What's Inside?
- Jon Hamm lost DC's Superman role after audition.
- His pitch for a lighter, humorous Superman inspired by Christopher Reeve was rejected at the time.
- Brandon Routh was cast instead, shaping the tone of 'Superman Returns.'
If we follow the trajectory of casting, Superman has always been more complicated than a typical superhero role. On top of that, it also brought out initial upset as Henry Cavill was replaced by David Corenswet. The character stands as a cultural symbol, shaped by shifting audience expectations and studio priorities. A recent revelation from Jon Hamm offers a revealing look at how one such decision occurred and why a different kind of Superman never made it to the screen.
Hamm, known today for a wide range of roles, once stood on the brink of wearing the cape. His experience highlights how timing, creative vision, and industry changes often decide who becomes the Man of Steel.
Jon Hamm Shares His Superman Audition Story And Marvel Villain
During a candid conversation with Josh Horowitz, Jon Hamm revisited his audition for Superman and the reasoning behind his rejection. He recalled, “Some I was too old. 30, come on. Nice try. Uh, that was I believe it was the was it the Brandon Routh one? I can’t remember,” highlighting how age became an unexpected barrier at the time. Hamm also revealed the creative pitch he brought into the room.
“It’s My pitch that for the Superman thing was like what if Superman was funny like he used to be with Christopher Reeve? And they were like great idea. We’re going to do that two more Supermans later. Um but no. So, I didn’t.”
His take leaned into charm and levity, echoing Christopher Reeve’s portrayal, yet it did not align with the studio’s immediate direction.
His near-miss extended beyond DC. Hamm addressed his involvement with the planned portrayal of Mr. Sinister in The New Mutants. He explained,
“Yeah, yeah that was a that was supposed to happen and didn’t. I think there were some corporate craziness that went and they sold the studio and Disney bought the studio. It was a You dodged a bullet on that one. That was okay. That movie didn’t turn out with all due respect. Well, listen I mean you know I don’t I don’t pick them.”
Jon Hamm’s Superman Role Went To Brandon Routh
The role Hamm pursued ultimately went to Brandon Routh in Superman Returns. At the time, the film aimed to revive the character with a tone rooted in sincerity and restraint. Hamm’s interpretation, which leaned towards humour and a different kind of charisma, did not fit that blueprint.
Routh’s casting reflected a specific vision of Superman that prioritised a calm, almost reverent presence. While the film performed respectably, it failed to spark a long-term franchise. Even so, Routh’s portrayal remained well regarded, and he later returned to the DC universe in television, proving the lasting appeal of his version.
Hamm’s reflections also reveal how studios often think several steps ahead. His idea of a lighter Superman eventually found relevance in later creative directions, including modern reinterpretations of the character.
Regardless, Superman Returns was a decent attempt by the DC Studios. The 2006 movie claimed a 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the movie lacked a wider reception and fanbase. Also, Superman Returns grossed approximately $391 million (per Box Office Mojo) worldwide against a very high budget of $223 million. Perhaps that was the reason why Routh didn’t appear in another solo DC project.
Of course, his return as Superman in Crisis on Infinite Earths was celebratory, but it would be far-fetched to hope for a solo venture, especially after James Gunn’s DC revamp. After Cavill’s successful DC run as Superman under Zack Snyder, Corenswet is now headlining DC, and his venture has also been a huge success despite some early criticism. Now, we have a new Superman, and sadly, Hamm’s dream superhero role will never land in his yard again.
