The Daily Planet has found its new editor. Aside from the speculations and rumors from the cliffhangers it left viewers during the season six finale, the highly anticipated return of Smallville season seven comes with the addition of a new cast member.

In addition to Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort, who plays Clark’s teenage cousin Kara/Supergirl, actor Michael Cassidy will be joining the cast of Smallville for several episodes.

According to TV Guide, Michael Cassidy will make his first appearance on the second episode of Smallville's upcoming season.  He will be playing the character Grant Gabriel, a hotshot young editor who is brought in to perk up the newspaper and make it more accessible to younger readers.  As the Daily Planet’s new editor-in-chief, he will be replacing Pauline Kahn (Carrie Fisher) and will be appearing in at least six episodes depending on how viewers react to his character.  His character is also being groomed as a love interest for Lois Lane.

The news about the addition of a new Daily Planet editor-in-chief surfaced the news a few weeks ago.  However, the role originally called for a thirty something actor. Michael Cassidy, on the other hand, is only 24.

Cassidy, a native of Portland, Oregon, was known for his role as Zach Stevens throughout the second season of the teen drama The O.C.  Most recently, he starred on the series Hidden Palms as Cliff Wiatt.

While Cassidy’s inclusion on Smallville will hopefully bring over some fans from his previous teen dramas, his credibility, as far as being a young editor of the Daily Planet goes, remains to be a questionable issue daunting fans.

Meanwhile, there is still no word yet on the fate of other cast members on the show.  Kristin Kreuk, whose character plot left viewers with an explosive cliffhanger last season, is still negotiating her future on the show, according to E! Online.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide, Kryptonsite.com
(Image courtesy of The CW)