“That’s a movie I would have liked to have seen”: Not Just Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise’s Top Gun Director Almost Directed ‘Man of Steel’ Before Zack Snyder Became Christopher Nolan’s Favorite Pick

Released in 2013 and directed by Zack Snyder, Man of Steel serves as a reboot for the Superman franchise. Henry Cavill takes on the role of Clark Kent/Superman, delving into his origin story and evolution into Earth’s guardian. The movie skillfully weaves action-packed scenes with emotional complexity, offering a fresh interpretation of the iconic superhero for a contemporary audience.

Prior to Zack Snyder being selected to helm DC’s Man of Steel, Christopher Nolan, renowned for The Dark Knight, held discussions with Tony Scott regarding directing the Superman film.

Also Read: Blue Beetle Update Leaves Zack Snyder Fans in Splits: James Gunn’s First True DCU Movie Won’t Even Get Past 25% of What Henry Cavill’s ‘Man of Steel’ Made

Christopher Nolan Met Tony Scott To Discuss The Film

During an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, as reported by ComicBook.com, David Goyer, the writer of Man of Steel, disclosed that Christopher Nolan had a meeting with Tony Scott to explore the possibility of directing the superhero film starring Henry Cavill.

David S. Goyer explained that the director selection process was carefully considered. Christopher Nolan had meetings with approximately five directors, eventually narrowing it down to Zack Snyder and another director. Ultimately, Snyder was chosen, and it was an exciting decision. Snyder’s intention to shoot the movie handheld was particularly intriguing and deemed a brilliant idea.

Goyer said on Happy Sad Confused podcast:

“What’s interesting in the Elseworlds version of what could have been is, Chris had already met with Tony Scott, so there’s a version of a Tony Scott Man of Steel in some parallel universe. I think Tony Scott doesn’t get as much credit as he should be given, because he was an equally phenomenal director as his brother [Ridley Scott], and that’s a movie I would have liked to have seen.”

Scott, who sadly passed away in 2012, marked his directorial debut with the theatrical release of The Hunger in 1983. Subsequently, he helmed notable films like Top Gun in 1986, Beverly Hills Cop II in 1987, Days of Thunder in 1990, and True Romance in 1993.

Also Read: “Very few of us have ever killed anything”: Christopher Nolan’s Controversial Man of Steel Storyline Was Blasted by Greatest Superman Writer Who Inspired James Gunn 

James Gunn To Bring Back Something That Man Of Steel Lacked

James Gunn has been sharing specific excerpts from Superman: Legacy, emphasizing that the film is undeniably a project close to his heart. However, this also entails a significant weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders.

Regarding costume design, Gunn has previously noted that the film will take inspiration from the classics, potentially hinting at the return of iconic elements like the trunks and cape logo.

The inclusion of these two elements harks back to the era of the late Richard Donner, notably worn by Christopher Reeve in the classic suit. The cape logo has been absent for 36 years, last seen in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace in 1987.

Man of Steel is available for streaming on HBO Max.

Also Read: Critics Slammed Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel Co-Star Amy Adams Not Getting Oscar Nomination for $203M Movie She Agreed to Star in Just 24 Hours of Reading the Script

Source: Happy Sad Confused, James Gunn’s Threads Account