One thing you can bank on when it comes to Zack Snyder, is that the director doesn't hold any punches when it comes to Superman.

Fox All Access spoke with Snyder about Superman and the director mentions of all things - Smallville.

Smallville has seen its share of success on the CW for the last ten years and comes to a conclusion with a two hour finale on May 13th.

Snyder seems to think that Smallville was the only thing keeping Superman in the hearts of people - and doing it "quietly."

"I'll say one thing and that is thank God for Smallville. And that is Smallville by itself, quietly has kept Superman in consciousness in a way that without it, my kids would really be like who the hell is Superman. Like, I don't even know who that guy is. Why do they have a ride at six flags for a guy that I don't even know who the guy is? He has a ride? Superman?"

"So, I think in that way Smallville's done an amazing job of just keeping that icon alive and breathing, it's like he is on life support, but he's there, and I thank them for that incredibly. I think that's an incredible thing."

Has Smallville gone about promoting Superman "quietly" - for ten whole years?

These are some rather bold statements from Snyder, wouldn't you say?

Superman has seen appearances outside Smallville as well, including the excellent direct to DVD Warner Bros. movies, in addition to the animated shows on the Cartoon Network. Don't forget, DC Comics also publishes numerous Superman related comics.

And there was Superman Returns.

With the new Superman: The Man of Steel under Snyder's direction, the director has A LOT to live up to. Recently, with Sucker Punch, reportedly not doing as well as hoped, some critics have begun questioning Snyder's ability - even more. I have yet to see it for myself, but our reviewer didn't give Sucker Punch a good write-up (to say the least!).

Time will tell.

Stay tuned to Cosmic Book News as more on Superman develops.

Superman flies into theaters December 2012 directed by Zack Snyder starring, Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel, Diane Lane as Martha "Ma" Kent and Kevin Costern as Jonathan "Pa" Kent.

Be sure to check out the Cosmic Book News Superman Movie Hub for even more news and information.