What if the beloved actor Brendan Fraser had become Superman? In a surprising revelation, Fraser disclosed that he was once a contender to portray the iconic DC superhero, a role that would have been a massive career shift. But here’s where it gets intriguing: he almost landed the part!
Fraser, known for his role in ‘The Mummy’, shared his experience during an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. He reminisced about his screen test for a Superman movie, which he described as a Shakespearean masterpiece set in space. The script, penned by none other than J.J. Abrams, was so confidential that Fraser had to sign an NDA and read it in an empty office, with the pages printed in a way that prevented photocopying.
The actor admitted that he was excited about the opportunity, but also felt the weight of the role’s significance. He understood that playing Superman would have defined his career and public image, and he questioned if he was prepared for such a monumental responsibility. Fraser’s words resonate: ‘It’s something that becomes part of your entire brand, who you are.’
This almost-was story has a twist. The movie, tentatively titled ‘Superman: Flyby’, had a unique take on the superhero’s origin. It featured Lex Luthor as a CIA agent and a battle against Ty-Zor. However, the project never took flight due to budget concerns, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
And this is the part most people miss: Fraser’s journey highlights the fine line between a career-defining role and a missed opportunity. It begs the question: How do these casting decisions shape the trajectory of an actor’s career? Are there roles that could have been game-changers, but were ultimately left to our imaginations?
The world of superhero casting is filled with ‘what ifs’ and near-misses. Fraser’s story is a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood’s decision-making. So, what do you think? Would Fraser have made a compelling Superman? And what other casting choices could have changed the course of superhero movies as we know them?