Paul Walker was a popular figure and crowd favorite – who was not only well received by his fans, but who was always full of praise for his peers. As an actor, but especially as a person. And even though in the course of his career he also starred in thriller gems such as ‘Joyride’ or ‘Running Scared’, in modern classics such as ‘Pleasantville’ and in the legendary trash spectacle ‘Tammy And The T-Rex’ – in the end Most people remember remembers the “Fast & Furious” star, who died in 2013, mainly as Brian O’Conner.
After all, the Californian played the (ex-)cop with a lead foot from 2001 until his death – and became increasingly dear to us from “The Fast And The Furious” to “Fast & Furious 7”. In fact, we almost saw Walker in an even more iconic role, but one that would come with great obligations and enormous responsibility:
Paul Walker almost played Superman and was once even considered a preferred candidate for the title role in ‘Superman returns“ – in which we finally saw Brandon Routh (“Legends Of Tomorrow”). As Walker’s childhood friend and manager Matt Luber and his stunt double Oakley Lehman reveal in the must-see documentary “I Am Paul Walker,” the actor consciously turned down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I think it was a $10 million deal – and he was the favorite,” said Walker’s manager. But just how close was he to the role? And why did he abandon it?
Superman for the rest of his life? No thanks!
Lehman knows the Brian O’Conner actor has thought about playing Krypton’s most famous resident, but also remembers his concerns: “I knew he didn’t have three or four ‘Superman.'[-Filme] and wanted to be Superman for the rest of his life.”
Luber still remembers the pivotal moment when Walker’s determination led to a final rejection: “’I wear an S, have a cape, boots, tights – that’s not me. I’m out of here.’ […] And he was gone,” Luber recalled.
Ultimately, Brandon Routh took the opportunity to launch his career as a superhero – which he later continued with other comic adaptations such as “Scott Pilgrim vs. the Rest of the World” and “The Flash”, “Legends of Tomorrow” and “Arrow” continued. ‘Superman Returns’, meanwhile, made history in 2006 as one of the most expensive films of all time, but ultimately received a mixed reception from fans and the trade press. Incomprehensible, says FILMSTARTS editor Pascal Reis, who definitely recommends the film:
By the way: the fact that the role of the Man of Steel not only brings fame and success, but is even subject to a kind of curse is not new – and this also applies to “Man Of Steel” actor Henry Cavill , who after all took the risk…