Jude Law has recently opened up about his decision to turn down the iconic role of Superman in the early 2000s, despite having tried on the legendary suit. The beloved superhero, who has been portrayed by actors like Christopher Reeve and Henry Cavill, almost had Law donning the cape.
During an appearance on The Playlist’s “Discourse” podcast, Law shared his experience of auditioning for the role. He admitted that although he was chosen for the part in Brett Ratner’s ill-fated Superman project, he felt it wasn’t the right fit for him. “I always resisted it because it just felt off,” Law confessed.
The actor recounted how the production team even went as far as creating a custom suit for him. “They bought me the suit, I tried it on and looked in the mirror,” Law said. Initially, he felt a sense of excitement, thinking, “Wow, this would be a good thing.” However, he quickly realized, “No, you can’t – you can’t do this. You can’t.”
Law explained that he couldn’t convince himself to take on the role. “I didn’t sell myself to myself,” he admitted. Ultimately, he stepped away from the project, which never came to fruition. “So maybe it probably wouldn’t have done anything,” he reflected.
Interestingly, Law wasn’t the only actor considered for the role. Matt Bomer, who recently appeared in Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was also a top contender for Ratner’s Superman. Bomer believes he lost the role after coming out as gay, stating, “That was a time in the industry when something like that could still be weaponized against you.”
Earlier this week, Law shared another personal reflection, expressing regret over trying to play against his looks in his younger years. Now, as he describes himself as “saggy and balding,” he wishes he had embraced his appearance more.
Jude Law’s career has been marked by a variety of roles, from playing Dickie Greenleaf in “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to starring in the Christmas film “The Holiday.” More recently, he has taken on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the “Fantastic Beasts” series, a prequel to the Harry Potter franchise.
Despite his impressive filmography, the decision to turn down Superman remains a notable moment in Law’s career. His choice highlights the complexities actors face when considering roles that may not align with their personal or professional instincts.
