- Brendan Fraser says he read J.J. Abrams’ canceled Superman script, calling it “Shakespeare in space.”
- Superman: Flyby would have focused on Krypton’s politics, a fascist takeover, and a different Clark Kent arc.
- Fraser tried on suits and signed an NDA, but the project fell apart and later evolved into Superman Returns.
Brendan Fraser reveals a lost Superman epic
Actor Brendan Fraser recently revisited a long-buried chapter of Hollywood history: J.J. Abrams’ early 2000s Superman project, tentatively titled Superman: Flyby. Speaking on the Happy. Sad. Confused. podcast, Fraser says he was offered the role and was allowed to read Abrams’ tightly guarded script.
“Shakespeare in space” — Fraser’s reaction
Fraser described the screenplay as extraordinary, even likening it to Shakespeare. He recalled being locked in an empty studio office, signing an NDA and handed a crimson-printed script so it couldn’t be photocopied. The secrecy and scale left an impression; Fraser said he was moved by the story and even tried on Superman suits during development.
“They let me read it. It was printed black on crimson paper… I mean, it was Shakespeare in space.” — Brendan Fraser
How Flyby would have changed Superman’s myth
According to accounts from fan sites and the script details Fraser referenced, Flyby would have spent significant time on Krypton. The plot reportedly centered on a civil war between Jor-El and his brother Kata-Zor, with Krypton overtaken by fascists rather than destroyed. That political backdrop would have led to a different arc for Kal-El: a Man of Steel who eventually reveals himself to the world.
Flyby’s villains were meant to be rogue Kryptonians, and early drafts allegedly included a climactic moment where Superman is killed and then resurrected after a conversation with his father — a large-scale, operatic take on the character.
Near-casts and production turmoil
Fraser was one of several actors considered; Matt Bomer auditioned, while Ashton Kutcher and Paul Walker were reportedly offered the role. The project shifted directors — Brett Ratner, then McG — before Bryan Singer retooled the material into Superman Returns. Creative clashes and studio decisions ultimately shelved Flyby.
What might have been
Fraser admitted he hesitated about taking Superman at the time, worried the role could define his career. In the end, the film never reached production and Fraser never had to decide. Fans and film historians still speculate about how Flyby’s mix of political drama and superhero spectacle might have reshaped the Man of Steel on screen.
For now, Fraser’s behind-the-scenes account offers a tantalizing glimpse at an alternate Superman film that remains one of Hollywood’s more intriguing what-ifs.
Image Referance: https://www.slashfilm.com/2068556/brendan-fraser-description-canceled-jj-abrams-superman-movie/