Clark Kent is one of the most iconic characters in modern mythology, but if the actor Nicolas Cage fully inherited the role in Superman Lives, things would've been bizarre. Over the years and throughout cinema, each actor to play Superman's alter-ego brought something unique to the role. However, with the creative liberties allotted to him for Superman Lives, Cage would've redefined Clark in one of the strangest Superman stories.

Perhaps one of the most infamous Superman projects to date, in the '90s, development began for Superman Lives, a movie helmed by Batman director Tim Burton. A loose adaptation of "The Death of Superman" story by DC Comics, Superman Lives would've explored the final days of Krypton, the origins of Superman and the aftermath of his demise. The film, set to star Cage, Christopher Walken, Kevin Spacey and Chris Rock, was ultimately abandoned around 1998. Since its cancelation, the endeavor became a colorful curiosity among fans due to its creative choices and the legacy it left in the documentary The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened? in 2015. Although never reaching theaters, Superman Lives still had a story worth telling through the artifacts of its troubled development and the talented individuals who tried to bring the movie to life.

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How Nicolas Cage and Tim Burton Reimagined Clark Kent

Clark Kent alongside other staff members of the Daily Planet in DC Comics.

Superman Lives set itself up to be the most unique Superman movie to date. Hoping to produce another game-changing superhero film in the tradition of 1989's Batman, it seemed Burton's casting of Nicolas Cage came with aspirations of giving the world a new Clark. A far cry from past actors like Christopher Reeve, George Reeves, or even Dean Cain, it would've been a memorable performance by Cage and strangely fitting for the character.

Known for his love of classic sci-fi films, Burton's Superman Lives sometimes seemed to have more in common with Mars Attacks! and Invaders from Mars, slated to focus on Superman's extraterrestrial heritage. Usually envisioned by audiences as the mild-mannered, clean-cut reporter for The Daily Planet, Cage's Clark was meant to come off as much more eccentric. Costume tests showed Cage's Clark as disheveled, sporting a mullet and wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt beneath his business attire. "Superman and Super Freak!" Cage described the look, noting his Clark would be the last person his peers would suspect to be the Man of Steel. Furthermore, plot details, script drafts and concept art illustrate Clark as a character grappling with uncertainty about his true identity, the source of his powers and experiencing a breakdown upon uncovering his Kryptonian heritage. Although not unheard of in movies like Man of Steel that explored similar themes, the idea of Cage taking on the role of Superman, especially considering portrayals such as Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider, would have been more over-the-top and bizarre. However, it strangely aligned with the stylized comic book world that Burton was aiming for, filled with talking robot heads and alien monsters.

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Why Nicolas Cage as Clark Kent Would've Worked

Nicolas Cage standinga as Superman in Superman Lives

As strange as it sounds, whether good, bad, or so bad it's good, Cage rarely delivers a disappointing performance. Whether he plays Dracula, Ghost Rider or Superman, it's usually the movie's highlight. And while there's no telling if Burton's unique vision for Superman would've redefined the character as he did with Batman, there's no doubt that with Cage as Kal-El, Superman Lives would've at least been entertaining.

Although Cage later played the character in other DC media, such as Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, he became only one of many talents who left their mark on Superman's legacy. Cage was the Clark who never was but somehow became applauded for it without ever getting his big debut in Superman Lives. Cage's Clark proved that it's not always on the big screen where legends are made.