An actor’s career can be altered dramatically by a single choice in the shifting fabric of Hollywood’s alternate realities. One such performer left behind a trail of “what ifs” and regrets when he was almost cast as the iconic Superman.

Twilight actor Paul Newman bathed in the neon light of 1980s cinema and faced the red and blue suit that could have defined his career and legacy.

Superman: The Genesis of an Unforgettable Saga

Superman

The cinematic industry was ripe for change as the 1980s began. Amid this excitement, Producer Ilya Salkind set out on a visionary mission to bring Superman to the big screen. Salkind embarked on a journey that would forever change the superhero genre with his late father, Alexander Salkind, and his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood friend, Pierre Spengler.

In these early stages, a legendary actor, Paul Newman, entered the conversation as a possible Twilight star. Newman was presented with a trifecta of roles in the Superman saga: Jor-El, Lex Luthor, and Superman.

The actor’s decision would unwittingly determine the course of the franchise. Paul Newman’s fateful decision to turn down all three superhero roles opened the door for a previously unknown actor to become a star.

Christopher Reeve

After establishing himself in soap operas and the theater, Christopher Reeve set out on a career-altering path that would make him a household name worldwide. The Hollywood celeb’s interpretation of Clark Kent and the Man of Steel would define Superman for future generations.

The Twilight actor must have felt a twinge of nostalgia as he looked at the soaring red cape as the Superman movies soared to monumental success with a cumulative box office of over $300 million. The franchise that could have been his own had become a cultural phenomenon with an impact well beyond the movie industry.

Paul Newman’s Regrets and Introspection

The actor’s stardom skyrocketed as the 1980s gave way to the 2000s, all thanks to a certain vampire-themed franchise. Nevertheless, a sense of missed opportunity probably lingered amidst the adulation and frenzy.

Paul Newman

Marlon Brando’s involvement in the Superman project became a thing of legend. The mysterious actor met with the film’s creative team as filming was about to go over costume details. With his usual flair for the unexpected, Brando cleverly orchestrated the meeting by keeping them waiting before revealing his presence.

Brando’s oddness, however, extended far beyond his outward appearance; he even proposed making Jor-El a green bagel with his voice. Director Robert Donner calmly and firmly shot down Brando’s outlandish ideas.

Though his time as Jor-El was brief, Brando’s impact will be felt forever. A staggering $3.7 million was paid to him up front, and he also received a share of the film’s $19 million in gross receipts. Hollywood legend Paul Newman was stunned by this astounding salary.

Eventually regretting his decision, Newman was offered the parts of Jor-El, Lex Luthor, and Superman. Salkind reveals that Brando’s extraordinary earnings nearly gave Newman a “heart attack.”

“[Marlon Brando] made $19 million. Paul Newman found out later and he almost had a heart attack.”

The unconventional negotiations of Marlon Brando and the missed opportunities of Paul Newman sent shockwaves through the development of the superhero genre. In retrospect, Newman’s illustrious career bore the weight of his decision to turn down the Superman role.