The Lost Vision of Superman Lives: Kevin Smith’s Regrets and the Unmade Legend
Imagine a world where Nicolas Cage donned the cape of Superman, directed by none other than Robert Rodriguez, with a script infused by Kevin Smith’s unique blend of wit and insight. For Kevin Smith, reflecting on his three decades in filmmaking, the enduring regret of Superman Lives looms large. Despite the numerous wrecks in DC’s cinematic journey, none has captured the imagination quite like this unrealized project.
Smith revealed that his aspiration to see Superman Lives come to fruition stands out above all his experiences. He poignantly noted, “If I could make anything that didn’t happen, happen, I think it would be that.” The weight of directing would have shifted to Rodriguez, allowing Smith to embrace the role of a writer without the oppressive burden of production. He described their collaboration as a “wonderful marriage of material,” positioning Rodriguez as “one of [his] generation’s greatest and absolutely-f*cking-on-point visionary action directors.“
In a candid moment, Smith acknowledged the profound impact that such a film could have had on his career trajectory: “It probably would have opened more doors or created more opportunities.” At the time Smith penned his script, the superhero genre was on the cusp of transformation, pre-dating the seismic success of the Avengers films. He reflected, “I ain’t saying that’s the greatest script  but dialogue was sharp in that f*cking script.” Being part of a pioneering project like this could have provided invaluable exposure for Smith as a screenwriter.
The Visionary Cast and the What-Ifs
What makes the saga of Superman Lives truly intriguing are the fresh ideas Smith brought to the table. His script wove iconic characters like Brainiac, Doomsday, and Lex Luthor into a narrative inspired by “The Death of Superman,” a cornerstone story that would eventually appear in the DCEU. However, as the project progressed, changes led to a decline in Smith’s creative input, resulting in a reshaped script that omitted much of his original vision.
Smith’s casting suggestions were equally ambitious. In his imagination, Ben Affleck was to become Clark Kent, with Linda Fiorentino as Lois Lane, and even Jack Nicholson cast as Lex Luthor. Each casting choice painted a vivid picture of a film that could have been a game-changer.
It’s a testament to the chaotic nature of Hollywood that Superman Lives spiraled into oblivion before it could ever shine on the big screen. Despite ambitious plans and fervent hope, studio conflicts and subsequent departures left it without a director, a fate all too familiar for unproduced projects in Hollywood’s landscape.
Even in the wake of such a disappointment, Smith has carved out a significant niche for himself, celebrated for his distinct voice and stoner comedy that resonates with dedicated fans. He has since embraced the evolution of the superhero genre, recently commending James Gunn’s vision for Superman as being “more comic book-y.” With the landscape ever-changing, one can only wonder how different the DC universe might appear today had Superman Lives emerged from the shadows.
This tale of lost opportunities remains a haunting “what if,” and while the film never saw the light of day, its legacy lingers, challenging fans and filmmakers to dream bigger and strive harder in an industry fraught with unpredictability.