It looks like Clark Kent is going to have to battle some new villains when Smallville returns for its eighth season in the fall.  In a statement released to the press, actor Michael Rosenbaum confirmed the rumors that he will not be returning to the show as a series regular next year.  While Lex Luthor may not be around to stir up trouble, the producers already have plans to bring two new villains to the Smallville universe.  The first is one of Superman's most notorious baddies, while the other remains a bit of a mystery.

Regarding Rosenbaum's departure, executive producers and season 8 showrunners Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders, and Brian Peterson released a statement saying, "While Michael won't be a series regular and we won't have the pleasure of working with him on a weekly basis this fall, we like to think that we haven't seen the last of Lex Luthor.  Stay tuned."

It's unknown just how many episodes Rosenbaum will appear in next season, and the details are likely still being hammered out.  The actor also released a statement to the fans regarding his departure, stating, "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."

What will Smallville season 8 do without Lex Luthor?  It'll kick things up a notch by bringing in Doomsday, who is one of the most powerful villains from the DC Comics.  Doomsday is known for being the only character ever to kill Superman, which occurred during the famous "Death of Superman" arc in the early '90s.

The producers promise that the other evildoer will be familiar to many fans, but they're not giving away too much information about the character.  The villain will be an intelligent, manipulative, sinister female who gets involved in a mutual attraction with Clark (Tom Welling).  She's going to go after his heart and his mind, which could make her even deadlier than Lex.  If you're familiar with Superman lore, you may want to start making some guesses.

Casting is still underway for both of these new roles.  Even without Lex around, it looks like Clark will still have his hands full.

Also Read:
No More 'Smallville' After Season 8?
'Smallville' Season 8 to Lose Cast Members
Update on 'Smallville' Season 8 Departures
'Smallville' Season 8 Experiences Cast Shake Up
Allison Mack Returns for 'Smallville' Season 8


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of the CW)