nicholas cage

In 1998, Nicholas Cage was all set to portray Superman, DC Comics’ legendary Man of Steel, in a live-action film entitled ‘Superman Lives!’ which was to be directed by Tim Burton, with a draft of a script by Kevin Smith.  The film would have pit Superman against Brainiac but would have also echoed the ‘Death of Superman’ comic book storyline.  But after making it pretty far into the development process, the film was ultimately scrapped and the world never got to see Cage as the Last Son of Krypton.  The 2015 documentary ‘The Death of “Superman Lives!: What Happened?’ detailed the development and cancellation of this project.  Instead, of Superman, the avid comic book fan went on to play Marvel’s ‘Ghost Rider’ in two largely forgotten films.

But Cage is getting at least a partial second chance.  He will provide the voice of Superman in the upcoming animated ‘Teen Titans GO! to the Movies’ feature.  He joins the voice cast of the Cartoon Network hit, Greg Cipes as Beast Boy, Scott Menville as Robin, Khary Payton as Cyborg, Tara Strong as Raven and Hynden Walch as Starfire as well as Kristen Bell as Jade Wilson, a hotshot Hollywood director that the Titans seek out in order to turn them into film stars.  Will Arnett voices her father Slade Wilson, better known to comic book readers (and fans of The CW shows) as Deathstroke the Terminator.  Cage’s Superman will join a Justice League that also includes rapper Lil Yachty as Green Lantern (John Stewart) and singer/songwriter Halsey as Wonder Woman.

Executive producer Sam Register said:

“Every superhero in the DC Universe has an impact on the fans, so we felt a great responsibility to find a voice for each character that would not only suit the role, but the playful tone of the Titans, and we’re thrilled with our cameo cast.”

Not only did comic book superfan Cage almost play Superman, but he is obsessed with the character.  He named his son Kal-El, for cryin’ out loud!  He also owned a copy of the most valuable comic book of all time, Superman’s first appearance in ‘Action Comics’ #1, which he auctioned off for $2.1 million.

This animated cameo may at least give a hint as to how Cage would have done in live action as the Man of Steel.  Curious?

‘Teen Titans GO! to the Movies’ hits theaters on July 27, 2018.

Source: USA Today