Before Nicolas Cage, the producer of Superman Lives had a different vision for the Man of Steel. In the mid-1990s, Tim Burton was set to direct a gritty reboot of Superman, titled Superman Lives. The film was to be produced by Jon Peters, a Hollywood big shot with a unique vision. Peters dreamed of seeing the Man of Steel battle a giant spider, an idea that sparked both fascination and controversy. But it wasn't just the giant spider that made Peters' vision controversial. He also wanted a funny queer sidekick for Superman, a character that would have been a bold departure from traditional superhero tropes. And, most notably, Peters insisted on a sequence where Superman would fight a giant spider in a gladiatorial arena. This sequence, while seemingly absurd, has become a legendary part of the Superman Lives lore. But who would play Superman? Peters had a specific actor in mind: Sean Penn. He believed that Penn's intense and dramatic performances in films like Dead Man Walking made him the perfect choice for the role. However, the vision of Superman Lives never materialized. The film was ultimately scrapped, and the giant spider battle remained a dream. Yet, the idea of Superman fighting a giant spider has persisted, and it's fascinating to see how it has evolved over the years. In 2023, the Flash movie paid homage to Superman Lives with a CGI-animated sequence of a Cage-style Superman taking on a giant spider. This sequence, while not part of the final cut, impressed many fans and sparked discussions about the potential of such a film. The Flash movie, despite being a bomb, showcased the enduring appeal of the Superman Lives concept. The Superman franchise has since rebooted multiple times, but none of these versions have included a scene where Superman battles a giant spider. This omission is notable, as it highlights the unique and controversial vision of Jon Peters and the enduring fascination with the idea of Superman Lives.
