Over forty years after Superman: The Movie, the late Christopher Reeve's version of the Man of Steel remains arguably the most iconic portrayal of the character seen to date, continuing to inspire new generations of fans and filmmakers across the globe - including the creators of Smallville.
While Reeve tragically passed away in 2004, his last on-screen performance was one to remember as he guest-starred in two episodes of the beloved series as Dr. Virgil Swann, returning to the world of Superman to pass on the metaphorical Clark Kent torch to a successor he deemed more than worthy: Tom Welling, who will forever remain the only Superman actor fortunate enough to work opposite Reeve himself.
Speaking with Welling and co-star Michael Rosenbaum, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the beloved series, he remembered the once-in-a-lifetime experience very fondly and was generous enough to share a story about a private moment between him and Reeve after filming.
TOM: "I remember him just being one of the most gracious, awesome people I’ve ever met in my life. He said to me, “I’m so glad that they chose you to be the next Superman.” And I was like, “Well, they didn’t.” *laughs* Because he was talking about the movie and he immediately said, “Well they should have.” And this was after filming with him for six hours and I think I was, I’m in awe, I’m a fan."
MICHAEL: "I was jealous!"
TOM: "Obviously when you say Superman, that’s who I think of, so I was very much in awe and it’s treasured in my heart, that experience for sure."
MICHAEL: "I wanted to go, I was like, “Can Lex go? Can Lex show up in Dr. Swann’s office? That would be cool"
TOM: "That would’ve been very interesting."
MICHAEL: "I was just a huge fan, I’m a big fan of Christopher Reeve."
SMALLVILLE: THE COMPLETE SERIES Blu-ray box set arrives in stores tomorrow!