For a series that ended more than a decade ago, ‘Smallville’ has an unusually long shadow. The series ended in 2011, ten seasons later, with Clark Kent gradually, painfully, and slowly becoming Superman. And yet, even with the lapse of time, or perhaps even due to it, ‘Smallville’ never really disappeared.
It is still being discovered by new fans, longtime viewers are still deeply attached, and talk of a sequel will not die. Now, thanks to an unexpected corner of DC’s future slate, those conversations feel more realistic than ever.
Why DC’s Latest ‘Dynamic Duo’ Spinoff Makes A ‘Smallville’ Revival Feel Inevitable
The next animated Batman spinoff, ‘Dynamic Duo’, which DC plans to release in 2028, may appear to have little to do with a Kansas-based Superman origin story. However, its presence is an indication that DC is becoming more receptive to ambitious, animated films that directly appeal to fan communities. That change may be precisely what ‘Smallville’ has been longing to see. The unofficial news of Dynamic Duo, a stylized animated movie about Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, is a significant shift in DC’s strategy.
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Instead of putting Batman directly in the middle of the frame, as most projects have done, this spinoff places the emphasis on characters that are popular, iconic, and historically underrepresented on screen. That choice matters. ‘Dynamic Duo’ is not another Batman-related story. It is DC recognizing that animation is not necessarily filler. It can be a place for emotionally rich storytelling, deep character exploration, and risks that might be harder to justify in live-action. The animation style is unique in itself.
This further implies that DC views animation as a creative strength, rather than a weakness. That is where ‘Smallville’ comes into the picture. Over the years, Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, and other members of the original cast have openly discussed their wish to carry on the story, not necessarily in live-action, but as an animated sequel. They have established that there is a pitch. They have talked about voice roles. And they have clarified that the interest is not hypothetical.
What has been lacking is a studio atmosphere that is ready to say yes. Now it’s clear that it’s possible. A ‘Smallville’ sequel in animation would not have to face most of the issues that accompany the re-creation of a live-action series: aging actors, huge budgets, and the need to maintain continuity. Animation would enable the series to continue exactly where it left off emotionally, and broaden its horizons in a way the original CW-era budget could never have.
A ‘Smallville’ Revival Could Be A Smart Move For The DCU
A ‘Smallville’ sequel wouldn’t just be a gift to longtime fans, it could be a strategic win for DC as a whole. The DC Universe is already adopting various continuities. ‘My Adventures With Superman’ is coexisting with live-action movies. Reeves’s ‘The Batman’ universe is independent of the mainline Batman of the DCU. Viewers have demonstrated that they are capable of managing, and even enjoying, parallel versions of the same characters.
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In that regard, the idea of Tom Welling’s Clark Kent coming back in an animated ‘Smallville’ spin-off does not feel clumsy. It feels intentional. ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ was a blueprint by Marvel. Reviving a popular series many years after it was canceled, Marvel was able to leverage an already existing emotional attachment. And at the same time, it introduced the project to a whole new audience. DC might do the same with ‘Smallville’, particularly considering the role the show played in the development of the modern superhero TV.
