Iliza Shlesinger Compares Kissing Superman Actor to “Smooching a Honey Baked Ham” in New Movie
Iliza Shlesinger is not one to hold back her honest opinion, even when it comes to the glamour of a Hollywood kiss. While attending the 2026 Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of her new movie, Chasing Summer, the comedian gave a hilariously blunt review of what it was like to lock lips with her co-star, Tom Welling.
In a moment caught on camera by Welling’s wife, Jessica Rose Lee Welling, Shlesinger playfully addressed the reality of filming romantic scenes during a sweltering Missouri summer.
The interaction began on the red carpet when Shlesinger jokingly apologized to Jessica for the onscreen romance. I kissed your husband in the movie, she said, before quickly adding that there was no reason for jealousy because of the weather conditions during the shoot. But he was really sweaty, so don’t worry. It was like kissing a Honey Baked Ham, she joked, drawing laughs from both the actor and his wife.
The lighthearted exchange was shared on Instagram, where Jessica teased her husband about the description. She joked that the “sweaty” review was nothing new to her, especially considering they filmed in the middle of a humid St. Louis summer. The premiere was a significant moment for Welling, marking his first major red carpet appearance in five years after stepping away from the typical Hollywood spotlight.
Chasing Summer represents a major creative milestone for Shlesinger, who not only stars in the film but also wrote the screenplay. Directed by Josephine Decker, the story follows a woman named Jamie who returns to her Texas roots after her personal and professional life falls apart. The project allowed Shlesinger to show a more vulnerable side of her acting while maintaining the sharp wit that fans expect from her stand-up specials.
As of January, Tom Welling is enjoying a bit of a career resurgence while still prioritizing his quiet life away from Los Angeles. After wrapping up his iconic run on Smallville in 2011, he moved to a ranch in Northern California with his family to raise and breed sport horses. He has recently balanced his time between his wife’s equestrian business and filming indie projects like the 2024 action thrillers Clear Cut and Mafia Wars.
Welling has also remained connected to his superhero roots through the popular Talk Ville podcast, which he co-hosts with his former co-star Michael Rosenbaum. The duo has been revisiting every episode of Smallville, much to the delight of a loyal fanbase that still hopes to see him return to the DC Universe.
While David Corenswet has taken over the mantle in the 2025 Superman film, Welling has recently expressed an interest in playing a different character, like a more seasoned Batman, if the right opportunity arises.
Iliza Shlesinger is also staying busy. Her new book of essays, titled All Things Aside, hit shelves recently and has already become a favorite for its honest look at modern life. Between her touring schedule and her growing list of film credits.
Do you think Tom Welling should make a full-time return to big-budget action movies, or do you enjoy seeing him take on more grounded, comedic roles like the one in “Chasing Summer”? Share your thoughts in the comments.