The House of El: A Superman, Smallville & DCU Podcast

Smallville didn’t just launch a superhero icon, it gave Michael Rosenbaum a lasting legacy and a role so definitive that fans still call him “their Lex Luthor” 25 years later. In this candid conversation, Rosenbaum talks with The House of El's Derek Russell and opens up about the confidence it took to play one of TV’s most complex villains and the show's staying power.

Rosenbaum also shares how he prepared for the role, from memorizing entire scripts ahead of time to staying grounded and avoiding a caricature, reflecting on the self-doubt and stress he faced during the show, why he chose to leave, and how returning for the finale gave him a sense of closure.

Kristin Kreuk has spent 25 years living inside one of TV's most beloved coming-of-age stories, and she opens up about the pressure of growing up on camera, the fraught relationship she had with and why she believes Smallville still connects with brand-new generations.

Kristin talking about everything from her original audition in Vancouver to the LA test, the nerves, the chemistry, and the unexpected path that led her to stay with acting when she wasn't even sure it would become a career.

Kristin also shares the wild, deeply creative origin story behind Black Star, her comic set in 19th-century Winnipeg, and how a city’s hidden history turned into a mythic world-building project with a 200-year scope.

Smallville's Aaron Ashmore - who portrayed both Henry James Olsen and younger brother James Bartholomew Olsen on the series - sits down with The House of El's Derek to reflect on 25 years of a fandom that continues to shape the future of Smallville.

Derek and Graham break down how 'Dirt and Stars' lands its biggest swings, from the true identity behind Hal’s death to John Stewart’s hard-won transformation into something far bigger than the system that shaped him.

After eight weeks of theories, trailer breakdowns, and frame-by-frame analysis, the guys return to the finale with fresh eyes and zero spoilers left to hide. They unpack the shocking truth about Noah, the brutal emotional logic behind Kerry’s choice, and the way the show threads fear, love, guilt, and programming into one.

Derek and Graham unpack the penultimate episode of Lanterns, where a graveyard mystery leads to revelations about Hal Jordan, his family legacy, and the secrets surrounding his death. They discuss how the episode’s Halogram, storage unit, the portal, and the mysterious planet add new clues—and why Carrie’s reaction could be important to understanding what happened.

The conversation also explores the episode’s themes of fear, mental health, and generational trauma, along with Sinestro’s arrival and what it could mean for the finale. They consider the questions left hanging: Is Hal really dead, what has he been planning, and is John Stewart ready to become Green Lantern?

Derek and Graham discuss the latest episode of Lanterns, including Hal Jordan’s funeral, John Stewart’s return to Rushville, Guy Gardner’s arrival, and the mystery surrounding Hal’s ring.

They break down the episode’s biggest reveals, character moments, DCU connections, and the theories leading into the next chapter.

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The Lanterns midseason trailer just dropped, and Graham and Derek break down its biggest clues, including Hal’s return to Rushville, John’s time in prison, Guy Gardner’s arrival, the funeral mystery, and the possibility that the show is heading somewhere much stranger than expected. They discuss a controversial subtitle theory, the meaning of “bad optics,” the storage unit, the burned-out house, and whether the timeline points to clones, holograms, or Manhunter technology. The hosts also examine the episode six teaser, including the autopsy, the Green Lantern beacon, Billy’s confrontation with John, Sinestro’s role, the alien-looking world, and the question of whether Hal is truly dead. With three episodes still remaining, Graham and Derek sort through the trailer’s most compelling theories while acknowledging that Lanterns may still have several major surprises in store.

The Lanterns mid-season episode that felt like a finale! But don't worry— we have three more episodes left! If you’re watching Lanterns for the twists, the lore, and the emotional gut-punches, this is the episode that changes everything.

Derek and Graham break down the show’s most explosive episode yet, from the long-teased reveal of Zoe’s true nature to John Stewart’s life-or-death choice that redefines his entire arc. They dig into the layered dialogue, the Manhunter programming, the power dynamics behind Rushville’s strange little ecosystem, and the quiet but devastating moments that make the action land even harder.

Derek and Graham discuss the latest episode of Lanterns, focusing on trust, gut instinct, and misdirection. They examine the relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart, the choices they make, and the ways the episode uses uncertainty to shape the story.

