James Gunn’s recent cinematic interpretation of Superman has garnered praise from fans, particularly for its deep focus on the character’s humanity. However, the journey to Gunn’s vision was far from simple, characterized by a series of abandoned projects, alternate adaptations, and near-casting scenarios that continue to intrigue audiences.
A particularly captivating scrapped project was “Superman: Flyby,” conceived by J.J. Abrams and Brett Ratner. The film nearly took off but ultimately faced cancellation, leaving a sense of what could have been. Among those who were close to donning Superman’s iconic cape was Brendan Fraser, who emerged as a leading candidate during the casting phase and even tried on the famous suit.
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fraser recounted his experience with the project and shared his impressions of the script. “Oh, I loved that screenplay. They let me read it. They locked me in an empty office on 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 insidiously,” he recalled. Fraser described the script as “Shakespeare in space,” indicating the depth and originality he found in the writing. He went on to reveal that he had participated in a screen test while wearing the superhero suit.
Despite his enthusiasm, Fraser expressed uncertainty about taking on such a monumental role at that time. “I don’t know if I was ready to take that on then,” he admitted. He acknowledged the mix of excitement and apprehension he felt, echoing the sentiment of filmmaker Terry George, who said, “If it’s not for you, then it’ll pass you by.” For Fraser, that pivotal moment was not destined to happen.
Interestingly, nearly two decades later, Fraser made a return to the superhero genre when he was cast as the villain Firefly in “Batgirl,” which starred Leslie Grace and featured Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman. Unfortunately, after filming his scenes and entering post-production, the project was abruptly canceled in 2022, shocking fans and industry insiders alike. Fraser stood by the film, expressing admiration for the hard work and dedication put forth by the cast and crew.
Reflecting on both “Superman: Flyby” and his subsequent roles, Fraser’s path through the superhero landscape is marked by missed opportunities and unexpected developments. His description of the unrealized Superman script as “Shakespeare in space” leaves fans wondering about the unique narrative that never came to fruition, a testament to the stories that remain untold in the world of comic book cinema.