While many fans miss the popular superhero TV series Smallville, the show's co-creator and producer, Miles Millar, doesn't believe it could be made in today's world.
Speaking alongside his long-time writing/producing partner Alfred Gough in an interview with THR, Millar says Smallville's premise wouldn't work in today's landscape. Indeed, the story eschews what is generally accepted these days, especially regarding character development. "The whole premise of the show was not canon. The idea that Clark arrived in the meteor shower that killed people, and that Lex was there. All those things were completely new, added to the mythology of Superman, but we categorically would not be allowed to make that show and make those changes today, which is a real tragedy because I think what’s amazing if you look at the history of comics and these characters, is they’re always evolving."
Can Smallville Make a Comeback?
He also recalls how push-back didn't interfere with the shaping of the series, stating, "They never stand still, and the idea that there’s a certain canon you have to [follow], it’s actually leading to stagnation in terms of the ideas." Yet, Millar has heard fan outcry for a possible reboot of Smallville. However, he doesn't see a comeback for the Superman prequel TV series and thinks it's time for everyone to move on. "Some of it’s, there’s obviously the cat calls from fandom, which people probably listen to too much that really, really has led to self-censoring, and we were still very privileged to have had that moment where we were actually free to do whatever we wanted, and it was amazing and very liberating," he said.
Smallville amassed a cult following since its October 2001 debut, with the pilot episode setting a TV ratings record for The WB, attracting 8.4 million viewers. The show followed the adventures of a teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in his hometown of Smallville, Kansas, primarily focusing on his high school life, friendship with his future nemesis Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) and relationship with Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk). From Season 5 onwards, the series centered around Clark's early adult years and his career at the Daily Planet alongside Lois Lane (Erica Durance). The show was approved by the late Superman franchise star Christopher Reeve, who made two appearances on the show prior to his death in 2004.
Subsequently airing on The CW following the WB/UPN merger, Smallville became a pop culture phenomenon and amassed widespread critical acclaim, winning various Emmy and Teen Choice Awards throughout its run. It was also praised for its portrayal of Kent and how it stuck true to the origin story in the comics. The show aired for 10 seasons before its cancellation in 2011, though it was replicated in comic book fashion following the series finale, featuring 22 editions on Season 11 which ran from April 2012 to November 2013.
Millar and Gough have already enjoyed similar success with their Wednesday series, which is based on The Addams Family's Wednesday Addams. The supernatural comedy horror series stars Jenna Ortega in the titular role as it captures Wednesday's school life at Nevermore Academy as well as her developing psychic powers and attempts to thwart a local killing spree. Also featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones (Morticia Addams), Christina Ricci (Marilyn Thornhill), Luis Guzmán (Gomez Addams) and Gwendoline Christie (Larissa Weems), the show is the second-most watched English Language TV show on Netflix, trailing only Stranger Things Season 4.
Fans can stream Wednesday on Netflix and catch up on various Smallville seasons by watching episodes via Amazon Prime Video.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter