Get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the untold story of Superman Lives, a project that could have changed the face of superhero movies forever. The Man of Steel's journey to the big screen was not without its twists and turns, and some of the choices made along the way might just surprise you!
In the late 1990s, Tim Burton was set to direct a gritty reboot of Superman, a film that would have been a far cry from the iconic Christopher Reeve movies. The producer, Jon Peters, had some... unique ideas. He envisioned a Superman who was less of a flying hero and more of a grounded, troubled figure, with a quirky sidekick to boot. But here's where it gets controversial: Peters wanted Sean Penn, known for his intense dramatic roles, to play the iconic role. Imagine that!
Kevin Smith, who was brought on to write a script for the film, shared some fascinating insights. He recalled Peters' obsession with a giant spider, a creature he wanted Superman to battle in a gladiatorial arena. Smith's stories paint a picture of Peters' unconventional vision, which included no flying scenes and a dislike for the traditional Superman costume.
And this is the part most people miss: Peters' influence extended beyond Superman Lives. He went on to produce Wild Wild West, a sci-fi Western that featured a giant mechanical tarantula, fulfilling his arachnid fantasy.
The project, however, never came to fruition, and the Superman franchise was rebooted multiple times, each with its own take on the character. But one thing remains consistent: no giant spiders in sight.
So, what do you think? Could Sean Penn have pulled off the role of Superman? And would a giant spider battle have been a hit or a miss? Let's discuss in the comments and explore the what-ifs of this fascinating chapter in Hollywood history!
