 The role of Martha Kent was originally given to Cynthia Ettinger , but during filming everyone , including Ettinger , realized that she was not right for the role . O 'Toole was committed to the television series The Huntress when Ettinger was filming her scenes for the pilot . Around the time the creators were looking to recast the role of Martha Kent The Huntress was canceled , which allowed O 'Toole the chance to join the cast of Smallville . Coincidentally , the actress had previously portrayed Lana Lang in Superman III . O 'Toole thinks that the producers wanted someone older for the role of Martha , and when she came in to talk to the producers everyone appeared to be on the same page with what the character and the show should be about . O 'Toole characterizes Martha as really intelligent , but believes the character has to hide her intelligence at times " to keep the peace " . 
