Lex Luthor Leaves "Smallville"

Smallville, the CW show that revolves around the early years of Superman, will lose its Lex Luthor next year.

Actor Michael Rosenbaum is leaving the show after seven satisfying years for the fans and himself.

"It is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career," Rosenbaum said in a statement. "I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying."

Rosenbaum will be replaced in the show by two new villains, but never truly in the producers' eyes, because there's a good chance he will reappear in the eighth season of Smallville.

"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," said the producers in a statement Friday. "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."

One of the new villains is Doomsday, who's noted for killing Superman in the DC Comics version of Superman. Another is a female villain described as "intelligent, brilliantly manipulative, and dangerously sinister." This character will also be attractive to Clark Kent, whom she will manipulate to try to hurt Superman.