Why Smallville’s Finale Didn’t Put Tom Welling in Superman’s Full Costume

A hero kept out of costume

Smallville centered on Clark Kent’s transformation into Superman rather than his life as an established hero. For most of the show, Clark neither used the Superman name nor wore the signature suit.

The finale included distant computer-generated images of Superman in costume. Welling’s closest on-screen moment came when Clark opened his shirt to show the “S” emblem; he wore a sleeveless logo shirt rather than a full suit.

The rule behind the choice

Welling told Variety the full suit was too expensive, but the production also had no plan to feature one. Smallville followed a “no flights, no tights” rule, although the series bent its restriction on flying at times.

That policy was written into Welling’s contract. He also proposed an ending inspired by 24 that would not show Clark flying from the Daily Planet’s roof as Superman.

Welling returns as Clark Kent

Welling reprised his role in the Arrowverse’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, which aired in late 2019 and early 2020 and brought together several Supermen from different Earths. He had nearly passed on Smallville.

In the crossover, his Clark had given up his powers and devoted himself to his family. On Earth-167, he lived at the Kent family farm with his wife, Lois Lane, played by Erica Durance, and their daughters.

A farm fits the character

Caroline Dries, an executive producer on Batwoman, said during a crossover screening that Clark was most strongly associated with the farm. She said keeping the Kent family home in the story made sense.