They also discuss Sinestro, the Guardians, Rushville, the episode’s “weenie” references, and the clues connected to the larger mystery. The conversation looks at which characters can be trusted, how their instincts guide them, and how the episode’s reveals change the way earlier events can be understood.

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In this bonus podcast Derek, Graham, and our special guest this week—writer William Goodman—break down why this show is working so well, what episode 3 unlocks about Hal and John’s relationship, and how the series is using flashbacks and misdirection to recontextualize everything you thought you knew. Goodman also shares insight from his GQ interview with Tom King, including how the DCU was shaped behind the scenes, why Lanterns stayed so true to its original pitch, and why Aaron Pierre is the kind of magnetic presence Hollywood should build around.

We also dig into the larger stakes around the DCU slate, the status of season 2, and why it matters that a show like this is landing with people who don’t normally watch superhero TV. When a series this specific starts breaking containment, it usually means the audience has found something worth obsessing over. Perfect for anyone who wants deeper context before the next episode drops, or for listeners who love DC lore, TV breakdowns, and the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that makes rewatching even better.

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William Goodman's Tom King Interview for GQ

Journalist Mike Sowell shares his lifelong story of being a lifelong Green Lantern fan with The House of El's Derek, and how a viral video changed his life this week.

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In the latest Lanterns coverage from The House of El, Derek and Graham dive into hour three's "OutKast," exploring its storytelling, character development, and cultural significance as they analyze the episode's themes, performances, and what makes it a standout in modern television with a deep dive into the human and superhero elements that make the series so compelling week-to-week.

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Links Mentioned:

# Lanterns Premiere: Writer Tom King on Being ‘The Nerd in the Room’ (and That Ending)

Threads post about Ep3 Writers Room

In this bonus episode of "Lanterns" coverage this week, Derek interviews Elias Noel Almeda, the creator of The Ring Foundry. Elias shares how discovering "Green Lantern: Rebirth" later in life inspired major pivots in his personal and creative journey.

The conversation explores the strong performances of Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the first two episodes of the DCU HBO Max series, touching on the show's grounded tone, mythic storytelling, and realistic obstacles.

Elias also discusses his meticulous process as a prop maker, detailing how he designs solid, ergonomic metal rings rather than mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, he teases an upcoming fan-made short film that pays tribute to Green Lantern Kyle Rayner with a 1990's aesthetic.

Listeners can find his work on Instagram @theringfoundry and through theringfoundry.com, or follow his personal updates @theeliasnoel.

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Derek and Graham dive into the electrifying second episode of Lanterns, "Trust Fall." From jaw-dropping action sequences to easter eggs that delight hardcore fans, this episode had it all. In this discussion we delve into the latest developments in the series, exploring character theories, visual design, and upcoming plot twists. Join us as we analyze the episode's key moments and speculate on future storylines.

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Graham and Derek walk through the final moments of the "Lanterns" premiere again, while offering speculation and insight into what could be discerned from trailers for the next seven weeks as the mystery box begins to open and unfold on the new Green Lantern series from DC Studios.

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Derek and Graham breakdown the twists and turns of the series premiere of DC Studios' and HBO's LANTERNS - examining the history of the Green Lanterns on Earth, the mystery surrounding Rushville, Nebraska, and the chemistry of stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.

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Smallville's Pete "The Boss" Ross - King Sam Jones III stops by The House of El to share his side of the last 25 years, his breakout role as Superman's pal and how the series shaped his life today as he prepares for Cruiseville 2026.

Luke and Derek catch up and dive into the positives of "Supergirl," discuss the new delay for "The Batman Part II" and completely geek out over this summer's "Masters of the Universe" reboot.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Derek discusses his two viewings of Supergirl, how the film is performing and gives his non-spoiler review in the first of three episodes for the film. Plus, singer/songwriter Kelty Greye, whose cover song "The Middle" is featured in the film, stops by the show.

Sam Witwer - known for his iconic "monster" roles like Smallville's Davis Bloome/Doomsday and Star Wars' Darth Maul - reflects on his time in Smallville, what he regrets about the way things were left for Davis and how Doomsday is the perfect opponent for Superman.