Smallville Star Michael Rosenbaum Teases Surprising Return in Superman – What’s His Role?

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Fans of Smallville received an exhilarating piece of news over the weekend from Michael Rosenbaum at Fan Expo Dallas. Rosenbaum revealed that he will be featuring in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, a close friend of Rosenbaum’s. At the event, Rosenbaum hinted at a minor role in the upcoming film without giving much detail. Since Rosenbaum has portrayed Lex Luthor and The Flash in various DC productions, and also made notable appearances in Gunn’s films, it seems fitting that he would appear in Superman.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Rosenbaum discussed his role in James Gunn’s upcoming film, “James asked me to participate in something entertaining, so I have a few lines that I provide voice-overs for.” He also commended both the movie and Gunn, who was appointed Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of DC Studios in November 2022. “He’s one of my closest friends, and he’s extremely loyal. It’s thrilling. I believe he has a fantastic vision, and he’s pouring his heart and soul into it because he understands how significant the character is.”

Rosenbaum Hints at Larger Future Role in the DC Universe

For seven years starting from 2003, John Gunn’s character Lex Luthor on the popular The CW show Smallville was portrayed by Michael Rosenbaum. Additionally, Rosenbaum has lent his voice to Wally West/The Flash in various DC series, video games, and animated features. Furthermore, thanks to Gunn who directed the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Rosenbaum became a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He played Martinex, an alien character, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and 3.

Despite having a seemingly minor part in “Superman”, Rosenbaum expressed optimism about reprising his character in a more significant role within the DC Universe, possibly even as a key player in a romantic storyline.

The actor affirmed that, despite this particular project lacking any role for him, given his position as the head of DC, he might be able to find a place for me in one of their productions. He’s known for being considerate, so I’m hoping that opportunity arises.

Tom Welling, who acted alongside Rosenbaum on the TV show Smallville and co-hosted the series rewatch podcast Talkville with him, commented, “I’ve got to say… I’ve never seen anything Michael was a part of go awry. Whatever is happening or will happen in the future? Once Michael becomes involved, it always turns out for the best.

Initially, spectators thought that Rosenbaum might make an appearance in Superman as the father of Gunn’s Lex Luthor, Nicholas Hoult. The idea of Rosenbaum portraying Lionel Luthor would have been particularly exciting because much of Smallville’s drama revolved around Rosenbaum’s Lex and his father (played by John Glover), whose relationship was fraught with tension. However, there is a 17-year age difference between Hoult and Rosenbaum, and he has stated that he will only be providing his voice for Superman, not playing any character on screen.

Rosenbaum Could Join Gunn’s Frequent Collaborators in this Role

Apart from Rosenbaum, other friends of Gunn’s are also set to appear in Superman next month. Nathan Fillion, a filmmaker’s friend and regular collaborator, takes on the role of Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, while Gunn’s brother Sean portrays Maxwell Lord, a businessman and Superman villain, on the big screen. It appears that Rosenbaum might join forces with Alan Tudyk and Michael Rooker, Gunn’s fellow friends, to voice two of the robots in the Fortress of Solitude. IMDB suggests that there will be at least a dozen of these robots in the film.

In the film’s cast, there seems to be no appearance by Superman’s father, Jor-El. If Gunn decides to follow in the footsteps of Smallville and Donner’s Superman, where Jor-El was mostly a disembodied voice, then could Rosenbaum secretly be playing that voice role?

We’ll have to wait until next month to find out. Superman opens in theaters on July 11th.

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2025-06-04 23:13