In an exclusive announcement made at EW, Michael Ausiello has reported that The CW has decided to air the episodes in which Stargate star Michael Shanks will portray DC Comic’s Hawkman as a two-hour movie event rather than as two separate episodes (“Society” and “Legends”). According to Ausiello, The CW felt that “they could get more mileage out of combining them.”
Michael Shanks is not the only Stargate veteran to appear in the movie, which will air January 29, 2010; Brent Stait, who played Maj. Louis Ferretti, will be portraying Dr. Fate, and Britt Irvin, who played Merrin (“Learning Curve”), Stargirl.
Smallville is in its ninth season on The CW and follows a young Clark Kent as he struggles with his alien powers that will some day lead to his becoming Superman.
“Society” and “Legends” are written by comic book writer Geoff Johns and bring together several members of the Justice Society of America. When it was earlier announced that the story had expanded into two parts, executive producer Kelly Souders told EW, “To be honest, there were so many characters and so much great story that people would’ve been robbed of some great moments if we kept it to just one hour. So now that it’s a two-parter, you won’t miss anything.” Not only will Hawkman, Dr. Fate, and Stargirl be making their appearances, but also Martian Manhunter will be returning (played by Phil Morris).
Michael Shanks, who is sporting his “old and grizzled” look for the part, told his fans about his experiences working with the cast and crew of Smallville from the stage at the Official Stargate Convention held in Los Angeles this past weekend. Make sure to visit his official website for behind-the-scenes tidbits, which include adjusting to the challenges of shooting his scenes while he’s wearing wings that span thirteen feet!