It's a bird, it's a plane, and it's a man with no reservations.
Brendan Fraser spoke about losing out on playing Superman in a since-canceled early 2000s film titled "Superman: Flyby," written by J.J. Abrams. Fraser auditioned for the superhero role along with "Fast and Furious" star Paul Walker in 2002.
“Everyone in town was listening to Superman.” Like, again, we’re testing I think six or seven guys in 2002 and 2003. Paul Walker, I remember Paul Walker being before me. They were like the usual suspects, Fraser said during “The Howard Stern Show.” (Watch the clip below.)
Fraser had concerns that he would only be recognized as the Man of Steel if he was cast.
"It's a life-changing incredible opportunity," Fraser said. "It's gonna be chipped on your gravestone, are you okay with that?" "Inherently, I didn't want to be known for one thing because I'm not a one-trick pony."
Fraser explained that "studio politics" at Warner Bros. led to the cancellation of "Flyby," but perhaps it was for the better.
"I was disappointed that an incredible opportunity came to an end, but it didn't come to fruition," Fraser said. "It had to do a lot with some shenanigans and studio politics. And probably, inherently, in my screen test."
Clark Kent is a college senior who meets Lois Lane at a fraternity event, according to Abrams, for the script for "Flyby," which depicts a huge global conflict between Superman and Ty-Zor.
Warner Bros. took a step forward with "Superman Returns," directed by Bryan Singer, who stars Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel.
Fraser's recent comments on the condition of superhero movie stars echo Quentin Tarantino's criticism of Hollywood's "Marvelization," where actors are identified solely by their onscreen personalities.
“You have all of these actors who have become well-known as these individuals. They aren't movie stars,” Tarantino said recently. “Captain America is the star. Or Thor is the star.”