John Glover is an actor celebrated for his captivating performances across film and television, but for many, his portrayal of Lionel Luthor in the DC series Smallville remains a standout role. For seven seasons, Glover masterfully played the complex and often sinister father of Lex Luthor, leaving an indelible mark on the Superman prequel series. His nuanced performance, oscillating between moments of sympathy and outright villainy, was crucial in shaping Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex into the iconic nemesis fans know and love. Glover’s Lionel wasn’t merely a background character; he was a driving force, his manipulative nature and intricate dynamic with Lex laying the groundwork for much of the show’s drama.
But Smallville is just one highlight in John Glover’s extensive career. Before captivating audiences as Lionel Luthor, Glover had already established himself within the DC universe, lending his voice to the Riddler in the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series and appearing as Doctor Jason Woodrue in the film Batman & Robin. This pre-existing relationship with DC properties made his casting in Smallville feel particularly fitting, and fueled fan discussions about potential future roles within the evolving DC cinematic landscape. Beyond the realm of superheroes, Glover boasts a diverse filmography, featuring in movies like Scrooged and Payback, and making memorable appearances in television series such as Fear the Walking Dead. However, it’s undeniable that his time on Smallville as Lionel Luthor cemented his legacy for a generation of viewers.
The Departure from Smallville: Contract Endings and Shifting Dynamics
John Glover’s initial exit from Smallville after season seven coincided with significant changes both on and off-screen. Like Michael Rosenbaum and Kristin Kreuk, who also left the series at the end of season seven, it is highly probable that Glover’s contract concluded at this point. Season 8 marked a turning point for Smallville, with a noticeable shift in setting towards Metropolis and a change in showrunners as Alfred Gough and Miles Millar departed.
For actors like Glover, who had been integral to Smallville since its inception, these changes represented a considerable alteration in the show’s direction. While it remains unconfirmed whether Glover was offered a contract extension, the extensive cast and crew changes suggested a natural narrative pivot away from Lionel Luthor’s central role. The series was evolving, and with key relationships shifting, the storyline for Lionel Luthor appeared to reach a natural conclusion.
The Narrative Impact of Lex Luthor’s Absence on Lionel
Another significant factor contributing to John Glover’s departure was likely the exit of Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor. Smallville had a history of streamlining its cast when character arcs seemed to conclude, as seen with Sam Jones III’s Pete Ross. Given that Lex Luthor, a character intrinsically linked to Lionel, was written out at the end of season 7 due to Rosenbaum’s decision to leave, the narrative justification for keeping Lionel Luthor as a central figure diminished. With Lex gone, a core element of Lionel’s storyline was removed.
While Tess Mercer, introduced in season 8 as Lionel’s daughter and the new head of LuthorCorp, presented potential new storylines involving Lionel’s legacy, the deep-rooted dynamic between Lionel and Lex was arguably irreplaceable. Much of Lionel’s screen time and character development was intertwined with his complex relationship with his son. Therefore, with Rosenbaum’s departure, ending Lionel’s arc through his dramatic death arguably provided a more impactful and conclusive narrative.
John Glover’s Vision: Lex Luthor as Lionel’s Killer
In a revealing conversation on Michael Rosenbaum’s podcast Inside of You, John Glover shared insights into his dramatic exit from Smallville. The impactful scene in season 7, where Lex confronts Lionel about his secrets and ultimately throws him out of a LuthorCorp tower window, was a fittingly dramatic end to their tumultuous relationship. This scene served as a pivotal moment in Lex’s descent into villainy, directly influenced by his toxic relationship with his father.
Glover disclosed that he had proactively discussed his character’s eventual departure with the Smallville writers. “I said when you do write me off, let Lex kill me. I figured that that would really be who [Lex] became,” Glover recounted. Recognizing the powerful chemistry he shared with Rosenbaum and understanding the crucial role Lionel played in shaping Lex’s character, Glover advocated for a death that would maximize the dramatic impact on Lex’s transformation. His suggestion highlighted his insightful understanding of the narrative and his generosity as an actor, prioritizing the overall story and his co-star’s character arc.
Split image of Smallville Supergirl and Superman suit
The Return of Lionel Luthor in Smallville Season 10: Earth-2
To the delight of fans, John Glover reprised his role as Lionel Luthor in Smallville‘s tenth and final season. In line with the show’s increasing exploration of the multiverse, Glover returned as Lionel Luthor from Earth-2, a parallel universe version of the character. This recurring role in the final season allowed Glover to explore new dimensions of Lionel, from his complex relationship with Ultraman (Earth-2’s evil Superman) to his ultimate sacrifice, offering his body to Darkseid to save Lex.
The return of Glover, alongside other beloved Smallville alumni like Michael Rosenbaum, Aaron Ashmore, Annette O’Toole, John Schneider, and Laura Vandervoort, was a crucial element in celebrating the show’s decade-long legacy. Tom Welling and the production team aimed to honor Smallville‘s rich history and bring back familiar faces for its concluding chapter. The compelling storylines crafted for Earth-2 Lionel, combined with the opportunity to reunite with the cast and provide closure to the series, successfully enticed Glover back for a final bow, solidifying his iconic status within the Smallville universe.
Lionel Luthor, a character conceived specifically for Smallville and elevated by John Glover’s compelling performance, became an unforgettable part of the series. His dramatic exit in season 7 and subsequent return in season 10 provided both satisfying closure and exciting new dimensions to the character. John Glover’s contribution to Smallville, and his broader career across movies and TV shows, marks him as a truly memorable and versatile actor, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment landscape. Lionel Luthor’s diabolical charm and intricate character arc remain a high point in the Smallville saga, a testament to both the writing and Glover’s exceptional talent.
