Get ready for a wild ride through the unmade movies of Hollywood's past! The story of 'Superman Lives' is a legendary tale of what could have been.
In a bizarre twist of fate, the 2023 film 'The Flash' gives us a glimpse into a parallel universe where Nicolas Cage's Superman battles a giant spider. But this isn't just a random cameo; it's a nod to a real-life, unproduced film that almost came to be.
The mid-90s brought a unique vision for a 'Superman' reboot, titled 'Superman Lives.' The project was headed by none other than Tim Burton, with Hollywood producer Jon Peters at the helm. Peters had a peculiar obsession with pitting the Man of Steel against a colossal arachnid. This idea, as crazy as it sounds, was actually scripted, cast, and partially designed. Nicolas Cage, the iconic actor, was set to wear the red cape.
Filmmaker Kevin Smith, known for his quirky storytelling, was once involved in writing for 'Superman Lives.' His anecdotes about the project have become legendary, especially regarding Peters' eccentric demands. Peters wanted a grittier Superman, with no flying and a reduced presence of the iconic costume. He even envisioned a quirky queer sidekick, reminiscent of a character from Smith's own 'Chasing Amy.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Peters had his heart set on Sean Penn for the role of Superman. Yes, the intense, dramatic actor known for his heavy roles. Smith, however, had other ideas. He suggested Nicolas Cage, a fan of the comics, as a more energetic and heroic alternative. Imagine that—Nicolas Cage as Superman!
'Superman Lives' never saw the light of day, but its legacy lives on. The film fell apart, and Smith's involvement ended. Yet, Peters' giant spider dream didn't die. In a surprising twist, his 1999 production 'Wild Wild West' featured a giant mechanical tarantula. Coincidence? Perhaps not.
Smith, initially dismissive of the spider concept, was impressed by the realization of this idea in 'The Flash.' Despite the movie's poor reception, he admitted that the sequence worked. It's a fascinating 'what if' scenario that sparks curiosity.
Since then, the Superman franchise has been rebooted multiple times, but none have featured the iconic spider battle. And this is the part most people miss—a small tribute to a big idea, hidden in plain sight.
So, what do you think? Could Nicolas Cage have pulled off Superman? And what other unmade movies have you heard of that would've changed cinema as we know it? Share your thoughts and let's discuss!
