# Cast the new Superman movie **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 11, 2004, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294 "2004-08-11T01:27:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2004, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/21 "2004-08-12T02:32:30Z")
> [@SolGrundy](#): > > And a friend of mine yesterday suggested that the perfect actor to play Mr. Mtzylplyx is none other than Gene Hackman. They could do a Lord-of-the-Rings type hobbit effect to make him look smaller. That would be ironic, considering he played Lex Luthor the last go-around. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2004, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/22 "2004-08-12T14:06:42Z")
Brendan Fraser. Easy. The guy is absolutely spot-on perfect for the role. About the only better choice in movie history was Christopher Reeve. **Chastain86,** I must respectfully disagree. Superman is Kal-El, disguising himself as Clark Kent. Bill had it right; what makes Superman different from other superheroes is that he IS Superman, sometimes in disguise as a schmoe. Most superheroes are schmoes, in disguise as superheroes. I’d also suggest Lex Luthor: Ben Kingsley Lois Lane: Anne Hathaway, although Jorja Fox would be an interesting choice Jimmy Olsen: Topher Grace Lana Lane: Alicia Witt Perry White: James Avery ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2004, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/23 "2004-08-12T15:54:46Z")
Heck, I could imagine Christian Bale in the role. Maybe he could alternate Superman and Batman movies, right up to the _World’s Finest_ movie when he plays both roles. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2004, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/24 "2004-08-12T16:04:15Z")
“Say, anybody ever notice that you never see Batman and Superman together?” ---
**Author:** ![Gadfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/aeb1de/32.png) [@Gadfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadfly)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2004, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/25 "2004-08-12T20:20:52Z")
Brendan Fraser’s good, but I would suggest Christian Bale over Lex Luthor. I guess it depends on what kind of Lex Luthor you want - if you want a scheming, nerdy intellectual type, cast Spacey. If you want a steely, cold bastard, cast Bale. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Asbestos\_Mango](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@The\_Asbestos\_Mango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Asbestos_Mango)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2004, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/26 "2004-08-13T00:57:19Z")
Say, anybody ever notice that you never see Bruce Wayne and President Luthor together? ---
**Author:** ![Chastain86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Chastain86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chastain86)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2004, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/27 "2004-08-16T15:30:13Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > **Chastain86,** I must respectfully disagree. Superman is Kal-El, disguising himself as Clark Kent. Bill had it right; what makes Superman different from other superheroes is that he IS Superman, sometimes in disguise as a schmoe. Most superheroes are schmoes, in disguise as superheroes. I agree with this to a point. But what I meant was, which identity is more important to the core character? Clark Kent happens to be Superman by birth, but he’s Clark Kent by upbringing. Past characterization suggests to me that his sense of self-identity is defined by his upbringing, not his birthright. He is Superman because he wants to help the helpless but doesn’t want to sacrifice his anonymity in doing so. But he’s heroic because the Kents instilled in him a sense of pride in doing the right thing. Batman, however, has been Batman since the day the Waynes were murdered. Bruce Wayne is just the mask he wears to hide his activities. But really, it’s all just an inkblot test. We could both be right for all I know. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![drifter26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@drifter26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drifter26)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2004, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/28 "2004-08-17T16:02:50Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > “Say, anybody ever notice that you never see Batman and Superman together?” [http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2645491](http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2645491) here is also a trailer for Grayson [http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2645491](http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2645491) Lastly, although I’m sure most of you have seen this already… Batman: Dead End [http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2474406](http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2474406) If I have somehow missed an already existing post dealing with the following fan made films, please forgive me. If not, watch, enjoy, comment. ---
**Author:** ![middleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@middleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/middleman)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2004, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/29 "2004-08-17T17:08:56Z")
I have NO IDEA who to cast as Superman (I’d lean toward Angelina Jolie as a rough around the edges Lois, but that is neither here nor there). I hope they don’t play the characters in the bumbling way they were played in the 80’s (appropriate characterization at the time, and well played by Reeve, but I thought Clark Kent was no longer a nerd and Lois is no longer the grating, damsel in distress.) What I am CERTAIN of is that Lex Luthor should be played by [Philip Seymour Hoffman](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000450/)! I don’t think he has ever had a Lex Luthot (slick) role before, but that shouldn’t disqualify him. This guy is about the best actor around. IMDB says he is 37 years old, so that wouldn’t be bad for a “young superman” film. They should sign this guy now! ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2004, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/30 "2004-09-02T22:19:38Z")
