Smalleville Season Eight News

[Geekyfanboy]

Smallville's Disappearing Cast

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)

Yesterday, we reported that the CW granted "Smallville" an eighth season and offered speculation on whether or not Michael Rosenbaum would return to the role as Lex Luthor next year. (Rosenbaum has repeatedly stated he will not renew his contract after this season as a full-time cast member).

Today's Ask Ausiello column at our partners on TV Guide On-Line reports that not only has Rosenbaum opted out of his contract, Kristen Kreuk (Lana Lang) has also informed producers she won't be back for the eighth season as a full-time cast member. While both actors have decided to step away from their weekly appearance on the show for next season, the door could be open for each to return on a recurring basis as guest stars.

What this means to the overall future of the story arc on "Smallville" and the series direction next year remains to be seen.

[Geekyfanboy]

Another Smallville depature?

According to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello, another original Smallville regular could be headed for the exit.  Despite previous reports that a deal for her services next season was being finalized, it now appears that negotiations with Allison Mack, who plays Chloe Sullivan on the hit CW series, are breaking down and that Mack may leave the series.

"This marks quite a turnaround from a few months ago when I deemed Mack a lock to come back next season," Ausiello said. "And I wasn't the only one. Although a deal wasn't signed at the time, Smallville insiders tell me that all indications were that the actress was on board for Season 8."

However, with the depature of MIchael Rosenbaum and actress Kristen Kreuk taking a recurring role in the upcoming eighth season, Mack went back to the bargaining table, knowing her role on the show was vital, now more than ever.

Should Mack decide to leave the series, the only star left from the first season would be Tom Welling as Clark Kent. 

Mack's potential departure does have some fans speculating on what Smallville would look like next year with most of the original cast gone.  The cast would include Clark, Lois and Jimmy Olsen in a full-time capacity.  And many fans point out this has already been done on the popular 90's series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Smallville airs Thursdays on the CW.

[Rico]

NO!!  Not Chloe too!!!

[Geekyfanboy]

TV Guide Ausiello Report

Good News!!!!

Smallville fans, consider this bullet officially dodged: Multiple sources confirm to me exclusively that after weeks of tense negotiations, Allison Mack has sealed a deal to return next season as a series regular!

[The crowd roars]

Although the specifics of the new contract -- which was signed just hours ago -- are being kept under wraps, I'm told it calls for Mack to appear in all episodes produced next season. As I reported earlier this week, the actress' reps were (wisely) using the imminent departure of Smallville vet Michael Rosenbaum as leverage in the negotiations. I'm going to go out on a limb and say the strategy paid off.