Brendan Fraser opens up about the superhero role he almost played

Brendan Fraser has played many hit characters under his belt. But there was another role he came close to starring in: Superman.

Speaking to Happy Sad Confused podcast, shares that JJ Abrams was both the writer and producer of the project. Brett Ratner, meanwhile, was set to direct it. The story is said to be an origin story showing a civil war on Krypton.

THE Mummy The star recalls that the process of being offered the role was secret, adding that the team also made sure the script remained hidden from others.

“Oh, I loved this script. They let me read it. They locked me in an empty office, I don’t know, in some studio. [I] signed an NDA. It was printed in black, on crimson paper, so you couldn’t photocopy it or sneak it out the door,” recalls Brendan.

Not only is he reading the script, but the Oscar-winning star also donned the superhero costume and praised the film’s concept.

“I mean, it was Shakespeare in space. It was a really good script. It really was. But, yeah, I was considered. I did a screen test. I wore the big man suit.”

Despite the praise, Brendan was honest about having second thoughts about playing Superman. “Come to think of it, I can remember feeling, you know, you get a little nervous anyway when you take on some big job.”

He continues, “But I also remember thinking, ‘Hmm, if I actually get this job, then, well, I’m thinking, ‘Superman’s going to be carved on my tombstone,’ you know?”

“There’s an element of ‘You’re this for the rest of your days. Your career.” And that’s not a bad thing. I’m not saying it’s going to kill me anytime soon, but, you know, it’s something that becomes part of your whole brand. Who are you,” the star explains.

It is worth noting that the project never saw the light of day.