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Smallville Execs Thank Star for Lex Appeal, Tease Doomsday's Arrival
Michael Rosenbaum by Kharen Hill/The CW
A joint statement from Smallville's new quartet of show runners, the CW and Warner Bros. Television pays proper due to Michael Rosenbaum, who won't be returning next season as a series regular. "It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Michael. He is one of the best actors on television and has never failed to bring a new layer to the character of Lex Luthor in every episode," says the missive. "While... we won’t have the pleasure of working with him on a weekly basis this fall, we like to think that we haven’t seen the last of Lex Luthor. Stay tuned." (In comments: Michael Rosenbaum's letter to fans and friends.)
The Smallville bosses go on to tease a new breed of villainy for Season 8, including the arrival of Doomsday, "the legendary, unstoppable destroyer" who will present Clark with "his ultimate challenge." (Doomsday, of course, is the only character in the DC Comics universe to have killed Superman.)
Also to be cast for S8 is a female villain who "will be familiar to many fans and will set her sights on Clark in ways Lex never could. Intelligent, brilliantly manipulative, and dangerously sinister, [she] has one more weapon in her arsenal: Her mutual attraction with Clark may prove to be as deadly as kryptonite."
As for Allison Mack's own Season 8 status, sources tell me "Chloe" and the show are still in talks. — MWM
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May 1, 2008 8:52 PM
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A letter from Michael Rosenbaum
Dear Smallville Fans,
Well, it's been seven wonderful years. Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.
That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career. I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying. I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there. I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond.
I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.
Thank you Al [Gough] and Miles [Millar] for creating the show. Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years. Lisa Lewis, I miss you already. John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.
Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the '80s.
Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.
I love you all,
Michael Rosenbaum
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May 1, 2008 8:53 PM
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Thank YOU, Michael Rosenbaum, for making Smallville one of the reasons to keep watching, and for sometimes rooting for a character that I normally loathe and despise. Oh and for making me fall in love with your rendition of Flash in the Justice League. Only you could've provided that, smart-alecky, yet sweet character. It boggles the mind how you could do both at the same time: arch evil vs. one of the original founding members of the JL.
Best of luck in your future endeavors. I'll be looking out for you.
~Sangeeta
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May 1, 2008 9:10 PM
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"The Smallville bosses go on to tease a new breed of villainy for Season 8, including the arrival of Doomsday..."
Are they freakin' KIDDING????? It's bad enough that Clarke's turned into a whining weenie these past two seasons, but now they're bringing in DOOMSDAY? Seriously????? Before he's (Clarke's)learned to fly????
Just what are the writers smoking? 
~Sangeeta
totally blanking on who the female villain could be. Note to self: leaf through Superman mythos book...
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May 1, 2008 9:15 PM
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could be Maxima
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May 1, 2008 9:29 PM
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I have been tuning in and out of Smallville for years now and the only reason I have been tuning in is for Michael Rosenbaum's amazing portryal of my favorite Smallville character Lex Luthor. Michael will be greatly missed and I guess I lost my reason to tune in to Smallville next season!
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May 1, 2008 9:36 PM
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Carlee17: "I guess I lost my reason to tune in to Smallville next season!"
Actually, he's going to be on 11 episodes as a recurring character; I'm ever hopeful TPTB will convince him to appear in more!
~Sangeeta
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May 1, 2008 9:42 PM
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Will no one end this train wreck??? For the love of God; DOOMSDAY? What is wrong with these writers?
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May 1, 2008 9:44 PM
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@Geets226: It's "Clark", no "e" on the end. A fan of the Superman mythos should know that, after all. 
I will miss Rosenbaum, but I am excited to see how the showrunners and writers take the Doomsday story from the comics and change it for the television mythos. Unlike other people commenting, I'm not going to wail and moan about what MIGHT happen until we know more.
Honestly, if you think the worse about what's to come, don't watch!
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May 1, 2008 9:53 PM
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@Geets226: It's "Clark", no "e" on the end. A fan of the Superman mythos should know that, after all."
I blame it on the stupid laptop, which I still haven't quite mastered! How'd that 'e' show up? 
~Sangeeta
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May 1, 2008 10:02 PM
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I agree, Michael Rosenbaum is one of the finest actors on television. His portrayal of Lex Luthor has been a joy to watch from the first season. He will be sorely missed, but his cameos will be something to look forward to. I'm sure he's eager to take on new roles, and I wish him the best and will be watching.
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May 1, 2008 10:06 PM
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Michael Rosenbaum is such a gifted actor and he brought a lot to "Smallville". I'll miss his wonderful portrayal of Lex, but I'm still looking forward to season 8. It's already sounding pretty awesome.
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May 1, 2008 10:10 PM
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Hey Jaeru, I thought it could be Maxima as well so you may be on to something! She's a relatively newer addition to the Superman mythos, so there's lots of room to build her character, but the basic description sounded like her. Also, it would kind of make sense to introduce two new alien villains for Clark.
The only other thought about the mystery villainess would be Lana Lang as the Insect Queen...but I have a feeling TPTB just aren't going to go there!
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May 1, 2008 10:36 PM
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I can't believe they are going to have an Smallville without Michael, what are they giving us?? Doomsday?? Please!!!
They are bringing characters into the story that are part of the Superman Myth and yet they have written a Clark Kent that could never be Superman.
I love Tom W. but I think that without Michael R. in SMV is just not going to work.
Also they are rumors about not signing Allison Mack either, if the 2 of them leave SMV I'm so out of there!!!!!
Michael, we love you!! We'll follow you, we'll miss you tons!!! Hugs, Monica
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May 1, 2008 11:43 PM
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I will miss Michael Rosenbaum, but I have no doubt he has a bright career ahead of him yet. So, if he comes back on a recurring basis (is it confirmed that he's doing 11 episodes? By whom?), he'll have to keep his head shaved. That might cramp his style trying out for other parts.
I guess I'll adjust. I still miss Clark's parents, and I think the show is weaker without them. Same goes for Lionel.
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May 2, 2008 12:33 AM
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