'Smallville' execs 'tried for Rosenbaum'

The executive producers of Smallville have suggested that former star Michael Rosenbaum is reluctant to return to the series.

Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders told Assignment X that they had attempted to convince the actor to reprise his role as Lex Luthor for the show's final season.

"You know what, if it's roses [that will convince him], we've done that. If it's dinner, we've done that [too]." said Peterson.

Souders added: "We love him, and he's such a talented actor and brought such life to Lex Luthor."

The pair also explained that any returning character must have an important role to play in Clark's continuing journey.

"This [final] season is a lot about Clark confronting the ghosts of his past, and I think he has something to learn from everybody," claimed Souders. "When we looked back at these nine seasons, [we] tried to bring something out of it we've seen before, but [with] a new twist."

She continued: "I can't think of anybody who has been on the show where we wouldn't have a clear idea of what their story is."

Smallville returns to The CW on January 28.