This star almost played Superman on Smallville

Another Superman in 'Smallville'?

Let's just say for the record: “Supernatural” was perfectly cast and no one – really no one – except Jensen Ackles and Jaden Padalecki could have embodied the Winston brothers better.

The same can also be said for Tom Welling, who plays Clark Kent, aka Superman, in the superhero series “Smallville.” Steel blue eyes, a full head of hair, a prominent chin and muscular arms – and of course his acting skills – make him the perfect Superman!

But almost everything turned out completely differently! Because of all people, “Supernatural” star Jensen Ackles almost got the lead role in “Smallville.” It seems completely wrong in retrospect. But Jensen also has a chin, muscles, and bright eyes — and he can act, too. That's exactly what apparently got casting agents excited because, according to Ackles's own statement, he's “pretty much” cut.

Jensen Ackles: “It came down to me or Tom”

“It came very close and in the end it came down to Tom and I,” Ackles said in an interview with “Smallville: The Comic.” The last three seasons, I would say they made the right decision.

Maybe he sees it as a positive because he was still able to be a part of the “Smallville” world. In Season 4, Jensen plays Jason Teague, the friend of Lana Lange (Kristen Crook) and Clark's football coach. His character even eagerly helps solve the mystery of the Kryptonite stones – but succumbs to their power in the season finale and goes evil! He also had a good time on set, telling “Smallville: The Comic”: “We played pranks on each other.”

In 2005, after the “Smallville” season ended, Jensen took over the role of Dean Winchester on “Supernatural” — and became an international star. The show was an absolute hit and ran from 2005 to 2020.