Michael has to do a guest spot in the premire

[RedKalEL]

it's only logical he has ot get a better farewell and he can't die from the fos collapsing

[J_woman_power]

Exactly

[Polomontana]

What will most likely happen is Lex will not be found and he will be presumed dead and he will appear in one or two episodes towards the end of the season next year.

[Clana4Life]

He said he's not coming back at all. now unless they did some prerecording before he left, he's done.

[Mar-El]

He said he's not coming back at all. now unless they did some prerecording before he left, he's done.

Exactly. I think fans want to believe otherwise because they can't accept how crappy the last scene (IMO) is with the knowledge that Lex won't return.

At best we'll get a newspaper cover with his face on it, like in Exile.

[BIGBLUE10789]

thats what i was thinking that maybe they shot some additional scenes but MR said his last shot ever was him looking up, a crane shot. So i think that rules that out.

[AlwaysRight]

He said he's not coming back at all. now unless they did some prerecording before he left, he's done.

I am going to guess this will be the case(they filmed some footage already).

Beyond that they could do a plot that his assistant looks for him in the artic(not actually showing footage of it, but just mentioning it a couple times throughout the season) and they do find him the final episode

[Polomontana]

He will be back. Money talks and they will offer him some nice money especially if next year is the last season.

[jimmyolsenblues]

it would be nice to see him, but i doubt we will. clark will just say he could not find lex.

[AlwaysRight]

At best we'll get a newspaper cover with his face on it, like in Exile.

or they can just put his face on a Milk Carton

[dimeo782002]

Maybe they prerecorded the first episode of season 8 ! i heard in the past they have done that. they would end one season and also film the continuation as the next seasons first episode. So lets hope that is what will be done .

[Mar-El]

or they can just put his face on a Milk Carton

Or even one of those Wild West "Wanted" posters, after Lois proves he was responsible for killing Lionel:lol:

[dimeo782002]

thats what i was thinking that maybe they shot some additional scenes but MR said his last shot ever was him looking up, a crane shot. So i think that rules that out.

I remember Michael saying that ! If this is true then that sucks and the ending sucks they could have done better than this !

[LexLuv180]

He will be back. Money talks and they will offer him some nice money especially if next year is the last season.

They've already negotiated with him, so no. He said he may come back for some eps, but then they finished negotiating, with him walking out saying he wouldn't return at all. It's already been offered and refused, it's done sadly. The only hope we'd get of seeing him would be if he filmed some for next season already, which I find highly unlikely.

[MozartRequiem]

"thats what i was thinking that maybe they shot some additional scenes but MR said his last shot ever was him looking up, a crane shot. So i think that rules that out."

What if that was a trick? What if he's back in the season premiere (and he already filmed his final scene, which was always intended to be in the premiere) and the final shot IS a crane shot, but in a totally different way than this, thus tricking us and giving us one final awesome surprise twist before he leaves?

[LexLuv180]

That would be great, but truthfully I think we're in shock it would end this way and grasping for straws.

[krpto]

Personally I think they should find him in the arctic along with the rest of the people he sent up there without any memory of how they got there or why they were going there. Lex can spend all next season off screen because he is in the hospital ,searching for the secrets he lost while in the arctic, or some other reasonable explanation. Then later have clark rebuild the fos maybe the key from the ship when placed in the caves will rebuild the fos I mean if jor-el's AI from the key can do everything else why not rebuild the fos eventually.

[ForzaItalia]

He said he's not coming back at all. now unless they did some prerecording before he left, he's done.

Did he really say he's not even open to a guest appearance for one episode? If that's true, that's bad. Do you have a quote or link?

[krpto]

Did he really say he's not even open to a guest appearance for one episode? If that's true, that's bad. Do you have a quote or link?

I don't know where it is from but I read in a thread the other day that he said if he guest stars he may as well appear in all the episodes since it would mean shaving his head again.

[LexLuv180]

Did he really say he's not even open to a guest appearance for one episode? If that's true, that's bad. Do you have a quote or link?

Yes, His farewell letter to the fans is on the front page of this site and most Superman websites. It says it in there.
The network mentions in the farewell they hope to see him for guest appearances, but he says in his words he's done.

[boywithbluehanger]

As I posted in another thread: If they are clever, they will film a scene where he's being arrested and after that, just use his voice if/when Tess receives calls from him over the phone. If Terrance Stamp can get away with just being a voice so can Michael Rosenbaum (a talented voice actor in his own right).

