As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that Brendan Fraser would have made an exceptional Superman. His charisma and physical prowess were evident in films like The Mummy and Bedazzled, and his screen test for J.J. Abrams’ Superman: Flyby only solidifies this belief.
In the ’90s and early ’00s, my career was thriving, with films like “The Mummy,” “Bedazzled,” and guest appearances on shows such as “Scrubs” and “King of the Hill” contributing to this success. However, many fans may not know that I had a chance to step into an iconic role – Superman. Yes, you heard it right! I screen-tested for the leading role in J.J. Abrams’ “Superman: Flyby,” a project that was initially slated for release in 2004. Unfortunately, the film never came to fruition, leaving fans and me wondering what could have been. But now, they can get a glimpse of what my Superman might have looked like.
The photo shows Brendan Fraser’s profile with the Blue Boy Scout’s iconic red and blue costume. Fraser looks jacked for the role, and was known as a leading action man at the time. Interestingly, the cape comes over and covers the front of the shoulders, a design choice which is rarely seen in the comics (it could act as a blanket in the Fortress of Solitude). Fraser also has the signature hairstyle of Superman, which is swished the opposite way as Clark Kent, with the iconic single curl coming down across his face.
It’s clear now that Brendan Fraser could have been an exceptional choice for Superman, as evidenced by his screen test. Despite some less-than-impressive films in his career, it’s safe to say that Fraser rarely delivers a subpar performance. However, the actor had reservations about accepting the role. In an interview on The Howard Stern Show last year, Fraser acknowledged that playing Superman would have a lasting impact on his career. He expressed concern that taking on the role would be a constant presence in his life moving forward.
“If you were chosen for the role of ‘Man of Steel,’ would you be comfortable with being remembered as such for all time?
J.J. Abrams’ Superman: Flyby Would Have Been a Unique Origin Story
J.J. Abrams, renowned for his work in sci-fi, could have given a distinctive touch to the movie “Superman: Flyby”. This project was penned by Abrams as early as 2002, preceding Brandon Routh’s “Superman Returns” (2006). In an interview with Empire more than a decade ago, via GeekTyrant, Abrams shared that his take on Superman would center around a young Clark Kent learning to manage his powers. He said, “The story I aimed to highlight was that if the Kents discovered this boy, Kal-El, with the power he possessed, he would likely have ended their lives in a short time.” Although this might seem like the foundation for a grim Zack Snyder narrative, Abrams clarified that the Kents would guide young Kal-El to master his powers. He elaborated:
As a fan, I can’t help but ponder over the notion that these parents, if they survived, would find themselves in a position to instill lessons in their child almost instantly – to curb his speed, strength, power. The psychological impact of such guidance, I believe, could foster self-fear, self-doubt, and even shame about one’s capabilities.
In Abrams’ interpretation, the Man of Steel wouldn’t grow into Clark Kent; instead, it would be about Clark Kent maturing into Superman. He explained this development as a captivating exploration of an individual not pretending to be Clark Kent, but rather embodying him. Despite the mystery surrounding why Superman: Flyby was abandoned, it’s believed that the film was too somber for executives at Warner Bros., considering they also produced Man of Steel.
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2024-11-17 17:31