Tom Welling has been one of the most iconic figures of live-action DC storytelling for over 20 years. His role as a young Clark Kent in ‘Smallville‘ not only rebranded Superman to a new generation, but it also defined the way superhero television would be.
Years after the show, however, Welling has said that he would like to put on another cape. This time, the cape belongs to the darkest and most mythic character of DC: Batman.
Tom Welling Is Eager To Join James Gunn’s DCU
At Liverpool Comic-Con, Tom Welling opened up about what roles he would enjoy playing in the newly rebooted DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran. When questioned about which character he would pick if given an opportunity, he did not hesitate: I mean, Batman. It was a small response, but enough to excite fans. As ‘The Brave and the Bold‘ is still in the development phase and DC Studios, Welling’s timing couldn’t be better.
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To most fans, Tom Welling as Batman would be more than a stunt or a nostalgic cameo; it would be something that blends significant DC eras. Welling is a near-mythical figure in DC pop culture. ‘Smallville’ was not only successful, but it was groundbreaking. It was released way before the emergence of superhero universes and lasted ten seasons without ever having Clark in the full Superman costume. The show wanted its viewers to remain attached to the character, not capes.
So when Welling expresses interest in becoming Batman, the immediate reaction isn’t, “He wants a job.” It’s more like: The guy who helped define modern superhero television wants to return and play Batman? That feels right. Michael Rosenbaum, the definitive live-action Lex Luthor for many viewers, immediately chimed in: “I’d play the Joker!” Laura Vandervoort, ‘Smallville’s Supergirl, threw in her own wildcard pick with Harley Quinn.
‘The Brave And The Bold’ Might Not Be The Right Fit For Tom Welling
James Gunn has been pleasantly transparent regarding the changing plans of DCU. ‘The Brave and the Bold’ will introduce a Batman who is already established, who finds out that he has a biological son, Damian Wayne. This automatically puts the character in a very particular age group: older, experienced, emotionally complicated, and tired of years of darkness in Gotham. Tom Welling is surprisingly well-suited to that type.
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However, not perfectly, because Gunn and Muschietti appear to be constructing this Batman with a different emotional base. ‘Smallville’s Clark was a kind and optimistic human being. Welling’s Batman would be a natural bearer of some of that energy, and this might be an issue. In another universe, it might be ideal. But for this universe, Gunn seems to desire something more acute. Something more jaded. A Batman who has already been introduced to the cruelty of the life that Damian grew up in.
Still, Welling’s Batman might work out. It is also undeniable that fans want him back. Whether Gunn makes it happen or not, only time will tell. However, actors wanting in on the new DCU is a big sign that things are going in the right direction. It is an indication that Gunn has credibility in the DCU. And Welling’s association with DC goes beyond costumes or cameos. He was Clark Kent at a time when superhero narratives were not sure-footed. He assisted in carrying the torch when not many were ready to carry it. So, the notion of him playing another iconic DC character is poetic.