[smallvillerocks45]

I agree. They probably filmed his "last scenes" in April (or whenever they finished filming Arctic), and will edit them into the premiere. That's the only thing that makes sense to me. Otherwise we won't have any closure, and where's the fun in that?

[OneWayFilms]

It would be hard for him to commit to a guest appearance, as he would have to reshave his whole head again, and I think that's one of the things he's growing tired of.

Having already filmed some short parts, to finish off this scene in the cliff-hanger would be a smart move, however, what scares me the most, is that they DIDN'T.

The opening might open up with 3 months later, finding Clark left for dead, and either Jor-El FINALLY waking up for his sleep, and saving Clark, or Cholie finding her way back to the FOS and somehow rescuing Clark again. Either way, Lex could be long gone, thinking that Clark is dead.

[ballofsteel]

Aren't finales and season premiers usually one big episode hence he will be featured in the 1st ep and has already been part filmed?

[Ginx]

Hmmm....not sure if he's done or not. I would think that he'd like to do a guest appearance just to wrap it up - from what I read that is what will happen. I read the same farewell letter and didn't get that he'd never be back ever - I gathered he was done being a regular.

[luthorian]

Well I think this was the best way to end the show anyway Clark and Lex going together... I'm not gonna watch without MR.

[baltazor]

Yes he HAS to be in the premiere even for a few minutes...

[yoda1138777]

Chloe and Jimmy Bond dig him up from the FOS rubble and Shelby's super pee gives Lex a mind wipe. Lex is then not there for season 8. Problem solved.

[Timester]

I vote to let the things open like they are now. Why are people so obsessed with wrapping up? Lex will be back in the future, they CAN'T wrap up his destiny.

[C Redfield]

I'm sure he'll be in 8x1. Just because he says its the last thing he filmed doesn't mean its the last thing you'll see him in. The last thing JK filmed was holding Clark when Lana died And he was still in that episode.

[LuckyKrypto]

I'm sure he'll be back. Or at least the season opener will probably have him in someway.
I mean how can things end like that for Lex??:(

[Super Maverick]

I mentioned this in a previous thread, but i'm pretty sure this was filmed and in the can before they knew he was not coming back. they probably had other plans on how to start season 8, but will now have to adjust due to MR's decision to leave the show.

[last man of krypton]

it would be nice to see him, but i doubt we will. clark will just say he could not find lex.

Knowing how lazy/inept Clark is, I imagine something along the lines of:

Clark: "Lex?! Where are you?!"
Lex: "I'm right next to you."
Clark: "I tried everything I could... all my powers and I still couldn't find him..."
Lex: "What are you -"
< Clark speeds off back to the barn, to look at a photo of Lana >

[Hydra]

Yes, His farewell letter to the fans is on the front page of this site and most Superman websites. It says it in there.
The network mentions in the farewell they hope to see him for guest appearances, but he says in his words he's done.

Also in an interview he said that he would not be coming back even for one or two more episodes, because he wants to grow his hair back out. He said if he's going to shave for one episode he might as well do them all. Michael Rosenbaum is gone, and there's nothing we cant do about it.

[octagonalkey]

The most obvious thing that will happen, is that the premier starts with one month later or whatever the time line will be if he's not back for another few minutes in the premier but if they say that the crane shot was indeed his last shot, it doesn't mean that before there wasn't already a shot of season 8.;).
I think people really need to stop focusing on who will be back and who won't, just watch the show without thinking about who will be back but more on what will happen. I think it's just stupid to think that because brainiac, lionel luthor, lex luthor are gone that there won't be another good season. It's proven before when clarks father died, at first I missed him in the show but they did a really good job after that.

look at what we do have:
2 new villians: doomsday and tessmacker,
Lois en Chlark growing towards each other,
The fortress is gone, enough room for mythologie ever thought about the caves and the octagonal key again people?,
Kara in the phantom zone,
etc,...

I look forward to it

grtz
Danjal

[smallvillefreak24]

IF we pretend that it was just another finale I would think the final scene would be really awsome... the ONLY thing ruining it is the knowlege michael won't be back, dreading that the premeir will be a cop out and michael will not go out with justice. I REALLY REALLY hope that the premeir is already filmed or next year will not be what it always has been

[octagonalkey]

the premier will be awesome like always, I liked the Zod premier the best, but that doesn't mean it can't be better;

Grtz

Danjal

[Sweetie]

No,he doesn't have too.Look,he said he's not returning.So,he must have prerecorded all his scenes in season 8.But,he wants to do guest spot,it would be better if it was at the end of the season.He could keep his hair like a disguise just to see where he ended up.