> [@Ranchoth](#): > > I’ve got it. [Jim Caviezel](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001029/) as Superman. I hope you’ll forgive my dredging up this thread, but… [Caviezel Poised to Sign Superman Deal](http://www.imdb.com/news/wenn/#3) :eek: Man! Can I call 'em, or can I call 'em? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Stark\_Raven\_Mad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Stark\_Raven\_Mad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stark_Raven_Mad)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/31 "2004-09-03T06:49:11Z")
Am I the only one who thinks that the Lex Luthor played by [Michael Rosenbaum](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742146/) was any good? ---
**Author:** ![YPOD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/e99b99/32.png) [@YPOD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YPOD)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/32 "2004-09-03T16:20:10Z")
How about some real alternatives: Steve Buscemi as Superman Kim Bassinger as Lex Luther (imagine her bald) Madonna as Clark’s mom (she’s into motherhood now) Bill Murray as Clark’s dad Halle Barry as Lois Lane Nicole Kidman as Lana Lang (and have both Lois and Lana interact in the story) Sylvester Stallone as Jor-El Daryl Hannah (with the Kill Bill eyepatch, maybe with the Superman S) as Lara (Kal-El’s mom) Drew Barrymore as Braniac Dennis Leary as Mr. Mtzplyx The Rock as Perry White ---
**Author:** ![Trunk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@Trunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trunk)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/33 "2004-09-03T16:33:08Z")
I’m gonna run with what **Clark Kent Dexter Haven** said. How about **Screech** as Clark Kent and **Slater** as Superman? Or, **Phillip Seymour Hoffman** as CK and **Christian Bale** as SM? If it were a few years ago, maybe we could get **Billy Zane** to do the dual role? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/34 "2004-09-03T18:32:18Z")
I have an unhealthy love for Brendan Fraser but I would never have thought of him for the role. But now that you mention it… ---
**Author:** ![Chastain86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Chastain86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chastain86)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/35 "2004-09-03T19:42:56Z")
In strangely on-topic news, [the first person that can get me a sweater-vest like this one](http://www.chud.com/news/sept04/sept2supes.php3) will receive a major, major award. ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Bongo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a9adbd/32.png) [@Winston\_Bongo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Bongo)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/36 "2004-09-03T19:57:57Z")
Brendan Fraser?? _ **Brendan Fraser???** _ Please tell me you are all kidding. Brendan Fraser is, admittedly, perfectly suited to certain roles. Those roles, unfortunately, are \*Encino Man \* and _George of the Jungle_. In other words, roles that require little more than a bulky physique and a facial expression that says, “Duuuuuuuuuuuuhhh.” Maybe the guy isn’t really dumb, but boy does he ever look it. And Superman, big blue boy scout that he is, is NOT dumb. You put Fraser in the role and it would be like watching Dudley Do-Right in tights. So now that I’ve bitched, here’s my pick for Supes: Eric Bana. Try to forget you ever saw **Hulk** (I know, it’s hard) and find a good photo of the guy. He’s got the look of Superman all over him, and he’s a pretty good actor when he gets the right role. Of course, since **Hulk** bombed, I doubt Bana’s going to get offered any more leading roles in comic book movies soon. Too bad, because I bet he could pull it off. Oh, and I second the nomination of Ben Kingsley as Luthor! ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2004, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/37 "2004-09-03T23:31:29Z")
> [@Trunk](#): > > I’m gonna run with what **Clark Kent Dexter Haven** said. > > How about **Screech** as Clark Kent and **Slater** as Superman? > > Or, **Phillip Seymour Hoffman** as CK and **Christian Bale** as SM? > > If it were a few years ago, maybe we could get **Billy Zane** to do the dual role? I was thinking Bill Paxton as Superman, and Bill Pullman as Clark Kent. Or maybe the other way around, depending on which is which. > [@YPOD](#): > > The Rock as Perry White I can totally hear the Rock saying “Great Caeser’s Ghost!” > [@Winston Bongo](#): > > And Superman, big blue boy scout that he is, is NOT dumb. You put Fraser in the role and it would be like watching Dudley Do-Right in tights. I thought that was the whole idea behind Superman… Seriously, though, Frasier can act when the role demands it. Ever seen _School Ties_? I thought he did pretty well in that. Well enough to carry a comic book movie, at least. I wouldn’t mind seeing him take a crack a the Big Blue Boy Scout. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2004, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/38 "2004-09-04T02:16:29Z")
Why not Patrick Warburton, after all, he’s played the Mighty Blue Bug of Justice, and he voiced Superman in those Amex adverts with Jerry Seinfeld… [http://www.jerry.digisle.tv/room.html](http://www.jerry.digisle.tv/room.html) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2004, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/39 "2004-10-22T22:04:35Z")
WB has [announced](http://superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=2125) that they want [Brandon Routh](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746125/) to be the new Superman. [picture](http://www.geocities.com/televisioncity/9779/pubgal/br1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2004, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294/40 "2004-10-23T02:22:03Z")
The Rock could only play one character in the Superman Mythos… Mongul. A little jaundice, a purple jumpsuit and you’re in! The movie would have to have a titanic slugfest, and actual punches, none of this beam of white light/hit him with the tip of the toe garbage you got in Superman II. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-the-new-superman-movie/259294.md?page=3)