Howard Stern is one hell of an interviewer. He has such an amazing ability to slice through the typical b.s. responses that are typically given by actors. At the 15-minute mark in the video below, Stern asks James Caan about passing up on the role of Superman/Clark Kent in
Superman. A role made famous by the late, great Christopher Reeve ("Switching Channels"). Caan confirms that he was offered the role. He then describes the tongue-in-cheek
Superman that was originally written by Mario Puzo ("The Godfather"). That tone was changed once director Richard Donner was hired, and then he brought in Tom Mankiewicz to polish the script, giving it a more serious tone, with Christ-like overtones.
When Clark Kent is just devestated cause she (Lois Lane) is so in love with Superman. Physically the office is setup in the paper (Daily Planet)... In order to get to Clark Kent's office you must pass through Lois Lane's office. So, there is no other way in. So, one day Clark is so pissed off (laughs) that she is in love with Superman, he says, aw screw it. And he rips his clothes off and he's got his Superman thing (costume) on under there. And he says, "Lois, come in here!" She comes in and looks at him, "That's sweet Clark, but you're no Superman." And she walks out. He looks and the mirror and says, "Maybe a little tuck here." It was all tongue-in-cheek.
He even says, that award-winning actor, Marlon Brando ("On The Waterfront"), who Caan worked with on
The Godfather, begged him to join him on
Superman.
Another role that Caan supposedly passed on, was Han Solo in George Lucas'
Star Wars. Caan says he didn't pass on it, but more interesting is that this subject spawns some unkind words about Harrison Ford. Caan claims that Ford slighted him, which infuriated him. This part of the conversation takes place at the
18:50 mark.
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