Top Five Actors Who Nearly Played Superman
In celebration of the beloved comic book icon, here is a rundown of five actors who nearly took on the role of the man of steel.
Top 5 Actors Who Nearly Played Superman
In celebration of the beloved comic book icon, here is a rundown of five actors who nearly took on the role of the man of steel.
5. Tom Welling
During the early development of Superman Returns, Tom Welling’s huge popularity on Smallville led to speculation that he might be considered for the film. Welling later clarified that, although his name came up informally, he was never formally approached or auditioned because Smallville’s producers wanted to maintain their own continuity.
4. Josh Hartnett
Hartnett was approached multiple times in the early 2000s for various Superman reboot attempts, including Abrams’ Flyby. He has said he declined the opportunity due to fears of long-term franchise commitments, telling Details magazine that he didn’t want to “become boxed in” at a young age.
3. Matthew Bomer
Matthew Bomer was one of the top contenders for the early-2000s reboot Superman: Flyby, written by J.J. Abrams. He completed screen tests and impressed the production team, but the project stalled when director McG left and Warner Bros. ultimately went in a different direction.
2. Henry Cavill (before Man of Steel)
Years before he became Zack Snyder’s Superman, Cavill auditioned for McG’s Superman: Flyby and was a favourite for the role. When Bryan Singer replaced McG and reworked the project into Superman Returns, Singer chose Brandon Routh instead.
1. Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage was officially cast as Superman in Tim Burton’s cancelled 1990s film Superman Lives. He completed costume fittings and pre-production work before Warner Bros. shut the film down due to budget issues, script problems, and management changes.
