The world of superhero movies is filled with what-ifs and almost-wases, but few are as bizarre as the story of 'Superman Lives'. Imagine a world where the iconic Man of Steel is portrayed by... Sean Penn? Yes, you read that right! But here's where it gets controversial: the producer's vision was even more outlandish.
A Gritty Superman with a Twist
In the mid-1990s, Hollywood was gearing up for a new take on Superman, and producer Jon Peters had some unique ideas. He envisioned a grittier, more grounded Superman, and his dream casting was none other than the intense and acclaimed actor Sean Penn. Peters had just seen Penn's powerful performance in 'Dead Man Walking' and was captivated by his eyes, believing they belonged to a 'violent animal, a caged killer'. Quite a description for the usually wholesome Superman, right?
But that's not all. Peters had a peculiar obsession with... giant spiders. He wanted the film to feature a climactic battle between Superman and a colossal arachnid in a gladiatorial arena. This bizarre concept was met with skepticism, especially by filmmaker Kevin Smith, who was hired to write a draft for the movie. Smith, known for his quirky storytelling, found Peters' ideas wild and even a little silly. He famously recounted these stories in lectures and interviews, sharing the producer's unusual vision with the world.
Enter Nicolas Cage
However, fate had other plans. When Tim Burton was brought on to direct, Nicolas Cage was cast as the Kryptonian hero. Cage, known for his energetic and eccentric performances, seemed like an odd choice for the all-American Superman. Yet, Smith, a Cage enthusiast, was thrilled. He believed Cage's passion for the character and knowledge of the comics made him a perfect fit.
The Flash's Homage
Fast forward to 2023, and 'The Flash' movie pays homage to this unmade film. In a multiverse-hopping sequence, Ezra Miller's Flash encounters a version of Superman resembling Nicolas Cage, battling a giant spider. This unexpected nod to 'Superman Lives' surprised many, including Smith. Despite his initial doubts, he admitted that the sequence worked and even looked badass. It was a moment that made him realize Peters' vision might not have been so far-fetched after all.
A Legacy of What Could Have Been
'Superman Lives' never saw the light of day, and the Superman franchise has since been rebooted multiple times, each with its own unique take on the character. But none of these iterations featured the infamous giant spider battle. Peters' dream remained unfulfilled, except for a giant mechanical tarantula in the 1999 film 'Wild Wild West', which he produced.
So, what do you think? Could Sean Penn have made a compelling Superman? Was Peters' vision ahead of its time, or just plain bizarre? Share your thoughts and let's discuss this intriguing chapter in superhero movie history!
