Shreya Jha
After earning accolades throughout the 2023 awards season, Brendan Fraser secured the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Darren Aronofsky’s film, The Whale.
No doubt he deserved it. While the actor has done many amazing movie roles, he missed the chance to play Superman. However, he later joined the DC universe as Robotman in Doom Patrol. Fraser also had a performance as the villain Firefly, but it went unseen due to the cancelation of Batgirl.
The news was posted in 2004, that Brendan Fraser was being considered for two major superhero roles: Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in Marvel’s Fantastic Four and Superman in DC’s Superman Returns. Hollywood seemed eager to have him lead a superhero film at the time. But he didn’t get to play in either of them.
Brendan Fraser Doesn’t Regret Missing Out on Superman Role
In a past interview on The Howard Stern Show, Fraser confirmed he doesn’t regret not landing a superhero role — especially Superman. While it was a great opportunity, he recognized that if he played Superman, it could lead him to be forever associated with that character, which he didn’t want. He went on to say:
“Of course, it’s a life-changing, amazing opportunity, but I had to reconcile with, ‘OK, say you do get the job to be the Man of Steel. It’s going to be chipped on your gravestone. Are you OK with that? You will forevermore be known as the Man of Steel.”
The No Sudden Move actor continued:
There was a sort of Faustian bargain that went into [the] feeling, and I think inherently I didn’t want to be known for only one thing because I prided myself on diversity my whole professional life. I’m not a one-trick pony.”
Brendan Fraser had a point. If he had played the beloved superhero, he would have been forever linked to that role, even if he had many other roles under his name. He didn’t want to be forever remembered as the superhero, even after he was no longer associated with the role.
Brendan Fraser’s Decision Saved Him From a Role that Polarized The SnyderVerse
Zack Snyder’s vision for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has been a subject of debate among its own fans. His approach to the DC universe, starting with Man of Steel, was aimed to provide a darker and more contemporary take on iconic characters like Superman.
The reason Man of Steel (considered a polarizing movie) has received mixed reactions is because of personal preferences. While some appreciated his unique style, others found it polarizing.
The SnyderVerse cast includes Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck, Jason Momoa, Jared Leto, and Margot Robbie, who are established actors and have now become synonymous with some of the most important DC characters. This has divided the DC fans and sparked discussions about the SnyderVerse and its potential continuation.
Source: The Howard Stern Show
