As the highly anticipated Justice Society two-part episode of “Smallville” gets ready to go in front of the cameras, newly cast Hawkman actor Michael Shanks has revealed the first look at his character, some intriguing details about his origin and this incarnation of the JSA.
“When we first meet Carter Hall, he’s in his museum," Shanks told TV Guide. "We’ll learn he’s a reincarnated prince from a thousand years ago. There is a reference to The Justice Society’s time in the ‘70s, but we have since disbanded.”
“When we first see him, he is a shell of his former self with [an air] of cynicism,” continued Shanks. “He wears a lot of grief and guilt and pain over what happened to his friends and the society as a whole and his failures in letting that happen.”
Shanks also hinted that Hawkgirl may play a part in the story as well.
“There’s a lot of referencing to Shayera/ Hawkgirl throughout as his one true love,” Shanks explained. “Given the fact that these two have a tremendous history as thousand year-old reincarnated beings who continue to find each other lifetime after lifetime. And we will learn where she is now.”
Earlier this month, Shanks hinted that Hawkman could potentially return as a mentor for Clark Kent. According to Shanks, Hawkman’s relationship to Clark would be deeper than simply teaching him how to fly.
“There’s a reference given to him flying, but it’s more of a metaphor to his own personal growth,” Shanks explained. “Clark and his friends are figuring out what their destinies will be, so there is a ripe opportunity for the Justice Society who had been there done that to offer some tough love teaching.”
“The way things land at the end of it all, there’s an open door for Carter Hall to be revisited and possibly be part of further mentoring Clark down the road.”
The two-part Justice Society episode will air on February 5, 2010 as a “TV movie.” Comic scribe Geoff Johns wrote both parts and “Smallville” star Tom Welling will direct the second part. In addition to Justice Society members Dr. Fate and Stargirl, the episode will also feature the Martian Manhunter and Amanda Waller.
Do you think that Hawkman should become regular character on “Smallville”? Who would you cast as Hawkgirl? Let us know your choices in the comment section below or on Twitter!