprise his role in guest appearances prior to the crossover events that introduced him to the Arrowverse.

Welling’s Perspective on Clark Kent

He revealed that while he received offers to return as Clark Kent, he felt a strong protectiveness towards the character. As Welling conveyed:

I [had] gotten some calls but they weren’t [about] me acting on these shows. It was me playing Clark on those shows, and I really felt protective of the fact that Clark wouldn’t exist on those shows.

The Significance of Clark Kent’s Legacy

Welling’s comment highlights a deep sense of responsibility he feels for the character that helped define the modern superhero genre on television. His commitment to maintaining the essence of Clark Kent demonstrates the importance of character integrity in expanding established narratives. As the Arrowverse continues to evolve, fan expectations for legacy characters remain high, and Welling’s decision to wait for the right opportunity reflects a thoughtful approach to fandom.

For further details on Tom Welling’s appearance and his insights, check out the full panel discussion at the Fan Expo New Orleans.

Source: Fan Expo New Orleans (via Kelsey Krogman) /YouTube

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