Tom Welling: Why the Smallville Star Avoided Co-Stars & His Feelings on the Show Now

Tom Welling, the actor best known for his decade-long portrayal of Clark Kent in the series Smallville, revealed a surprisingly isolated experience during the show’s production, citing exhaustion as the primary reason for limited interaction with his co-stars outside of filming. The revelation came during a February 2026 panel discussion at the Vancouver FanExpo, alongside Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, and James Marsters.

Welling explained that the demanding schedule – often requiring him on set as early as 5:00 AM after finishing shoots as late as 6:00 AM on Saturdays – left him with little energy for socializing. “I didn’t see anyone except on set, due to the fact that the last thing you want to do after work is spend time with your colleagues,” he stated, according to reports from the event. His downtime was largely spent at home with his dogs, prioritizing rest and recovery.

This admission builds on previous statements Welling made in 2025 during an appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast, Inside of You. There, he described a complex relationship with the series, admitting he wasn’t always happy while filming, despite now expressing pride in the show’s legacy. “When I watched the show, I wasn’t very happy most of the time,” Welling confessed to Rosenbaum, adding, “I’m proud of it now, which I don’t believe I was at the time of shooting.”

Smallville, which originally aired on The CW from 2001 to 2011, recently saw a resurgence in popularity with its complete run becoming available on Netflix in January 2026. This renewed accessibility has sparked conversations about the show’s impact and the experiences of those involved. News of the series’ arrival on Netflix has been accompanied by reports highlighting its continued success and calls for a potential sequel (Screen Rant). The show’s success on Netflix has even been described as eclipsing other superhero series previously aired on The CW (Collider).

Welling’s comments offer a glimpse behind the scenes of a major television production, illustrating the personal toll that intense work schedules can take on performers. While Smallville captivated audiences worldwide, the actor’s experience underscores the often-hidden challenges faced by those at the center of such productions. The series’ newfound life on Netflix, however, appears to be fostering a period of reflection and reconciliation for Welling, even as the character of Clark Kent remains a significant part of his identity.

As of February 25, 2026, neither The CW nor Netflix have commented on the possibility of a Smallville sequel, despite growing fan interest.