As Smallville approaches its 25th anniversary, the cast and creators are looking back at the superhero drama’s legacy—and one character’s storyline they wish they had handled differently. Kristin Kreuk, who played Lana Lang, joined co-creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar for a candid conversation about the character’s development, with all three acknowledging that Lana deserved more agency earlier in the series.

The reunion took place on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You With Michael Rosenbaum podcast ahead of the show’s anniversary on October 16. In an exclusive preview shared by Entertainment Weekly, the former collaborators reflected on their creative decisions and what they would change if they could revisit the series today.

Smallville Creators Admit Lana Lang Needed More Agency

Gough was direct when asked what he would change about Lana’s character, identifying one major regret from the show’s run.

“We would give Lana more agency earlier in the show,” he said, describing it as the one do-over he would choose today.

Millar agreed that Lana’s storyline was a challenge for the creative team, admitting that her character development often struggled to move forward. He noted that the writers repeatedly returned to similar storylines, leaving her arc feeling “very repetitive.”

Lana was introduced as Clark Kent’s teenage love interest, with their complicated relationship serving as one of the central emotional threads of the early seasons. However, the ongoing cycle of romantic uncertainty and increasingly unusual plot developments eventually frustrated some viewers.

The creators’ reflections suggest that, with the benefit of hindsight, they would have given Lana more independence and a stronger direction instead of allowing her identity to revolve so heavily around her relationship with Clark.

Kristin Kreuk Wishes She Had Spoken Up Earlier

Kreuk also reflected on the opportunities she missed to help shape Lana’s story. Looking back, the actress said she wished she had possessed the confidence and experience to discuss the character’s development more openly with the show’s creators.

“I feel I wish I had what I have now, so we could have had conversations about it,” Kreuk said in the preview. “Because we could have crafted something together, I just didn’t know how to do it.”

Her comments offered a glimpse into the challenges of playing a major character while still finding her footing as a young performer. Kreuk joined Smallville in 2001, at a time when she was just entering adulthood, and the series became a defining part of her early career.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, she reflected on how dramatically the experience changed her life.

“I had just entered adulthood when I started Smallville,” Kreuk said, adding that she had no idea how significant the experience would become when she first arrived on set.

Now, 25 years later, she sees the show as something that has grown beyond the personal memories of its cast and creators. Its continued popularity belongs just as much to the fans who have kept its story alive.

Why Lana’s Storyline Remains a Point of Debate

Smallville premiered in fall 2001, offering viewers a look at Clark Kent’s life before he became Superman. Over its 10-season run, the series explored his relationships, friendships, and gradual transformation into the iconic superhero.

Lana was an important part of that journey, particularly during the early years, when her relationship with Clark helped establish the emotional stakes of his teenage life. But their repeated romantic complications became a source of frustration for some viewers as the series progressed.

Kreuk remained a main cast member through Season 7 before returning in a guest capacity during Season 8. Her departure marked a significant change for the show, although Lana’s complicated place in Clark’s story continued to generate discussion among fans.

The anniversary reunion gives the creators an opportunity to acknowledge those criticisms directly. Rather than dismissing the concerns, Gough and Millar have openly recognized that Lana’s storyline could have benefited from stronger characterization and more meaningful development.

Their comments may also resonate with longtime viewers who wanted Lana to have goals, decisions, and conflicts that existed independently of Clark Kent.

Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum Reflect on the Show’s Legacy

The podcast reunion also brought together Tom Welling, who portrayed Clark Kent, and Erica Durance, who played Lois Lane, alongside Kreuk, Rosenbaum, Gough, and Millar.

Welling described looking back on Smallville as a surreal experience, saying the reflection had given him a renewed appreciation for what the team created.

He called the experience humbling and expressed excitement about the lasting impact of the series, which remained a major part of his life long after filming ended.

Rosenbaum, who launched Inside of You in 2018, also spoke about the enduring bond among the cast members. Having grown up together while making the show, the actors shared an experience that has continued to connect them over the years.

“For 25 years, Smallville has been a huge part of all of our lives,” Rosenbaum said. He added that the cast and fans had grown alongside one another and expressed gratitude to those who continue to support the series through streaming and fan conventions.

The reunion highlights how the show’s legacy extends beyond its superhero storylines, reflecting the relationships formed behind the scenes and the lasting connection between the cast and its audience.

Smallville Celebrates 25 Years

Smallville officially marks its 25th anniversary on October 16, 2026. The milestone arrives with renewed attention on the series’ most memorable characters, creative decisions, and lasting influence on superhero television.

For Kreuk, Gough, and Millar, the anniversary is also a chance to reflect on what they learned from the experience. Their admission about Lana Lang highlights how even a beloved series can leave its creators with storylines they wish they had approached differently.

The full reunion conversation offers fans an opportunity to hear more about the cast’s memories and the choices that shaped the show. Meanwhile, Smallville remains available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

As fans revisit the series, one question is likely to linger: how might Lana’s journey have changed if she had been given more independence from the beginning?

Source: Compiled from various sources