In a very dramatic turn of events, Brandon Routh was catapulted from the shadows of anonymity into the spotlight, chosen to play the iconic Man of Steel in Bryan Singer’s 2006 sequel, Superman Returns, following the legacy of Superman and Superman II. This unexpected opportunity transformed Routh into an overnight sensation but did eventually almost destroy his career. What set the actor apart was his limited acting background and relatively modest exposure to intensive dramatic training in the eyes of the director.
In a candid conversation with a publication, the director Bryan Singer revealed why did the big names in the industry, including Jim Caviezel, lagged behind on his list while Brandon Routh took on the mantle of one of the most iconic superheroes in history.
Bryan Singer Did Not Want Jim Caviezel for Superman Because He Was Too Big of a Name
Amidst a variety of candidates running for the role, director Bryan Singer was determined to find a Superman whom the audience could effortlessly picture as the iconic character, free from any preconceived notions. He sought someone unfamiliar to the viewers, ensuring a seamless transition into the superhero persona with no prior strings attached. Among the contenders was Jim Caviezel, a Hollywood A-lister following the success of The Passion of the Christ, making his consideration for the role all the more significant.
But that wasn’t what Singer had in mind. In an interview with Ain’t it Cool News., he stated,
“No, that’s absurd. I read that too and think it’s just bizarre about James Caviezel, who’s a wonderful actor. But, no, I’m committed to casting an unknown.”
And that’s where Brandon Routh entered the scene. Despite being a talented actor, the movie proved to be a major failure for him. In fact, it’s now viewed as the film that nearly destroyed his career, despite initially bringing him a considerable amount of fame and recognition.
Why Did Brandon Routh Return as Superman After Abandoning the Role for 13 Years?
After a hiatus of 13 years, Brandon Routh surprised everyone by reprising his role as Superman in Crisis on Infinite Earths. The decision raised eyebrows considering the negative memories linked to the movie. When the producers of the Arrowverse approached him, Routh found himself flooded with a “mix of emotions”.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, he stated,
“It’s an opportunity for me to kind of say hello and goodbye to the character in a way I didn’t get to the first time. Being a young individual of 24, 25, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m going to do this for years and make multiple movies.’ And that of course didn’t happen. I’m just very honored to be able to do this one last time.”
The actor returned, to set the record straight and banish the haunting memories of the past once and for all. Embracing the opportunity, he wished to do justice to the iconic character, which he could do the last time he donned the iconic S on his chest.
Source: Ain’t it Cool News.
