Superman Lives is the unmade superhero epic that never took flight.
Superman Lives was a superhero movie intended to give the iconic character a new perspective. The film would have starred Nicolas Cage, directed by Tim Burton, and written by Kevin Smith. This project would have explored new territories in the world of Superman, but it did not make it to the big screen. Fans are left to wonder what could have been, but thanks to the latest movie, The Flash, moviegoers saw a scene played out on the big screen.
In the late 1990s, Warner Bros. asked Kevin Smith to write a new Superman movie.
His script for Superman Lives sought to explore the character’s complexities by portraying him as more introspective and emotionally vulnerable. The story revolves around Superman’s battle with Brainiac, a giant spider, and his demons. Fans were excited to see Tim Burton, known for his distinctive visual style, direct the film, and they anticipated a dark and moody interpretation of the Man of Steel, similar to his previous work on Batman.
The choice of Nicolas Cage to play the lead role of Superman/Clark Kent was polarizing. Cage’s unique personality and intense acting style were expected to offer a fresh and unconventional take on Superman. Although some doubted the casting decision initially, Cage’s dedication to the character and his evident enthusiasm for the role won over many skeptics. The previews of Cage in the Superman costume revealed a distinctive interpretation that would have sparked numerous discussions among fans.
Superman Lives encountered several obstacles despite an exciting start and progress.
The film’s high budget because of the complex special effects demands, raised concerns about financial risks from Warner Bros. Also, creative disagreements between Smith and the studio contributed to the project’s eventual failure. As a result, Tim Burton and Nicolas Cage’s Superman Lives was added to the list of superhero movies that were never made, leaving behind only concept art, costume tests, and fans’ imaginations.
The movie project “Superman Lives” had a significant impact on the superhero genre, leaving behind a unique artistic vision and bold storytelling that paved the way for future Superman reinterpretations and superhero films. It remains a fascinating “what if” moment in superhero film history. In 2018, Cage voiced the Man of Steel in the animated film “Teen Titans GO! To the Movies,” which was WB’s first acknowledgment of his past role. Fans can also check out Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #19, which features Cage’s portrayal of the iconic character.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.