Kristin Kreuk's Leave From Smallville
Canadian actress Kristin Kreuk portrayed Lana Lang, a mainstay of the CW Superman origin series, Smallville. Representing Lana Lang as Clark Kent's long-time crush and final love interest, Kreuk was only eighteen when she started the series. But as the program turned its attention to the Superman mythos, Clark's romantic narrative changed and finally resulted in a relationship with Erica Durance. Together with contractual responsibilities and artistic changes, this change led to Lana Lang leaving the show.
Contractual and Creative Changes Made by Kristin Kreuk
Following the leaving of several other major characters, including Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk's contract expired following season 7 of Smallville. Showrunners changed as well; Alfred Gough and Miles Millar left following season 7. These developments resulted in a major overhaul in the direction of the show, with Smallville moving from Smallville to Metropolis and season 8's storyline leaning more toward comic book inspiration. Kreuk's decision to leave the show resulted from this change in emphasis as well as her wish to investigate fresh prospects.
Return and Final Appearance of Kristin Kreuk
Kristin Kreuk did return for five episodes of season 8 even though she decided to move on following season 7. The new creative team of the show aimed to honor Lana Lang's important relationship with Clark while yet giving her character a fitting ending. Lana became dangerous to Clark in these episodes since she absorbed Kryptonite and developed own powers. Lana left Smallville at the end of episode 14, never to resurfaced, to keep Clark safe and let him pursue his relationship with Lois.
The Choice of Kristin Kreuk to Turn Down a Series Finale Role
Eventually Kristin Kreuk chose not to come back for Smallville's series finale. She thought Lana Lang's story had come to an end naturally and that forcing a comeback would throw off the character's path. She thought that since Lana left, the show had changed greatly and that her presence would seem odd. She also underlined the significance of Lois Lane and Clark Kent's relationship since she did not want to write a story in which one woman substitutes another. Kreuk said she wanted all the characters to have fulfilling and interesting stories and felt Lana Lang's path had come to its suitable end.
Openness of Kristin Kreuk toward Returning in a Potential Smallville Sequel
Kristin Kreuk moved on from Smallville, but she is open about maybe returning as Lana Lang in an animated sequel series. A Smallville sequel has been discussed, and Michael Rosenbaum and other original cast members expressed desire in returning. Still under development, the project's future is unknown though. Notwithstanding the difficulties, Kristin Kreuk has said she would be ready to play her part should the show go forward.
Kristin Kreuk: Ongoing Success
Kristin Kreuk has kept up successful work in the entertainment business since leaving Smallville. She has starred in movies including Eurotrip and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li and performed main roles in TV shows including Beauty and the Beast and Burden of Truth. Her career has bloom and she is still a brilliant and identifiable actor in the business.
