Looks like Lex Luthor is leaving Smallville.

Producers have confirmed that Michael Rosenbaum, who has played the bald bad boy since 2001, will be leaving the series at the end of the current season.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Michael for the past six seasons,” the CW and Smallville executive producers Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders, and Brian Peterson said in a joint statement.

“He is one of the best actors on television and has never failed to bring a new layer to the character of Lex Luthor in every episode.”

Rosenbaum, 35, also made a statement to his fans:

“Your support is what has made Smallville so soccessful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.”

“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.”

The CW announced in March the series would be coming back for an eighth season. Two new villains have been brought on to the show to keep Clark Kent on his toes.

But it might not be the end-all for Rosenbaum’s character.

“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,” the producers said.

“Stay tuned.”






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