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During a recent roundtable interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Rock reminisced about his brush with superhero stardom, revealing that he was once cast in the scrapped DCEU movie, Superman Lives. This ill-fated action-packed venture was set to be helmed by none other than Tim Burton.
Rock, known for his roles in Fargo and other acclaimed films, shared his experience during a discussion about potential dream roles at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Among a group of esteemed actors including John Boyega, Rege-Jean Page, Jonathan Majors, and Josh O’Connor, Rock delved into his almost stint as part of the superhero universe.
Recalling his involvement in Superman Lives, Rock recounted how he was on the brink of donning the role of Jimmy Olsen, the intrepid photojournalist at the Daily Planet. He detailed how he underwent wardrobe fittings, glimpsed the miniature sets, and even spent time with director Tim Burton before the project ultimately crumbled.
The film was poised to feature Nicolas Cage as the titular Man of Steel, squaring off against the nefarious DC villain Brainiac, with rumors swirling about Christopher Walken’s potential portrayal of the antagonist. Additionally, stars Sandra Bullock and Courtney Cox were reportedly in contention for the role of Lois Lane.
Despite the promising start, Superman Lives never materialized beyond the pre-production phase, leaving Rock and the rest of the cast in limbo. Rock’s revelation sheds light on what could have been a fascinating addition to the superhero film landscape, offering a tantalizing glimpse into an alternate cinematic universe that never came to fruition.