Superman, the iconic superhero, has captivated audiences since the 1950s. Casting directors face immense pressure to find the perfect actor who can embody the role and bring justice to the character.
As just recently, David Corenswet was cast as Superman for James Gunn’s next, we at Hiptoro have combined a list of actors who were almost cast as The Man Of Steel.
6. Will Smith
Believe it or not, Will Smith was once considered for the role. He even received a script to review, building anticipation for his potential portrayal. However, after reading the script, Smith made a firm decision against taking on the iconic role.
In a 2008 interview with MTV, he expressed his thoughts, stating, “There is no way I’m playing Superman!” With that, the possibility of witnessing the Fresh Prince of Krypton as Superman came to an end.
5. Brendan Fraser
Imagine Brendan Fraser soaring through the skies as Superman! The film titled “Superman: Flyby,” penned by J.J. Abrams, had Fraser in the running for the role. Fraser’s career had experienced ups and downs, and this reboot of the franchise could have been a significant breakthrough for him.
However, when the project was eventually shelved in favor of “Superman Returns,” Fraser’s opportunity to don the red cape was lost, and he had to continue his patient wait for a different career resurgence.
4. Nicolas Cage
One of the most famous instances of an almost-Man of Steel is Nicolas Cage. The eccentric actor was ready to redefine the character in his unique style. Photos of Cage wearing the costume created a frenzy among fans, generating immense curiosity about his portrayal.
In the canceled film “Superman Lives,” Cage’s vision of the character involved a suit with a mind of its own, possessing magical alien-like powers. Sadly, the project’s cancellation has since become a legend, leaving fans yearning for what could have been.
3. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his iconic roles, including the Terminator, was also considered for the role. The Austrian actor was even in talks to play the Man of Steel in the 1978 film. However, it was his distinct accent that ultimately led to his exclusion.
Producer Ilya Salkind revealed, “When I met Arnold at the premiere of the first film, he said, ‘Ahhh I should’ve been Superman. With that accent… not too good.'”
2. Robert Redford
The casting choices for the 1978 Superman film were nothing short of intriguing. Among the candidates, the renowned actor Robert Redford caught attention as a potential Man of Steel. It is said that Redford declined a substantial sum of money for the role.
Imagining the charismatic and heartbreaking actor as the Man of Steel would have been a remarkable departure in his career trajectory, leaving audiences captivated by his portrayal.
1. Nick Nolte
Picture a rugged and haggard-looking Superman. That almost became a reality when Nick Nolte had the opportunity to audition for the role in the 1978 film. However, Nolte sabotaged his own chances by expressing his interest in playing Superman as a schizophrenic character.
Recognizing the strangeness of such an interpretation, he turned down the role, acknowledging that it would have been an unconventional portrayal.
In the quest to find the perfect Superman, casting directors have encountered numerous near-misses. While these actors were inches away from playing the iconic role, fate had different plans for them. The search for the ideal Superman continues, as future casting decisions hold the power to shape the legacy of this beloved character.
