It appears that Smallville Season 9 is casting a new villain. Now it's been a while since the "villain of the week" writing for the show, however this may be done in a "Toyman" type of episode. I'm not sure but I found this bit of casting news at Kryptonsite.com giving credit to Michael Ausiello.
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"UPDATED 5/27/09: Smallville has sent out a casting notice for a role called "Mason." Here's what they're looking for:
MASON: Late 20's early 30's. He's a handsome charismatic charmer who savors life. He appreciates good food, loves fast cars and sees beauty in every woman. There isn't a detail in life that eludes his senses. He is a master of seduction... knowing what everyone wants and needs before they do. But don't let his magnetism fool you. There's more than meets the eye. His intelligence can't be matched. He outmaneuvers everyone in his path. Though he longs to find a home, that vulnerability can be twisted -- making him a force to be reckoned with." (Thanks to Ausiello)"
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After doing some research I believe this is the character of ALEXANDER MASON - THE PLANETEER. Below is a description from SupermanHomepage.com.
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"The Planeteer
Alexander Mason grew up fixated and obsessed with the legendary conqueror Alexander the Great. The fact that his father was named Philip fueled his belief that he was the reincarnated ruler. By the age of 15, Alexander was admitted to M.I.T., and eventually became an expert in physics.
As an adult, Mason vanished into obscurity, until one day he emerged as The Planeteer - a ruthless, super-powered version of the historical ruler. Manipulating advanced science and technology, The Planeteer abducted several world leaders and hid them throughout the globe. This inevitably drew Superman into action. The Man of Steel journeyed into the Earth, under the sea, and over the skies, to rescue the world leaders from horrifying traps. The Planeteer utilized his immense abilities push Superman to his limits.
Once The Man of Tomorrow succeeded in saving the world leaders, The Planeteer prepared himself for an ultimate encounter with The World's Greatest Super-Hero. He utilized the Earth's magnetic energies and endowed himself with supernatural powers. Possessing electromagnetic abilities, super-strength, and flying powers, The Planeteer challenged Superman to a battle that was waged all over the globe. The two combatants knocked each other out of orbit, into skyscrapers, and even on the other side of the globe. Eventually, Superman overpowered The Planeteer, and finally knocked him out.
The Planeteer returned for a second round: this time, he allied himself with The Queen Bee. The two would-be monarchs tried to overcome their egos and Superman, but all the magnetic powers in the cosmos couldn't prevent Superman from being victorious. The Planeteer remains one of the Earth's most infamous super-villains, as well as a deadly addition to Superman's rogues gallery.
First Appearance: Superman #387 (September 1983)."
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What caught my attention from the Casting Description is the reference to his "magnetism" and his "intelligence can't be matched". Notice that the character is extremely intelligent admitted to M.I.T at 15 years old, and became a Physics Expert. He uses the Earth's MAGNETIC energies to give himself powers which include Electromagnetic abilities, super-strength, and FLIGHT! Will Clark finally (Super)man up and learn to fly this season to fight this guy? We can only dream...
This is the only image I could find of this character and it's from the cover of the issue he debuted in.
