Iliza Shlesinger Calls Kissing Superman Actor “Like Smooching a Honey Baked Ham”
Iliza Shlesinger has never been known to sugarcoat things, and that honesty followed her straight onto the red carpet at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. While promoting her new film Chasing Summer, the comedian turned actress shared a very real take on filming romantic scenes in less-than-glamorous conditions. Her comments quickly made the rounds online, mostly because they were funny and painfully relatable.
During the Sundance premiere, Shlesinger spoke openly about working with her co-star, Superman actor Tom Welling. The two play romantic interests in the film, but she made it clear that the experience was not exactly dreamy. The shoot took place during a brutally hot summer in Missouri, which made close-contact scenes far more memorable than expected.
A short moment filmed by Welling’s wife, Jessica Rose Lee Welling, captured the exchange that sparked all the attention. Shlesinger jokingly addressed Jessica and said, I kissed your husband in the movie, before quickly reassuring her that there was nothing to be jealous about. She explained that the heat changed everything.
She then delivered the line that stole the moment. He was really sweaty, so don’t worry. It was like kissing a Honey Baked Ham, she said, laughing as Welling and his wife cracked up beside her. The comment was blunt, silly, and very on-brand for Shlesinger.
Jessica later shared the clip on Instagram and added her own playful response. She joked that the description sounded pretty accurate, especially since the movie was filmed in intense Midwestern humidity. The moment felt less like celebrity drama and more like a group of people laughing at an uncomfortable workday.
The premiere itself marked a rare public appearance for Welling, who has largely stepped away from red carpets in recent years. It was his first major festival appearance in about five years, making the lighthearted moment even more notable for longtime fans. He seemed relaxed and amused by the attention.
Chasing Summer is an important project for Shlesinger beyond the viral joke. She not only stars in the film but also wrote the script, which follows a woman named Jamie who returns to her hometown after her career and personal life collapse. The story blends emotional growth with sharp humor.
The film is directed by Josephine Decker and focuses on identity, failure, and starting over. It allowed Shlesinger to explore a more grounded and dramatic side while still leaning into her natural comedic voice. The cast also includes supporting performances from indie film regulars who helped ground the story.
For Welling, the film fits into a quieter but steady phase of his career. After finishing his long run on Smallville in 2011, he moved away from Hollywood and settled on a ranch in Northern California. He now splits his time between acting and supporting his wife’s equestrian business.
In recent years, he has appeared in smaller action films like Clear Cut and Mafia Wars, released in 2024. He also co-hosts the Talk Ville podcast with former co-star Michael Rosenbaum, where they rewatch and discuss every episode of Smallville. The show has kept him connected to fans.
Although a new Superman has taken over the big screen, Welling has said he would be open to returning to the DC world in a different role. He has mentioned that playing an older, world-weary Batman could be interesting if the right script came along. For now, he seems content choosing projects carefully.
Shlesinger, meanwhile, remains extremely busy. Her latest book of essays, All Things Aside, was released recently and focuses on relationships, career pressure, and modern life. She is also continuing her stand-up tour while developing future film and television projects.
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