[Minela]

thats what i was thinking that maybe they shot some additional scenes but MR said his last shot ever was him looking up, a crane shot. So i think that rules that out.

Scenes aren't shot in sequence. The last thing shot could have been him looking up, but who's to say they didn't film the season premier before that? I mean... I really really really hope they aren't leaving it like this, because that would be just the worst character sendoff and I'd be really pissed.

That said, MR is deffenitley not filming any more scenes. No guest appearances. Nothing. Ever. Nada. :(

----- Added 6 Minutes later -----


Hmmm....not sure if he's done or not. I would think that he'd like to do a guest appearance just to wrap it up - from what I read that is what will happen. I read the same farewell letter and didn't get that he'd never be back ever - I gathered he was done being a regular.

No. He is done. He will never ever set foot on a Smallville set again.

[FlashInSV]

They have probably filmed the season 7 finale and season 8 premiere as a whole, seeing as finales and premieres are supposed to have continuity and be a storyline split in two.

And it would be paranoid if Clark somehow got up and sped away, leaving Lex in the rubble and then they would mysteriously make him disappear, never explaining what happened to him. So, yeah, Lex must be on the premiere to clear things up, but nothing further than that.

If Mr. Rosenbaum specifically stated he wouldn't be doing not even ONE episode of season 8(which is sad), then I guess we're about to witness yet another Smallville plothole and inconsistency as to what really happened to Lex Luthor.

[fbvn6377]

I cant help but think about that punchline of David Duchovny's when he left the xfiles : " i'm not coming back, ever!" Eventually, he was more than present for the series finale back in season 9.
So who knows what's going to happen....

[Hydra]

Hopefully he'd be willing to reconsider if they let Lex wear a 'wig'.

[ForzaItalia]

Yes, His farewell letter to the fans is on the front page of this site and most Superman websites. It says it in there.
The network mentions in the farewell they hope to see him for guest appearances, but he says in his words he's done.

I don't see that in his letter. I'll paste it below

Dear Smallville Fans,

Well, it's been seven wonderful years. Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.

That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career. I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying. I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there. I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond.

I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.

Thank you Al and Miles for creating the show. Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years. Lisa Lewis, I miss you already. John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.

Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the 80's.

Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.

I love you all,

Michael Rosenbaum

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


It would be hard for him to commit to a guest appearance, as he would have to reshave his whole head again, and I think that's one of the things he's growing tired of..

If that was really the problem, they could just give him a bald cap. It would probably look fake, but I'm sure all fans would rather see MR in a bald cap than not see him at all.
Or, if nothing else, just let him wear a really fake looking wig (like Gene Hackman did in the movies).

But I think the reality is: that's the least of the problems.

----- Added 6 Minutes later -----


Aren't finales and season premiers usually one big episode hence he will be featured in the 1st ep and has already been part filmed?

Not really. They're intended to look that way, but they're made as two seperate productions.

----- Added 9 Minutes later -----



I mean how can things end like that for Lex??:(

As lame as that ending was, I honestly believe the producers see it as a potential last time we'll ever see Lex.

Everyone (fans and the show's producers) hope to see him back as a guest. But nothing is official yet.

[Tacosupes]

thats what i was thinking that maybe they shot some additional scenes but MR said his last shot ever was him looking up, a crane shot. So i think that rules that out.


Obviously you know nothing about how films and televison shows are shot. They rarely, almost never shot scenes in chronological order. They could have shot a crane shot of lex in prision, where he belongs, in a prison yard. Or the phantom zone. We know Clark will NEVER kill Lex, and we know LEX has too many high powered lawyers to spend more than a few weeks in prison like his father. Clark's only recourse is to administer his own justice, and lock Lex in the prison his father made. the PHANTOM ZONE.

The Producers of the show said Michael Rosenbaum is no longer a season regular (for the slow people being a special guest star on Smallville is different from being a cast member), and as to Michael Rosembaum's guest appearances they said "stay tuned" .
In my opionion, I could give a crap if Michael Rosenbaum doesn'r ever come back. The dudes tired of shaving his head, leave him alone. The Lex character can wrap uphis story with a substitue actor. Any bald dufus can play Lex Luthor. They should pay through the nose and get Mike Myers to do it.

[LexLuv180]

I don't see that in his letter. I'll paste it below

Dear Smallville Fans,

Well, it's been seven wonderful years. Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.

That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career. I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying. I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there. I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond.

I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.

Thank you Al and Miles for creating the show. Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years. Lisa Lewis, I miss you already. John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.

Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the 80's.

Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.

