The Real Reason Paul Walker Turned Down A $10 Million Deal To Play Superman

While speaking on «The Howard Stern Show,» Brendan Fraser said he was also called in to shoot some footage in the Superman outfit, and a few notable names joined him — including Paul Walker and perhaps a rising star who eventually played Supes in some high-profile blockbusters.

«Everyone in town was reading for Superman. We’re testing maybe six or seven guys in 2002/3,» the actor said, noting that Walker tested right before him. «They were like, you know, the usual suspects.» Fraser didn’t mention anyone else by name; however, Jason Behr, Henry Cavill, Jared Padalecki, and Michael Cassidy were reportedly also in the running at the time.

While «Superman: Flyby» was canceled, 2006’s «Superman Returns» rose from its ashes. That movie saw Brandon Routh play the titular DC hero, but it didn’t receive a follow-up. Since then, Cavill portrayed the character in the DC Extended Universe franchise, and David Corenswet is set to don the cape in James Gunn’s reboot, «Superman: Legacy.»