Anson Mount has made quite a name for himself with roles such as Captain Christopher Pike in the more recent “Star Trek” shows. However, the actor was almost Lex Luthor on “Smallville” but turned it down, which led to the role going to Michael Rosenbaum. He opened up in 2023 about his decision.
Mount recently appeared on the “Talkville” podcast, which is hosted by Rosenbaum and Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent in “Smallville.”
Mount said, “When you got the role you were telling me, and you said, ‘Hey, so I’m doing this Superman thing. I’m playing Lex Luthor.’ We’re on the phone or something. I said, ‘Oh my God, they offered that to me.’
Immediately, I went, ‘Oh my God.’ It just came out. I wasn’t thinking. It was like the stupidest, most insensitive thing I’ve ever said.”
When asked why he turned down the role in “Smallville,” Mount said, “I honestly can’t recall. I remember that my representatives really didn’t want me to shave my head, but that kind of didn’t bother me.”
Anson Mount Recently Wrapped Filming ‘Star Trek’
GettyMount may have turned down the chance to star in “Smallville,” but he’s said yes to many other projects. This includes “Star Trek: Discovery.” He began appearing in the series during its second season in 2019.
More recently, he’s starred in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” However, the show is now coming to an end on Paramount+. Mount took to Instagram on December 20, 2025, to mark the end of filming.
Mount said in a post, “Last night at approximately 11:15pm EST, the last “cut” was called by Mr. Akiva Goldsman. Many tears were shed, many hugs were given, but everyone was smiling and proud of the work (so much of which has yet to been seen by anyone outside the fold). During my career I have learned a couple of things: 1) Acting is a service position, and 2) so is leadership. Thank you for allowing me to occupy the chair. Full sails an following winds, my friends. Pike out. ❤️🖖”
He Has Another Movie in the Works
Mount’s time on “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is coming to an end, but Mount has already filmed another movie. According to Deadline, he will star in “Kill Him Til He’s Dead.” It’s a science-fiction action movie that also stars Byron Mann, Milo Ventimiglia, and Ashley Greene.
Michael Winnick wrote and directed the film, which is currently in post-production.
How does an entertainment article do a focus on Anson Mount and not mention his amazing role in Hell on Wheels?