Supergirl season 4 is going to introduce iconic Superman supervillain Lex Luthor at some point, and new fan art imagines what Smallville's Tom Welling would look like in the role. Over the years, Supergirl (which originally aired on CBS for season 1 before permanently moving over to The CW for season 2 and onward) has slowly but surely expanded her roster of Superman-related characters, eventually bringing Superman himself into the fold, who has been played by Tyler Hoechlin since the start of season 2.
A few more characters joined Hoechlin's Superman along the way, which will now include Lois Lane, who will be played by Grimm's Elizabeth Tulloch in this year's Arrowverse crossover event, Elseworlds. But that's not all. It was recently announced that Supergirl season 4 will introduce Lex Luthor, whose sister, Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath), has been a regular part of the series for quite a while now. Smallville fans want Michael Rosenbaum to reprise his role as the DC supervillain for the show, considering that he's been considered the best live-action version of Lex Luthor, but what if another Smallville alum took the role instead?
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On Reddit (user BFH) imagines what Smallville's Tom Welling would look like as Lex Luthor on Supergirl. Although the fan artist uses an old photo of Welling, it isn't difficult to see the former Superman actor in that particular role, especially since a close friend and former co-star of his, Rosenbaum, could give him some pointers. This would be a great way to bring Welling back into a core DC universe (although he does currently star on Lucifer) in a role other than Clark Kent. CLICK HERE to see Tom Welling as Lex Luthor.
In addition to introducing several Superman-related characters on Supergirl, the DC superhero series has also brought back several Superman TV show actors over the years into various roles, including actors such as Dean Cain, Laura Vandervoort, and even, most recently, Erica Durance, who made her debut in Supergirl season 3 as Kara Danvers' birth mother, Alura Zor-El. So, there's precedent for former DC actors to appear on the show in various roles that have little to do with who they portrayed previously - and Welling could theoretically be the next person to do so.
Interestingly, Welling told WGTC earlier this year that he would immediately sign up to play Supergirl's Lex Luthor if he was offered the job, but his comments on the potential role came long before it was announced that the supervillain would be joining Supergirl season 4. Perhaps it's time that someone asks him again, but with an offer to actually suit up (and shave his head) as Lex Luthor.
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Supergirl season 4 airs Sundays on The CW.
Source: BFH/Reddit