Smallville star Erica Durance, who portrayed Lois Lane in the series, gives an update on the animated show that is in development. Before The CW launched the Arrowverse, which started a new era for superheroes on TV, Smallville was the network's flagship series when it came to comic book adaptations. Premiered in 2001 on The WB (before merging with UPN in 2006 to become The CW,) the DC prequel series followed a young Clark Kent coming to terms with his Kryptonian heritage as well as his powers before becoming Superman. Smallville ran for 10 seasons and aired a total of 218 episodes before wrapping its run in 2011.
Ultimately, Smallville paved the way for the Arrowverse, which started in 2012 with Arrow. The show also became Arrowverse-adjacent when Tom Welling and Erica Durance both appeared in the 2019 crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths, as their Clark and Lois from Earth-167. While Smallville has been off the air for over a decade, the popular Superman drama is making a comeback, but not in live-action form. In 2021, Welling and his co-star Michael Rosenbaum, who portrayed Lex Luthor for 7 seasons, revealed that they're developing an animated TV sequel. While not much has been revealed as of late, the project is still alive.
In a recent interview with the podcast Agents of Fandom, Durance was asked about the Smallville animated series and if she had any updates about it. While not revealing any plot details, Durance assured that the sequel is still in the works, making it clear that Welling and Rosenbaum are still developing ideas for the potential show. Durance also stated that she's ready to take part in it as soon as she knows what Smallville's return will be and what the team needs from her, sharing the following:
"I know that it’s still in the process, the guys will let me know when I’m to step in, and in what capacity. So right now I think they’re still in production or pre-production, brainstorming ideas and what have you.”
While Welling and Rosenbaum have been tight-lipped about Smallville's return in animated form, they have shared bits and pieces of what they are working on together. The potential series would continue after the events of the Smallville series finale, which saw Clark suit up as Superman. The original creators, Al Gough and Miles Millar, are confirmed to be involved with the Smallville revival, as they're working with Welling and Rosenbaum. Even though the animation style hasn't been revealed, Welling confirmed earlier this year that something had been produced, probably as test footage or proof of concept.
Even though Durance's statement didn't reveal too much, it's still great to hear that she's down to reprise her Lois, who was part of Smallville from season 4 until the very end. Should Warner Bros. greenlight the series, it will be interesting to see where they will air the show. Given the shake-up that is reportedly going on with DC TV and movies following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, the Smallville animated series is more than likely to debut on HBO Max rather than on The CW, which doesn't air non-live-action shows. Hopefully, there will be some bigger news on Smallville's potential return as an animated show sooner rather than later.
Source: Agents of Fandom