TheSmallvillecreators reflect on the iconicDCTV show and its place in Superman’s larger media legacy. While theArrowverse franchisemay have lived longer on The CW, Greg Berlanti’s DC TV universe wouldn’t have been possible had it not been forSmallville, starring Tom Welling as the Kryptonian icon,with his show having paved the way for the modern superhero TV genre.
Smallvilleran for ten seasons, with the first five on The WB before it merged with UPN to become The CW, as the following five seasons aired there starting in 2006 until 2011. To this day,Smallvilleis still the longest-running superhero show of all time, after having aired 218 episodes, withThe FlashTV show coming in second with 184 episodes.
As James Gunn’sSupermanmovie finally arrived in 2025 from the DC Universe franchise,ScreenRant’sTatiana Hullender recently interviewed Al Gough and Miles Millar forWednesdayseason 2, as the duo was also responsible for creatingSmallvillein 2001.When asked if they had seen the newSupermanfilm from DC Studios with David Corenswet, Gough and Millar shared the following:
Alfred Gough: We unfortunately have not seen the movie yet, just because we’ve been so busy with the show. But it’s been great. I mean, the fact that Smallville was their first iteration of Superman is really gratifying, as is the fact that you have a new movie that really focuses on the positivity of the character and that kindness and that humanity. That is the enduring fact of Superman; that he can evolve for every generation. We’re happy to be a part of that long canon.
Miles Millar: Yeah, having spent seven years of our lives devoted to that character, he means a lot to us. And the fact that this movie has done so well just speaks to the idea that Superman is this eternal character and beacon of optimism. He offers the best of humanity even though he’s an alien, which is always such a fascinating concept, and something we’ve definitely played with in Smallville. It’s great that something that we created almost 25 years ago still resonates with people, and we see it. It’s on TV all the time, so it’s crazy, but it’s amazing.
What Al Gough & Miles Millar’s Smallville Comments Mean
While there have been numerous takes on Superman in movies and TV since theSmallvillecastwrapped the series,Welling’s show was one of the iterations that truly leaned into the DC legend’s most beloved traits. To Gough and Millar’s credit, Corenswet has even said thatWelling’s version of Superman onSmallvilleis the one he grew up with as a kid.
Wednesdayseason 2 - part 1 premieres on Wednesday, August 6, with the first four episodes, while the remaining four will debut with part 2 on September 3, only on Netflix.
As Millar also brought up,Superman’s impact in pop culture will always remain relevant,especially as the Man of Steel finds new fans all the time across the world. That also goes forSmallville, with the DC TV drama finding a new audience through streaming or home media release, or even through Welling’s Arrowverse cameo in 2019’sCrisis on Infinite Earths.
Our Take On Al Gough & Miles Millar’s Smallville Comments
AsSmallvilleis turning 24 years old as of Aug 17, 2025,hearing how having worked on this show resonates with Gough and Millar to this day makes their work even more appreciated. There were many solid parallels betweenSmallvilleand theSupermanmovie, especially in terms of tone, and it wouldn’t be shocking if the film drew some inspiration from Welling’s show.
Whether aSmallvillesequelTV show will ever happen remains to be seen,as the series could always come back under the Elseworlds banner at DC Studios while co-existing at the same time as Gunn’s Superman franchise. But until then, fans can relive every single season ofSmallvilleand catch the newSupermanmovie, currently playing in theaters.
Smallville
Cast
Smallville chronicles the journey of Clark Kent, portraying his origins from Krypton to his teenage years on Earth. The series explores his challenges and development leading towards his destiny as the iconic hero, Superman, set against the backdrop of Smallville, Kansas.
Superman
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
