Brendan Fraser could have played Superman in a trilogy led by J. J. Abrams.

Brendan Fraser He’s having a professional moment that he didn’t even dream of a few years ago. After being in the desert, without a phone call to offer him a role or take care of it, the actor is nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his work in WHALE. Between one moment and another, many years ago, there was a possibility that he could play Superman.

The entertainment industry and Superman have a long relationship. This is one of the most recognizable comic book characters. Legions of actors have dreamed of donning the cape and playing the superhero that has accompanied generations. But not everyone has the opportunity to approach the role. Brendan Fraser was one of them in a project led by JJ Abrams.

This idea, conceived first under the name Superman Flyby, never developed. Regarding the media tour where Brendan Fraser touches on various aspects of his career, he was asked about the possibility. The actor left an interesting comment about his perception of himself as a translator.

Brendan Fraser and the possibility of being Superman

Like the role of 007, many actors dream of playing Superman. Although it also implies a risk: to be remembered almost exclusively for this role. This was the aspect that Brendan Fraser was considering at the time.

In statements given The Howard Stern ShowThe actor said of this moment:

“Everyone in town was preparing for Superman. I think in 2002/2003 we tested six or seven actors. i remember it Paul Volker was before me We were like the “usual suspects”.

Brendan Fraser, The Howard Stern Show.

But something did not convince him about the project. At the time, Brendan Fraser was aware of the weight of Superman’s cape in his acting career. He commented to the aforementioned medium:

“Let’s say you got a job as Man of Steel. It will chip off your tombstone, do you mind? I mean, you will always be better known as “The Man of Steel”. This was a kind of “Faustian” deal. I didn’t want to be known for just one thing because I’ve prided myself on diversity my entire professional life. I’m not a one-trick pony.”

Brendan Fraser, The Howard Stern Show.

In addition to this kind of internal disputes, the actor regretted that things did not go beyond the project. Here’s how he remembered it:

“I was disappointed that there was such a great opportunity and it didn’t materialize. This was largely due to some shenanigans and studio politics. And probably with my screen test. I was just there, like 98% of the other actors.”

Brendan FraserV The Howard Stern Show.

Superman Flyby: what did it consist of?

This production was conceived during the first years of the century. Among the leaked information is the fact that it was scheduled to premiere in 2004. This is related to what Brendan Fraser described about the time he was testing. Superman Flyby it will be based on a script developed by JJ Abrams and directed by Brett Ratner..

What will be the story? Civil war on Krypton, which began with a family conflict. Kal-El, known on Earth as Superman, alter ego Clark Kent, he will have to return to his country of origin and take part in the conflict. This project will be a trilogy. Recently, adaptations inspired by this character have not gone beyond and failed to write a recognizable saga.

At the time, JJ Abrams is said to have requested a budget of around $400 million for the first installment alone. The whole initiative was cancelled. Meanwhile, in the new DC Extended Universe, James Gunn is working on a more youthful adaptation of the character.