Question: Any news as to whether Tom Welling has signed on for another season of Smallville?
Ausiello: Yes, there's news, and it's good. Some would even call it, ahem, super. According to a well-placed Smallville insider, Welling is nearing a deal to return for a ninth season. I'm told they're just ironing out some minor deal points, such as should the Brinks Truck pull into the actor's driveway, or just unload on the street.
I'm sure we'll be hearing more about this as Season 8's finale draws closer.