Superman Returns Flies Into T.O. Theatres

Sneak preview audiences who’ve seen the highly anticipated flick are raving, noting the film could do for star Brandon Routh what the first series of recent flicks did for the late Christopher Reeve.

If you’re one of those planning to see the film, you won’t need X-Ray vision, just a ticket. But here are a few things to keep in mind about the movie that might have been, according to the Internet Movie Database.

• Superman might have been played by a better known actor. Among those originally considered for the lead: Josh Hartnett, Brendan Fraser, David Boreanaz, Jared Padalecki and even Jerry O’Connell. Not to mention Ashton Kutcher.

• One of the more controversial choices who didn’t make the grade – Jim Caviezel. He’s said to have really wanted the part but producers feared he was too associated with another legendary role, as the lead in Mel Gibson’s epic “The Passion of the Christ”.

• Routh spilled coffee on director Bryan Singer when he came to talk to him about the role. He thought he’d blown it, but Singer decided that was perfect for the klutzy Clark Kent and it helped him land the part.

• Among those considered for the pivotal role of Lois Lane were Elisha Cuthbert (Jack Bauer’s daughter on “24”), Clair Danes (of “My So Called Life” fame) and former “Felicity” Keri Russell.

• Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Depp were both briefly set to take on Jor-El, Superman’s father on Krypton, while Depp was also in the running for Lex Luthor.

• And “House” star Greg Laurie was supposed to be the gruff Perry White, but his TV show prevented him from taking on the role. It went to Frank Langella instead.

• Director Bryan Singer wanted Jude Law to play villain General Zod, and wouldn’t accept anyone else in the role. When Law refused, he wrote the character out of the script.

• The producers wanted Christopher Reeve to make a special guest appearance, but he died before the movie was shot. So it was dedicated to him instead.