Christopher Reeve‘s appearance on ‘Smallville‘ remains one of the show’s most memorable moments. Reeve, the legendary actor who had become synonymous with Superman, joined the in its second season for the episode.
He portrayed Dr. Virgil Swann, a reclusive scientist who informed Clark Kent about his origins on the planet Krypton. This storyline marked a turning point in the show, as Clark began to learn more about his true identity and destiny. However, the behind-the-scenes story of Reeve’s appearance is just as legendary as his role.
Christopher Reeve Refused To Leave The ‘Smallville’ Set Despite Medical Issues
During a ‘Smallville‘ reunion at New York City Comic Con in 2022, Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent, shared a heartfelt story about Christopher Reeve’s time on set. He revealed that Reeve was determined to give his all during filming despite being paralyzed.
Initially, the production team planned to shoot Reeve’s scenes first to allow him to leave early, as his doctors advised against him staying for more than three hours. But, Reeve refused to leave. “He was only supposed to be there for three hours, but I think he stayed for like six-and-a-half. He was like, ‘I don’t want to leave,’” Welling told the EW.
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According to Welling, Reeve ended up staying on set for over six hours. His nurse even threatened to call the police on him for not listening to medical advice. However, he simply wanted to stay and support Welling during filming. Reeve’s passion for the role and his connection with Welling became apparent in his words.
At one point, Reeve told Welling, “I’m glad you’re the next Superman,” to which Welling humbly replied that he was playing Clark Kent, not Superman. Reeve then simply stated “Well, you should be.” This passing of the torch from one Superman to another was a memorable moment for both actors and the fans.
The Challenges Of Getting Christopher Reeve On ‘Smallville’
Convincing Christopher Reeve to appear on ‘Smallville’ was no easy feat. The show’s creators had to navigate a series of negotiations to bring Reeve on board. One of the key conditions was a donation to ‘The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’, which supports research into paralysis.
Another challenge was the logistical aspect. Due to Reeve’s condition, he was unable to travel to ‘Smallville’s usual filming location in Vancouver. Instead, the crew traveled to New York to film Reeve’s scenes. Moreover, this marked only one of two episodes of Smallville filmed in the United States.
Reeve’s return in Season 3 for the episode “Legacy” further cemented his role in the Smallville universe. He once again shared key information about Clark’s Kryptonian origins, while also interacting with Lionel Luthor, portrayed by John Glover.
The Enduring Legacy Of Christopher Reeve On ‘Smallville’
Christopher Reeve’s guest appearances on ‘Smallville‘ carried a lasting impact beyond his brief time on screen. The show honored Reeve’s memory after his passing in 2004. They aired a touching tribute at the end of the episode ‘Devoted.’ In the following years, ‘Smallville’ continued to support ‘The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.’
They aired additional PSAs to raise awareness for the cause. Reeve’s character, Dr. Swann, also remained an integral part of the show’s mythology, as the founder of Veritas. Even after his death, Reeve’s influence on the show endured.
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The character of Dr. Swann had a lasting legacy within the storyline. Even his daughter Patricia appeared in Season 7 during the Veritas arc. Though the character was short-lived, it emphasized how crucial Swann’s knowledge and influence were in shaping Clark’s journey.
The ‘Smallville‘ team also paid homage to Reeve’s legacy in the Superman universe. Moreover, Reeve’s Smallville appearances represent a heartfelt connection between the Superman of the past and the Superman of the future. His scenes with Welling were more than just passing moments in a television show. Additionally, his contribution to the series, and to the Superman mythos as a whole, remains irreplaceable.
