Michael Rosenbaum’s riveting performance as Lex Luthor in “Smallville” made him a household name during his seven years on the show. As the 10-year anniversary of the show’s conclusion approaches, Rosenbaum has demonstrated he is much more than Lex Luthor. Since “Smallville” he has acted in several shows and movies, including his recent role as Martinex in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2.’ He is the voice of The Flash in “Justice League Unlimited,” “Justice League: Doom,” and “Teen Titans.” In addition to his acting roles, he has tried his hand at directing and writing as well. His popular podcast, “Inside of You” brings us weekly celebrity interviews on YouTube. Last year, Michael’s band, Left on Laurel released a CD. It seems there is nothing Rosenbaum cannot do. Nerd Alert News caught up with Michael recently and asked him about his past, current projects, and future aspirations.
Michelle Haab: You were cast as Lex Luthor from “Smallville” early in your career. Can you tell us about how you got that role?
Michael Rosenbaum: They told me 700 guys auditioned for the part of Lex Luthor. I then asked them what these 700 were doing wrong? They said we want to see a sense of danger, some charisma, and a little humor. I had three pages of dialogue, so, I circled a moment where I could be dangerous, a moment where I could be charming and a moment of where I could be funny. They then asked me to screen test. I felt I couldn’t give a better audition than what I had given, so I said no. I said, “Rewind the tape.” Sounds cocky, but it was more out of fear. They apparently rewound the tape and the rest is history. I wouldn’t recommend this move, but it worked.
MH: How did you get into character for the role of Lex? Were you familiar with the character prior to getting the role?
MR: I had seen the “Superman” movies. I love Gene Hackman, but he played Lex funny. They didn’t want that. I’m also a goofball. Ask any of my cast members. I am always screwing around until we are rolling. But the second we roll… I get in the zone. I think shaving my head, wearing suits, and living in a castle helped me get there, but I just wanted to be believable and do it my own way. Thank God it worked. And the writing for Lex was awesome.
MH: Under different circumstances would you consider appearing in “Crisis of Infinite Earths” if they film another one?
MR: Yeah. If I was the only Lex Luthor perhaps. I don’t want to share screen time with other Lex Luthors. That doesn’t make sense to me or probably anyone. I’m either their Lex or I’m not. 😉
MH: You were able to direct an episode of “Smallville” in 2007, and then went on to direct the 2014 feature film, “Back in the Day.” Do you have any plans to give directing another try?
MR: YES and YES! I know I can do it. I made that little movie for pennies. I think with a good script and a great idea… I’d be all over it. I’ve been asked to direct a few things, but I wasn’t passionate about those projects. I’m writing like crazy with my writing partner Jane Whitney. Trying to sell another show we wrote and working on a few features. I have a feeling the next movie I will direct will be horror.
MH: Your first attributed film role was in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” What was it like being directed by Clint Eastwood? What, if any, lasting impact did the experience have on your career?
MR: Unreal. Surreal. He was a gentleman and just knew what he wanted. He comforted me and gave me a lot of confidence. I still think that one 7 minute scene is some of my best work. I can still hear his voice directing me and asking me about my life when we had little breaks in the day. That raspy “Go ahead, make my day” voice.
MH: Your podcast, “Inside of You” brings us some fantastic interviews. What inspired you to start the podcast and how do you pick your guests?
MR: Honestly, it started out as just something fun to do. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the podcast. The more I open up and am vulnerable with guests…the more the guests opens up to me. It may sound cocky, but I think I’m really good at getting people to open up. I love talking about life and learning from others. I have learned so much from my guests and listeners. I also have a PATREON account where fans of the podcast can support the show more and get great extra stuff from me. It’s become a family and an amazing community. I consider a lot of my Patrons friends. They also have great ideas and I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support they give me and my podcast. And I email or call every guest. And sometimes I ask for favors from friends. But yeah…I book almost every guest myself.
MH: Your band, Left on Laurel, released its first CD last year. How did the band get together?
MR: We were 5 friends that started playing covers in my basement. The covers weren’t even good, but we had fun. Then we started playing our own stuff. I would write songs, bring them to the band, and it was magic. Honestly, I’m so proud of the album and the guys. We played at the world-famous Troubadour, we toured Germany, and played at the Roxy. Just crazy. We did amicably break up and I consider all of them dear friends. Rob Danson, the lead guitarist and I have started another project on the side. We have written around 10 songs already and are doing live shows on STAGE IT. It’s an online platform and we give away zooms and great prizes. We are saving money to record an album when all this crap blows over. We’ve really worked hard and I’m so proud of our music.
MH: COVID has changed a lot of things for the music industry. Does Left On Laurel have plans for a second album and a tour once everything settles?
MR: I think we will eventually get together and play again, but for the time being…Rob and I are just writing our own stuff. It’s a lot safer with just two guys during these times.
MH: Where can we get a copy of the CD, Saved By the Ground?
MR: I have an online store for the podcast. “Inside of You.” We sell autographed vinyls, hats, CDs, and a ton of great Podcast merch like autographed mugs, shirts, etc.
MH: You have had many roles in the entertainment industry during your career as an actor, producer, writer, director, podcast host, and musician. Which of these roles gives you the most satisfaction?
MR: I think doing things on my own or with friends gives me the most fulfillment. Writing scripts, playing music, doing my podcast. These are things that I really enjoy. It’s not that I don’t like acting anymore—it would just have to be the right project for me to say yes and take me away from what I’m doing. I actually don’t feel bad passing on projects. My agent always tells me “you have to stay relevant.” But that’s bullshit. It has never concerned me. Honestly. I have never been a huge star and at this point in my life, I just don’t have to be. I know how good I am. I know what I can do. And that doesn’t go away. I just want to enjoy myself. There has to be an element of fun in everything I do.
MH: Any upcoming projects that you would like to share?
MR: I’m trying to get a horror movie off the ground, and I’m pitching a new show I wrote to studios as we speak. I am also growing my podcast and have a new business partnership, which I’ll be announcing soon. But don’t think I don’t stress, get anxious or depressed. I’m human. We all do. That is what my podcast is about. I think it was Bob Odenkirk who told me, “This is just therapy for you, isn’t it?” YUP! Thanks, Bob.
Michael will be participating in the Wizard World “Smallville” Virtual Convention on Aug. 22, 2020. In addition to participating in the free Q & A Panel, fans can purchase autographs, recorded video messages, and live video chats. More information and tickets can be purchased here.
We here at Nerd Alert News want to thank Mr. Rosenbaum for his time and taking the time to sit down and answer some of our burning questions.
Stay tuned to Nerd Alert News for information on Michael’s upcoming events and projects, and the scoop on his new music collaboration with Rob Danson.
Written by Michelle Haab
