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By
Erielle Sudario
Published 33 minutes ago
Erielle Sudario is a Collider News and Feature Author from Australia and has worked in the journalism industry since 2018. She has a passion for entertainment and pop culture news and has interviewed YouTubers, voice actors, film directors, and musicians throughout her career. When she's not writing, you can see Erielle building keyboards, reading a good book, playing video games, and creating content on social media.
Sign in to your Collider account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread 1 Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recapBefore Henry Cavill and David Corenswet became the Man of Steel, Brendan Fraser almost donned the iconic red cape. The Mummy actor recently revealed that he did a screen test for a now-canceled Superman movie he described as "Shakespeare in space," and spoke about how it would have been a huge opportunity for him. In an interview with Josh Horowitz for the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fraser recalled his time when he was considered to play the iconic DC superhero in a J.J. Abrams Superman movie, with Brett Ratner set to direct. He saw the screenplay and made it clear that he was held to the highest secrecy at the time, so nothing would leak. He shared that not only did he do a screen test, but he also got to wear the costume, but was unable to take any photos of it. He told Horowitz:
“I loved that screenplay. They let me read it. They locked me in an empty office in some studio lot. I signed an NDA. It was printed black on crimson paper, so you couldn’t photocopy it or sneak it out the door inconspicuously. I mean, it was Shakespeare in space. It was a really good screenplay.”
When Fraser looks back at the opportunity, he has now come to terms with the fact that it ultimately didn't pan out. Back then, he thought it would be a great opportunity since it was a "big job," but he also felt anxious about it. He also noted that he doesn't know if he would've been ready for the gravity of what playing Superman means if he were to have gotten the role. He explained:
"I also remember thinking if 'I do get this job, then, well, I think's Superman's going to be chipped on my gravestone.' There's an element of 'you are that' for the rest of your days, your career. That's not a bad thing. I'm not saying it's going to kill me anytime soon. It is something that becomes part of your entire brand, who you are. And I don't know if I was ready to take that on then."
What Was J.J. Abrams' Canceled Superman Movie About?
While Fraser didn't say the working title for the canceled Superman movie, the only known canceled DC project with Abrams' name attached is Superman: Flyby. Abrams penned the script back in 2002, and the story was said to take place years before Superman's origin, where Lex Luthor was a CIA Agent investigating UFOs and Superman facing Ty-Zor. Concept art for the film was shared in 2010, and it was reported that Josh Hartnett was also considered for the role. Unfortunately, the project went nowhere after Warner executives reportedly got "cold feet" when the film's budget looked to exceed $200 million.
The latest adaptation of Superman is available to stream on HBO Max. Follow Collider to stay updated.
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Superman
Like Follow Followed PG-13 Science Fiction Adventure Action Release Date July 11, 2025 Runtime 130 minutes Director James Gunn Writers James Gunn, Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel Producers Peter Safran
9 Images
David Corenswet looking serious as Superman
Superman and Lex Luthor squaring off in Superman (2025)
David Corenswet as Superman holding the kaiju's foot in Superman 2025Image via Warner Bros. 
Superman is getting arrested by Ultraman in Superman
Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific emerges from his ship at Fort Kramer in Superman (2025)
The Justice Gang in Superman preparing to fight
Clark in costume and Lois kissing in Superman
superman heat vision
Lois Clark and Jimmy staring up at the TV in the Daily Planet office in Superman 2025© Warner Bros. /Courtesy Everett CollectionClose
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David Corenswet
Superman
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Rachel Brosnahan
Lois Lane
Follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way in a world that views kindness as old-fashioned.
Franchise(s) DCU Main Genre Action Genres Science Fiction, Adventure, Action Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Executive Producer(s) Lars P. Winther, Nik Korda Powered by
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Sounds better than the Mister Fantastic/Krypto movie we got.
2025-11-24 14:04:05 Upvote Downvote Reply Copy