From Nicolas Cage to Christian Bale, get to know the actors who almost became Superman in productions that never left the paper
David Corenswet(Hollywood) debut as the youngest Superman In theaters next Thursday, July 10, to live a dream that some colleagues almost achieved: to wear the cloak and cover of the man of steel.
Over the decades, several projects have been shelved or reformulated, and with them there were camera tests, almost signed contracts, and last -minute decisions that changed the course of their careers and the character’s own history. Of Nicolas Cage the Christian BaleCheck out 12 names that almost lived the Kryptonian superhero on the big screen, but they got along:
1. Nicolas Cage

Project:Superman Lives (Canceled in the 1990s)
What happened:Cage even did costume tests and participated in the development of the film with the director Tim Burtonbut the project was canceled after production problems and internal changes at Warner Bros. At least, he still managed to wear the uniform decades later, in a cameo in The Flash (2023).
2. Josh Hartnett

Project:Superman: Flyby (version of JJ Abrams in the 2000s)
What happened:Hartnett (Trap) Rejected the role for not wanting to get stuck in franchise contracts for many years. He even received a proposal for three films.
3. Brendan Fraser

Project:Superman: Flyby
What happened: Oscar -winning actor for best actor for The whale (2022), tested the paper in the same phase as Warner was looking for a new Superman, but the version of JJ Abrams It was not ahead.
4. Paul Walker

Project:Superman: Flyby
What happened: The star of Fast and Furious It was also considered for the version of Abramsbut did not want to commit to the character in an agreement that promised 3 to 4 movies. Also, he didn’t like to wear the uniform.
5. Matt Bomer

Project:Superman: Flyby
What happened: The actor of Magic Mike It was strongly quoted and even signed a contract, but the studio changed the project management and started to consider other actors.
6. Will Smith

Project:Superman – The Return (2006)
What happened: He was invited to live Superman in the early 2000s, but refused. For him, it made no sense to try to get another iconic character and fail, as it was with The crazy adventures of James West.
7. Joe Manganiello

Project:Man of steel (2013)
What happened: He was one of the finalists to live Superman in Zack Snyder’s movie, but schedule conflicts with the series True Blood They took him out of the dispute.
8. James Caviezel

Project:Superman: The Man of Steel (initial development)
What happened: The actor of The Passion of Christ It was one of the names considered for Reboot in the 2000s.
9. DJ Cotrona

Project:Justice League: Mortal (Canceled in 2008)
What happened: Cotrona was cast as Superman in the version of Justice League directed by George Miller (Mad Max), but production was canceled shortly before filming.
10. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Project:Superman: The Movie (1978)
What happened: The star Arnold Schwarzenegger I wanted the role a lot, but was discarded due to its Austrian accent. The revelation was made by the producer Pierre Spenglerin the documentary Super/Manfocused on the life of Christopher Reevewhich turned out to be the choice of the studio.
11. Sylvester Stallone

Project:Superman: The Movie (1978)
What happened: Initially, the production wanted a famous actor on the role, however, they came to the conclusion that Stallone It would be a terrible Clark Kent because of his “Brucutus” traces. Furthermore, Marlon BrandoJor-El’s interpreter did not want to share the spotlight with another famous actor.
12. Christian Bale

Project: Batman vs. Superman (Canceled in 2002)
What happened: In 2002, Akiva Goldsnan even scripted the first version of Batman vs. Superman. The German director Wolfgang Petersen I wanted Ballet in the role of Superman and even met the actor. Warner eventually opted to cancel the project in search of a more optimistic project and continued with Superman: Flybywhich has never happened either.
Also read:All actors who have already played Superman in Live-Actions
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Source: Rollingstone

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.