Jude Law reveals why he turned down Superman role

Jude Law recently discussed his decision to decline the role of Superman in the early 2000s during an appearance on ‘The Playlist’s Discourse’ podcast. 

The actor explained that the role "just felt off" despite later taking on significant roles in the Captain Marvel and Fantastic Beasts franchises.

Law recounted the process, stating, "So this is true. Yeah. And there was a process of flirtation going on. And I always resisted because it just felt like [off]. And I know you can say, ‘Well, but you played Yon-Rogg and Dumbledore!’ It just felt like a step too far."

At the time, Brett Ratner was slated to direct the project, which was tentatively titled Flyby. Law mentioned, "It was when Brett Ratner was going to direct, I think. And they didn’t have a script, if I remember rightly. Did they have a script? I don’t remember reading one. This is a long time ago. They brought me the suit. They thought, ‘This might change your mind.’”

Despite trying on the Superman costume, Law remained unconvinced. "Anyway, I tried it on and I looked in the mirror and part of me initially was like, ‘Wow, this would be a [good thing],’ and then I just thought, ‘No, you can’t – you can’t do this. You can’t.’ And I didn’t sell myself to myself. And I stepped away and the film never happened anyway. So maybe it probably wouldn’t have done anything."

The proposed film eventually fell through, and in 2006, Warner Bros released "Superman Returns," directed by Bryan Singer and starring Brandon Routh.

Earlier in the week, actor Matt Bomer revealed he was considered for the lead in the 2003 Superman film but believed his sexuality affected his chances. "That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponised against you," Bomer said. "How, and why, and who, I don’t know, but yeah, that’s my understanding."