Tom Welling to play Superman

Almost as if sensing what the fans want, Tom Welling has been signed to don the red cape and blue tights of D.C.'s mightiest super-hero in Warner Bros. next adaptation of the long running comic book franchise.

(PRWEB) May 27, 2004 -- Even with Smallville still running strong in WB's ratings, the company feels that Welling will bring a freshness to the Superman mythology. Superman was first introduced in 1938 in Action Comics #1. Superman has continued to gain a huge fan base, ranging from the devoted to the casual. With Tom Welling playing Clark Kent during his early years on the WB's Smallville, which can be seen every Wednesday at 8/7 CT, one might wonder how this would work out. Leave it to Al Gough, executive producer for Smallville, to explain.

"In order to get a whole new generation of Superman fans, we need to get someone people recognize. Tom [Welling, star of Smallville on the WB] can really bring in a new generation of fans.", Gough said.

"Once Smallville has finished, which will be at the end of it's fifth season, it's pretty much a big move onto the silver screen.", Gough explained.

Smallville will enter it's fourth season when it comes back at the end of the year. You can look for Tom Welling to don the tights in summer of 2008 or 2009, depending on if the fifth season is indeed the last. In speaking on Smallville, Gough offered hints on the fourth season.

"We've got two more years left, so what you'll be seeing is some big advancement within the characters. Lex [Luthor], for example, will be continuing his journey toward the dark side. Clark will be learning more about his heritage from Jor-El, and he'll also be getting a great new power.", Gough said.

Gough wouldn't elaborate on which power, but sources point to it being the much wanted flight.

"I won't say it isn't flight," Gough said with a smile. ", but then again, I won't say it is.".

Either way, you can catch Smallville in it's fourth season when it returns this fall.