Don't lock this thread pleeeease!
O.K so supposedly everyones heard about the executive producer's Al and Miles leaving and they will be replaced by long time writers of the show, 3 of them I believe will replace them. Although they never clearly explained why they left, I may have found the answer:
ction-Figure.com reported last week that inside sources told them that it was due to building tension between the cast and Al Gough, especially from Tom Welling.
Inside sources have been telling me for over a year that tensions between the cast and Al Gough have been high with some claiming Tom Welling had threatened to quit on more than one occasion over his character portrayal. Just moments ago, I had the chance to speak with one of my WB insiders who claims that after several months of talks, execs gave Gough the option to leave on his own terms or be replaced. Apparently, Millar simply followed his leader out the door.
The Superman Homepage received word from a network source who told us that Gough and Millar were not given any such ultimatum. We've been told that, like many of the cast and crew, Miles and Al did not have a contract for season 8. With the CW struggling financially, the studio decided that they would only pick up the show for the new season at an extremely reduced license fee.
The CW are basically looking to do an 8th season show at 1st season prices, but the problem is "Smallville" still needs to pay 8th season contracts on everyone. That is a serious amount of money off the screen. Which is why cast members such as Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum and Allison Mack are not coming back for a full compliment of episodes next season. My sources tell me that these budget cuts were the reason Al and Miles decided to leave. The budget cuts wouldn't allow them to make the kind of show they wanted to make or felt the fans deserved.
Our network source also told us that the only reason Kristin Kreuk is returning for seven episodes in Season 8 is because the studio allowed her to star in the up-coming "Street Fighter" movie. She really had no interest in returning to "Smallville" next season. Michael Rosenbaum and Allison Mack, who are not contracted for season 8, are yet to make a final decision and are prepared to walk.
We've heard all along that a plan was in place from the beginning on just how the series would end. So what of those plans? We've been told that the season arc finale they HAD planned would have had to be completely reworked without cast members who may not be there next year.
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