As we all know, the Superman reboot is moving ahead. Zack Snyder is attached to direct and Christopher Nolan will serve as a "godfather" figure on the project. I, for one, am pleased that these names are involved with the film. So far, there are no recent developments as to who will play the Last Son of Krypton.
In 1978, over 200 unknowns tested for the role of Superman in the first big screen adaptation. Many auditioned for this role including Bruce Jenner. Ultimately Patrick Wayne was cast, but dropped out when his father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Neil Diamond and Arnold Schwarzenegger lobbied hard for the role, but were ignored. James Caan, James Brolin, Lyle Waggoner, Christopher Walken, Nick Nolte, Jon Voight, and Perry King were approached and Kris Kristofferson and Charles Bronson were also considered for the title role. When the producers failed to cast an A-List actor prior to the hiring of Richard Donner as director, it was decided to cast an unknown and casting director Lynn Stalmaster suggested Christopher Reeve. After a successful (and sweaty) screen test Christopher Reeve was cast as the first Superman to hit the big screen. He would become well known for this role and had little success outside of it. After four movies Christopher Reeve hung up his cape.
Since then there have been many incarnations of the character on television. John Haymes Newton and Gerard Christopher portrayed the title character Superboy in the 1988 series. Dean Cain was cast as the Man of Steel in Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and Tom Welling is currently playing a pre-Superman Clark Kent in Smallville which airs every Friday at 8:00PM.
Over the years leading up to Superman Returns many other actors were considered for the role. In 1997, with Kevin Smith writing the script and Jon Peters producing, Ben Affleck was in the running before Smith was ultimately taken off the project due to the whims of Tim Burton. With Tim Burton having creative control at this point, Nicolas Cage was strongly considered to play Superman. When Tim Burton left the project due to constant conflicts with Jon Peters, a Batman vs. Superman movie was proposed to re-launch both characters. Josh Hartnett and Will Smith were considered for the role of Superman with Wolfgang Petersen attached to direct. At the same time this movie was in development so was Superman: Flyby which was to be directed by McG and starring none other than Ashton Kutcher.
The release of Superman Returns ushered in another relatively unknown actor to portray the character in the same fashion as the '78 Superman movie. Brandon Routh was expected to be the Superman for the new generation of films. A sequel was planned but ultimately fell through after Warner Bros. remained displeased with the box office figures.
So that brings us to the question: Just what crazy casting ideas are being tossed around now? I know many fans are lobbying for Brandon Routh to reprise the role, and there are also suggestions that Tom Welling or Henry Cavill should take the lead. So who will it be?
Well that's where you guys come in. I'm remaining objective on this one and at the moment I don't have a clue as to who could fill this role respectively. So I'm asking you: Who do you see as doing the Superman character justice on the big screen? After all this may be Warner Bros. last shot to get it right. Post your ideas below (No matter how crazy they are!)