Actors Who Almost Played Superman

Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes ever created. Since his debut in 1938, casting the perfect actor to play the Man of Steel has been a challenge for filmmakers. Many talented actors have come close to wearing the famous red cape but missed out for various reasons. From scheduling conflicts to creative differences, their stories show how unpredictable Hollywood can be.

This list explores actors who nearly landed the role of Superman in films or TV shows. Each one brought something unique, but fate had other plans. Let’s dive into the fascinating “what-if” moments of Superman’s casting history.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage was set to star in ‘Superman Lives,’ a Tim Burton-directed film in the late 1990s. The project got far enough that Cage even did costume tests, sporting a bold, electric-blue suit. His eccentric energy and passion for the character promised a wild take on Superman. However, Warner Bros. scrapped the film due to budget issues and creative disputes.

Fans still talk about Cage’s near-miss, especially after his brief cameo as Superman in ‘The Flash.’ Photos of him in the suit have become legendary, fueling endless debates about what could have been. Cage’s unique style might have redefined the Man of Steel for a new era.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser was a top contender for ‘Superman: Flyby,’ a J.J. Abrams-scripted project in the early 2000s. Fresh off his success in ‘The Mummy,’ Fraser’s charm and action-hero credentials made him a strong fit. He even tried on the Superman suit during auditions. The project was shelved in favor of ‘Superman Returns,’ and Fraser lost his chance.

Fraser later expressed disappointment but praised Abrams’ vision. His ability to balance goofy charm with heroic gravitas could have made him a memorable Superman. Fans of his work in ‘Doom Patrol’ can only imagine how he’d have tackled Clark Kent.

Joe Manganiello

Joe Manganiello was a serious contender for ‘Man of Steel’ before Henry Cavill was cast. His chiseled physique and intense screen presence made him a natural choice. However, his commitment to ‘True Blood’ caused scheduling conflicts, preventing him from even doing a screen test. Manganiello later played Deathstroke in the DC universe.

The actor has spoken openly about his disappointment, noting Warner Bros. had big plans for his character. Manganiello’s physicality and charisma could have brought a powerful, grounded Superman to the screen. It’s a missed opportunity that still stings for fans.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer was neck-and-neck with Henry Cavill for ‘Man of Steel.’ Known for ‘White Collar,’ Bomer’s classic good looks and charm mirrored the comic book Superman. He auditioned and was a strong favorite, but Cavill ultimately won the role. Bomer’s resemblance to Cavill sparked debates about who would’ve been better.

Bomer’s ability to play both suave and sincere could have made him a compelling Clark Kent. His near-miss remains one of the closest calls in Superman casting history. Fans still wonder how his take would have shaped the DC Extended Universe.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett was courted for ‘Superman: Flyby,’ the same J.J. Abrams project as Fraser. At the time, he was a rising star from films like ‘Pearl Harbor.’ Hartnett turned down the role, wary of being typecast as a superhero. He later said he didn’t want to be defined by the cape for his entire career.

His decision was influenced by seeing other actors struggle post-superhero roles. Hartnett’s brooding intensity and charisma could have brought a unique flavor to Superman. It’s intriguing to think how his career might have shifted with the part.

Jude Law

Jude Law was director Brett Ratner’s top choice for ‘Superman: Flyby’ in the early 2000s. Known for his roles in ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley,’ Law had the charm and gravitas needed. He declined, feeling the role wasn’t right for him at the time. The project eventually fell apart.

Law later reflected that he wasn’t ready for the spotlight of a superhero role. His polished yet vulnerable style could have made for a nuanced Superman. Fans of his work can only speculate on what he’d have brought to the character.

Will Smith

Will Smith was offered the role of Superman for ‘Superman Returns.’ Coming off his success in ‘Hancock,’ he declined, citing concerns about playing a traditionally white character after his experience with ‘Wild Wild West.’ Smith chose to avoid the potential backlash. He later joined the DC universe as Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad.’

