[APRIL FOOL’S] EXCLUSIVE: Tom Welling To Play Superman In The CBS Supergirl Pilot

This was an April Fool’s story. It is NOT true.

A few weeks ago, we reported that the CBS Supergirl pilot was casting a stand-in for what clearly was going to be Superman. What we hadn’t realized when we made the post is that this stand-in was only going to be used for far away shots, while an actual actor would be making a full, speaking appearance in the pilot.

….And that’s not even the biggest part of the story.

We’ve been adamant around here at KryptonSite about the notion that we probably would not see Tom Welling in the Superman costume at any point, especially as a new actor, Henry Cavill, is gracing the big screen as the Man of Steel in movies including the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. It also seemed that Mr. Welling was for a long time reluctant to put on the tights, which would explain the tiny computer-generated Superman we’d see in Smallville’s finale.

Well, guess what? We were wrong, and we admit it.

Our sources tell us that Tom participated in one day of filming for the Supergirl pilot, wishing his famous cousin along. As Supergirl is now played by Melissa Benoist and not Laura Vandervoort, it is to be assumed that this isn’t necessarily the same Superman that we saw in Smallville… kind of like how Mark Hamill’s Trickster on the new Flash series wasn’t exactly the same guy we saw on the original CBS show.

Originally, the hope was to get Henry Cavill to make the appearance, but his busy movie schedule prohibited it. We hear that Brandon Routh was also briefly considered, but it was worried that his appearance would create confusion with the audiences who are now used to seeing him as Ray Palmer. With those two out of the picture, the producers were forced to go with their third choice, the long shot, which was Welling.

We also hear that getting Tom Welling was not easy – fortunately, some members of the Supergirl crew also had worked with him on Smallville, but it is said he received a producer credit and a lifetime membership at Warner Bros.’ exclusive golf course in exchange for appearing in the pilot and three subsequent episodes to be spread throughout Supergirl’s first season. You can see some spy photos of Welling filming with Melissa Benoist here.

Come talk about this news on the KryptonSite forum!

Please read this disclaimer before reposting on other websites.

KryptonSite assumes no responsibility for those who might have had a heart attack from this news. The photos that went with this article are fan manipulations and/or artist-created and not actual photos of Tom Welling in the Superman costume.

Craig Byrne

Craig Byrne has been writing about Superman TV since 1995, when the "Lois & Clark Krypton Club" launched. He founded KryptonSite.com in February 2001, becoming the first fan site for The WB/CW television series Smallville. He also wrote the Official Companion books for Smallville seasons 4-7 as well as the Smallville Visual Guide.

View Comments

  • saw his dislike for Tom Welling should not talk about Tom, and have more respect for the many fans of Tom Welling! No one here is stupid!

    • I don't know... aren't some of you still insisting that report that he'll be on the Flash is true? Even though a simple Google search proves 95% of what that KDramaStars site posts is made up for traffic?

      Also, please don't school me on respect for Tom Welling, unless you actually know him personally. Thanks!

    • Also, unless you know me personally don't assume there is a dislike for Tom here. I have much more respect for Tom than I would for anyone who would try to put thoughts/feelings into my writing that are not there. Thank you!

  • Tom welling, you can't deny that he looks perfect for superman, however this would be a big mistake as smallville tv series doesn't fit the storyline of the current flash and arrow episodes, unless a superman was made as a brand new episode dismissing smallville as part of the current dc tv franchise.

Recent Posts

Superman & Lois “To Live and Die Again” Photos Released

Preview images for the Superman & Lois episode "To Live and Die Again" airing November…

1 day ago

Tom Cavanagh’s Superman & Lois Character Revealed

The character that Tom Cavanagh played on Superman & Lois has finally been revealed.

3 days ago

Superman & Lois “Sharp Dressed Man” Photos & Description

Preview images and spoiler description for the Superman & Lois TV series episode "Sharp Dressed…

1 week ago

Superman & Lois “Sharp Dressed Man” Trailer: Michael Cudlitz Directs

Preview trailer for the Superman & Lois TV series episode "Sharp Dressed Man" directed by…

1 week ago

Interview: Erik Valdez & Sofia Hasmik on Their Superman & Lois Journey

Interview with actors Erik Valdez (Kyle) and Sofia Hasmik (Chrissy) to promote the November 11…

1 week ago

Smallville “Jitters” Guest Tony Todd Dead at 69

Actor Tony Todd, who played Earl Jenkins in the Smallville episode "Jitters," has passed away.

2 weeks ago