I love you all,

Michael Rosenbaum


What are you saying you don't see in that letter in reply to my post? That's the letter i'm speaking of, and to me it looks like he's done. :confused:

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Obviously you know nothing about how films and televison shows are shot. They rarely, almost never shot scenes in chronological order. They could have shot a crane shot of lex in prision, where he belongs, in a prison yard. Or the phantom zone. We know Clark will NEVER kill Lex, and we know LEX has too many high powered lawyers to spend more than a few weeks in prison like his father. Clark's only recourse is to administer his own justice, and lock Lex in the prison his father made. the PHANTOM ZONE.

The Producers of the show said Michael Rosenbaum is no longer a season regular (for the slow people being a special guest star on Smallville is different from being a cast member), and as to Michael Rosembaum's guest appearances they said "stay tuned" .
In my opionion, I could give a crap if Michael Rosenbaum doesn'r ever come back. The dudes tired of shaving his head, leave him alone. The Lex character can wrap uphis story with a substitue actor. Any bald dufus can play Lex Luthor. They should pay through the nose and get Mike Myers to do it.

I really think the network says things like that to keep hope for fans of Rosenbaum alive and to keep ratings up. I dont think Clark should put ANYONE in the Phantom Zone, as that place seems too horrid to be fair. Also, it wasn't designed for humans I don't see how they could even survive in the atmosphere.
Superman never tried to make himself as a jury, just a justice aide. In the films and comics he didn't throw people in prison himself, he handed them to the police and let the court system decide.

[Tacosupes]

What are you saying you don't see in that letter in reply to my post? That's the letter i'm speaking of, and to me it looks like he's done. :confused:

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----



I really think the network says things like that to keep hope for fans of Rosenbaum alive and to keep ratings up. I dont think Clark should put ANYONE in the Phantom Zone, as that place seems too horrid to be fair. Also, it wasn't designed for humans I don't see how they could even survive in the atmosphere.
Superman never tried to make himself as a jury, just a justice aide. In the films and comics he didn't throw people in prison himself, he handed them to the police and let the court system decide.


BULLCRAP. He locked up Namek and Aethyr, he killed a meteor freak in season 4 ep 2. He killed Titan, and he killed WES KEENAN, (a human prototype). So yeah hes been judge jury AND executioner. He also advocated locking up humans in prisons for ET

[Theshadow129x]

people need to let it go. he. doesnt. want. to. come. back. he's sick of the show. Do you honestly think they will offer him more money for one or two appearances? he said himself that he isnt coming back and if he did come back for one he would have to come back for every episode because of how long it takes for his hair to grow back which is 3 months and he isnt gonig to do that anymore. If i was him i would get out too. just accept that he isnt returning and move on like him/ i mean he's almost 40. he wants to do other stuff.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

MR is such a bad ass actor, and will sorely be missed in the final season of Smallville. I don't think the show will be the same without him!

Catchmeifyoucan

[Kirstycol]

It would be rediculous if Lex went through all that to figure out who the traveller was. Then found the means to control him.... then what. Season 8 everything is fine..? Lex drops his evil quest, clark and chloe are ok and lex fades into the background? I don't think so.
He has to be in the premier if for no other reason than for Clark to find a way to defeat him. I bet it will come down to a battle between Lex and Chloe. She will rise up to separate Clark from the device controlling him. Something like that.

[hellnback]

man if michael doesn't come back for an ep or two to close his part of the story that will be sad. so then he'll vanish and be declared missing. the only thing they could do is have him at least appear at the start of season, like the first episode of the season to explain his departure. like awakening in a hospital and having amnesia about clark and who he really is. maybe jor-el at the last moment sent him off to some other part of the world with no memory of what recently happened. i keep thinking up off all sorts of things on how the writers are going to pull this off. and now that lex is gone from the daily planet they should finally bring in perry white.

[UltrarodimusP]

I read most of this thread, not all of it. Will finish it up later. I just wanted to say:

I think Lex will be back, in another body. I bet you he got crushed. And Braniac transfers his mind into another human body.

And I think while doing that, Lex's memories of Clark will be wiped away. Just a though.

[Humdinger]

I'm sure he'll be in 8x1. Just because he says its the last thing he filmed doesn't mean its the last thing you'll see him in. The last thing JK filmed was holding Clark when Lana died And he was still in that episode.

Did we see Lionel after Lex pushed him out the window?

[Theshadow129x]

nope. he was done and that was that

[Misstaken]

The Lex character can wrap uphis story with a substitue actor. Any bald dufus can play Lex Luthor. They should pay through the nose and get Mike Myers to do it.