Smith’s charisma and action-hero chops could have made him a dynamic Superman. His decision was pragmatic, but it’s a fascinating “what-if” for fans. Imagine his infectious energy soaring as the Man of Steel.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone auditioned for the 1978 ‘Superman’ film, eager to play the Man of Steel. Fresh off ‘Rocky,’ he brought passion and physicality to the table. Director Richard Donner, however, wanted an unknown actor to avoid disbelief in the flying hero. Stallone was deemed too recognizable.

Stallone’s larger-than-life persona might have overshadowed the role, but his heart and grit could have added depth. The idea of a Stallone Superman feels like a bold, action-packed alternate universe. He remained a fan favorite, but the cape went to Christopher Reeve.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford was offered a hefty sum to star in the 1978 ‘Superman.’ The ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ star declined, feeling the superhero role didn’t suit him. His star power was undeniable, but he preferred grounded characters. The role went to the lesser-known Christopher Reeve.

Redford’s charisma and all-American appeal could have made him a striking Superman. His decision to pass likely stemmed from wanting to maintain his dramatic career path. It’s a curious near-miss for such a Hollywood legend.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was approached for the 1978 ‘Superman’ to play not just Superman but also Lex Luthor or Jor-El. The screen legend turned down all three roles, uninterested in the superhero genre. His star power could have drawn huge crowds, but he stuck to his dramatic roots. Christopher Reeve ultimately became the Man of Steel.

Newman’s cool, confident style might have crafted a mature, commanding Superman. His rejection of the role reflects his focus on versatile, grounded characters. It’s a tantalizing “what-if” for fans of the iconic actor.

Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh actually played Superman in ‘Superman Returns’ (2006) but was nearly cast again in a later reboot. Before ‘Man of Steel,’ Warner Bros. considered him for a second chance as the Man of Steel. His performance was well-received, but the studio wanted a fresh start. Henry Cavill took the role instead.

Routh’s earnest and classic portrayal won many fans, and he later returned as a different Superman in ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths.’ His near-return for a reboot shows how close he came to redefining the character. Fans still cherish his heartfelt take.

David Boreanaz

David Boreanaz was in talks for ‘Superman: Flyby’ in the early 2000s. Known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Angel,’ his rugged charm and heroic vibe made him a contender. Scheduling conflicts with his TV commitments forced him to drop out. The project itself never materialized.

Boreanaz’s intense yet relatable style could have grounded Superman in a unique way. His fanbase from supernatural roles would’ve brought a loyal following. It’s a shame he never got to don the cape.

James Caviezel

James Caviezel was considered for ‘Superman Returns’ before Brandon Routh was cast. Fresh off ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ his soulful intensity caught director Bryan Singer’s eye. However, Caviezel’s strong association with religious roles may have swayed the decision against him. Routh ultimately got the part.

Caviezel’s emotional depth could have added a profound layer to Superman’s humanity. His near-casting is a missed chance to see a deeply introspective Man of Steel. Fans of his work still picture him soaring.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher was a surprising contender for ‘Superman: Flyby.’ Known for ‘That ’70s Show,’ his boyish charm and rising fame made him a bold choice. He auditioned but felt he wasn’t right for the role and withdrew. The project later collapsed entirely.

Kutcher’s charisma could have brought a lighter, more playful Superman to the screen. His decision to step back showed self-awareness, but it’s fun to imagine him in the role. It would’ve been a wildly different take.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm was reportedly considered for ‘Man of Steel’ before Henry Cavill secured the role. Known for ‘Mad Men,’ Hamm’s mature, chiseled look fit the modern Superman vision. At the time, he was deemed too old for Zack Snyder’s younger take. Cavill became the final choice.

Hamm’s commanding presence and subtle vulnerability could have crafted a timeless Superman. He’s since expressed interest in superhero roles, fueling fan campaigns. His near-miss remains a popular “what-if” in casting debates.

Which actor do you think would’ve made the best Superman? Share your thoughts in the comments!