Imagine a world where Superman, the ultimate symbol of hope and heroism, is reimagined as a gritty, intense character battling a giant spider in a gladiatorial arena. Sounds bizarre, right? But this was almost a reality in the mid-1990s, long before Nicolas Cage was even in the picture. Let’s dive into the wild, often overlooked story of Superman Lives, a film that never saw the light of day but continues to captivate fans with its 'what-if' scenarios. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Superman Lives producer Jon Peters originally wanted none other than Sean Penn to don the red cape. Yes, the same Sean Penn known for his raw, emotionally charged performances in dramas like Dead Man Walking. But why would Peters choose an actor so seemingly at odds with the traditional image of Superman?
In the chaotic finale of Andy Muschietti’s 2023 film The Flash, Ezra Miller’s speedster breaks the fabric of time, stumbling into a multiverse where alternate versions of Superman exist. Among them is a brief, mind-bending cameo of Nicolas Cage as the Man of Steel, locked in an epic battle with—you guessed it—a giant spider. This wasn’t just a random Easter egg; it was a nod to the infamous Superman Lives project, a film that became a Hollywood legend for all the wrong reasons. Directed by Tim Burton and produced by Peters, the movie was supposed to be a dark, edgy reboot of the Superman saga. Scripts were written, costumes were designed, and Cage was cast, but the project ultimately crumbled under its own ambition.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Jon Peters, a Hollywood powerhouse with a reputation for unconventional ideas, had a vision for Superman that clashed with everything fans knew and loved about the character. He didn’t want Superman to fly. He didn’t like the iconic costume. And he insisted on a quirky sidekick reminiscent of a character from Kevin Smith’s 1997 dramedy Chasing Amy. Most baffling of all? Peters was obsessed with the idea of Superman fighting a giant spider. This wasn’t just a passing whim—it became a central plot point in his vision for the film. Smith, who was briefly hired to write a script draft, recalls Peters’ fascination with the idea: 'He’s got the eyes of a violent animal, a caged killer,' Peters said of Penn’s performance in Dead Man Walking. 'That’s my Superman.'
Smith, a self-proclaimed Superman enthusiast, was skeptical. 'Bro, it’s Superman!' he protested. But Peters was undeterred. Eventually, Smith suggested Nicolas Cage, knowing the actor’s genuine love for the character. When Burton came on board and Cage was cast, Smith felt a small victory. Yet, the project’s demise left many wondering what could have been. Interestingly, Peters later produced Wild Wild West (1999), which featured—you guessed it—a giant mechanical spider. Was this his way of fulfilling his arachnid obsession?
Fast forward to 2023, and Smith found himself unexpectedly moved by the Superman Lives homage in The Flash. Despite his initial skepticism, he admitted to The Hollywood Reporter, 'God damn it, [the giant spider] would have worked. As much as I used to make fun of Jon Peters, that looked badass.' It’s a rare moment of humility from Smith, who often poked fun at Peters’ ideas. But it raises a thought-provoking question: Could Peters’ vision have actually worked, or was it too far removed from the essence of Superman?
Since the collapse of Superman Lives, the Superman franchise has been rebooted multiple times—Superman Returns (2006), Man of Steel (2013), and the upcoming 2025 Superman film—each offering a unique take on the character. Yet, none have dared to include a giant spider battle. Is this a missed opportunity, or a wise decision to stay true to the character’s roots? We’ll leave that for you to decide in the comments. One thing’s for sure: the story of Superman Lives remains a fascinating 'what-if' in Hollywood history, a reminder that even the most outlandish ideas can leave a lasting impact.
