Smallville nearly had a Justice League spin-off

The CW's Smallville nearly expanded its universe with a Justice League spin-off.

Smallville was close to having a Justice League spin-off

The CW's Smallville, which aired for ten seasons, was pivotal in shaping the modern superhero genre on television. Writer Steven DeKnight revealed that during the show's sixth season, plans were in motion for a Justice League spin-off featuring Justin Hartley as Green Arrow. The series would have followed Hartley's character and other heroes introduced throughout Smallville, like Bart Allen and Aquaman, as they formed a league to combat Lex Luthor's experiments. This plan never materialized, but the possibility highlights Smallville's role in paving the way for future superhero narratives.

The near-spin-off underscores Smallville's significant influence on later superhero shows. By introducing iconic characters and weaving their stories into Clark Kent's journey, Smallville set a foundation for The CW's Arrowverse. The interest in a Justice League series reflects the show's audience's desire for deeper superhero stories, which were eventually fulfilled in later adaptations. This legacy demonstrates how early efforts can shape a network's programming strategy.

Highlights

Imagining how this spin-off could have changed the landscape of superhero shows is intriguing.