I would HATE that. Replacing a character for (probably) the last season would be wrong in so many ways. That would be okay if MR wasn't a good actor, but he's gotta be one of - if not the - best impersonation of Lex Luthor ever made. Replacing MR would be purely offensive to him. Good way to show your appreciation for an actor, just replace him with the first bald guy to step in the audition room!

[mistaguitarmasta]

In my opionion, I could give a crap if Michael Rosenbaum doesn'r ever come back. The dudes tired of shaving his head, leave him alone. The Lex character can wrap uphis story with a substitue actor. Any bald dufus can play Lex Luthor. They should pay through the nose and get Mike Myers to do it.

Wow. Are we even watching the same show? Rosenbaum is an incredible acting talent, losing him is a big deal. The show goes on, but it will never be the same again. Obviously you're entitled to your opinion, but I could not disagree more.

[Hydra]

I agree ^

[stovers]

If they didn't pre-record the premeir, then the writers screwed up Lex's departure big time. You wouldn't even know he was leaving. There was no talk about him moving out of the mansion, or leaving Smallville at all. He didn't even get a new editor for the Daily Planet.

[Iluvgreen]

I really wish he does, but he may be gone for good... let's keep our fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SVrnFAN]

Sadly, no more Lex. I think the only way we will see Lex back at all for Season 8 is if MR doesn't line any new gig up - and I wouldn't wish that on MR. Anyways, with all his talent, he will be scooped up very quickly. :D

[Hydra]

Yeah the only thing that makes me sad is that I won't be able to enjoy his work on Smallville.

But at the same time I know I'll probably be able to enjoy his work on something else thats far better, so it all balances out.

[june_soma]

I too am hoping they have filmed some additional scenes with Lex to edit into the season 8 premiere, or else what a lame way to end the Lex saga this turned out to be. He really deserved a far better exit than being buried in the fos. Boooring!

It almost seems to me that the writers where hoping he would stay on for another season, and when he finally decided to quit, the plot was already set and they struggled to find a decent way to get rid of him.

Usually when writers write a season the broad strokes are already in place before they start writing the first episode. There is a definite beginning, middle and end so to speak. And if MR was unsure if he was going to stay on, maybe they came up with the broad strokes of the season while they were still counting on him to continue.

Then again, I might be waaaay off. :)

[Hydra]

I too am hoping they have filmed some additional scenes with Lex to edit into the season 8 premiere, or else what a lame way to end the Lex saga this turned out to be. He really deserved a far better exit than being buried in the fos. Boooring!

It almost seems to me that the writers where hoping he would stay on for another season, and when he finally decided to quit, the plot was already set and they struggled to find a decent way to get rid of him.

Usually when writers write a season the broad strokes are already in place before they start writing the first episode. There is a definite beginning, middle and end so to speak. And if MR was unsure if he was going to stay on, maybe they came up with the broad strokes of the season while they were still counting on him to continue.

Then again, I might be waaaay off. :)

I'm afraid you are. I don't mean that offensively, but Michael Rosenbaum had made it clear by AT LEAST season 6 that he would not return beyond season 7 (when his contract ended). The writers knew well in advance what he was planning. And as for 'the planning ahead' angle, The writers only plan one season at a time. I remember an article in which TPTB said they didn't even plan how they were going to write themselves out of the cliffhangers until they started work on the new season.

At the beggining of season seven they should have had a plan well in advance on how to wrap up Lex's character. But they didn't, and now the fans of Smallville have been screwed up the a**.

Sorry to say it, but its true.

[june_soma]

At the beggining of season seven they should have had a plan well in advance on how to wrap up Lex's character. But they didn't, and now the fans of Smallville have been screwed up the a**.

Sorry to say it, but its true.

Yeah, that just makes it worse. That they knew and still gave LL such a terrible exit. He deserved much, much, much better. I mean the final showdown, it's amazing that they managed to f*** that up.

And no offence taken, when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. ;)

[Hydra]

Yeah, that just makes it worse. That they knew and still gave LL such a terrible exit. He deserved much, much, much better. I mean the final showdown, it's amazing that they managed to f*** that up.

And no offence taken, when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. ;)

Hey man. It's not so much about being wrong as it is just knowing stuff. I would have thought the same as you if I hadn't read all the interviews and stuff.

[Odysseus]

He said he's not coming back at all. now unless they did some prerecording before he left, he's done.

I agree. The only way is if they already recorded a final scene or two and are saving it for the finale.

And logically, I think they HAD to have done this, because obviously Lex doesn't die, so they have to show what happens after the FOS collapses.