Actor Jude Law recently reflected on his decision to turn down the role of Superman. The Oscar-nominated actor was earlier in talks to take on the role of iconic DC superhero in Brett Ratner’s canceled Superman project, reportedly based on J.J. Abrams’ script for Superman: Flyby.
In a recent interview, the actor acknowledged he had received the offer but opted out, explaining that despite trying on the costume and going through everything, he backed out as the character didn’t deeply connect with him.
Jude Law Reflected on Turning Down the Role of Superman
Superman is one of the most iconic characters and fans have seen numerous actors step into the role over the years. However, some notable stars, including Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Clint Eastwood, have declined the opportunity to portray the superhero.
The English actor Jude Law has also joined such stars as he recently revealed that he turned down the superhero during an appearance on The Playlist’s Discourse podcast. “So this is true. Yeah. And there was a process of flirtation going on,” he said.
He shared that the character didn’t seem right for him, saying, “And I always resisted because it just felt like [off].” However, filmmakers were fixated on him to play the character and even got him to try on the suit, which he initially found flattering, but admitted to still feeling skeptical about the offer.
“I looked in the mirror and part of me initially was like, ‘Wow, this would be a [good thing],’ and then I just thought, ‘No, you can’t – you can’t do this. You can’t,'” he said. He shared that while he got to try on the suit, he never actually read a script for the movie.
“It was when Brett Ratner was going to direct, I think. And they didn’t have a script,” he said before adding, “I don’t remember reading one.” Reflecting on the project’s fate, Law expressed doubt it would have gone anywhere, given it was eventually canceled.
After Brett Ratner’s project was scrapped, Warner Bros. proceeded with another Superman project starring Brandon Routh with Bryan Singer taking the helm as the director. And the movie, Superman Returns was eventually released in 2006.
Fans Appreciate Jude Law Turning Down the Role of Superman
With Jude Law revealing that he actually turned down the opportunity to portray one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, fans have taken to X (Twitter) to share their opinions. And they seemed to appreciate the actor’s decision, as X (Twitter) user said, “That was the right decision.”
That was the right decision
— Farrah (@slyxpk) June 12, 2024
Who offered him 🥴
— 🤷🏾♀️. (@Mysbigego) June 13, 2024
Good call, Jude. Self awareness
— 🦸♂️Sinister Omni-Ethan🍿 (@mrmightyrezz) June 12, 2024
I like Jude but yeah.. no not for superman pic.twitter.com/ITGoNiKKOA
— Chris Hasson (@watchallirish) June 13, 2024
Idk why he felt the need to say this at all. Live action Superman didn't work out . We don't have a Superman 2 for a reason.
— Do you need 2🤔 (@IamBluPearl) June 13, 2024
I like Jude but yeah.. no not for superman pic.twitter.com/ITGoNiKKOA
— Chris Hasson (@watchallirish) June 13, 2024
Others also pitched in, as they acknowledged that although Law is a great actor, he would have not been a great choice for the role of Superman. Some even went on to question, “Who offered him” the role? Many others praised Law’s self-awareness in recognizing him being a mismatch for the role.
Despite passing on the iconic role, Law has achieved considerable success in his career. He has starred in major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Fantastic Beasts, while also earning critical acclaim with Oscar nominations for films such as Cold Mountain and The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Superman Returns is available to stream on Max.
