While it’s certainly remarkable when directors like J.J. Abrams or James Gunn tackle films within two major, contrasting franchises, back in the 1990s, Tim Burton nearly outdid them all. Most of us are aware of his direction of two Batman films featuring Michael Keaton, but he also came remarkably close to helming Nicolas Cage in Superman Lives, a project that ultimately unraveled before production could commence.
After Nicolas Cage’s unexpected appearance as Superman in The Flash, renowned director Tim Burton shared insights into his never-produced DC project, Superman Lives.
Tim Burton Had Some Unfinished Business In DC
In a conversation with BFI, Tim Burton delved into his extensive and illustrious career, encompassing iconic films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Batman, and Edward Scissorhands, among others.
He had been on board to direct a deconstructionist interpretation of Superman in 1997, featuring the Oscar-winning actor from Leaving Las Vegas, before the script and budgetary complications led to the project’s demise. When questioned about any regrets regarding the unmade Superman film, Burton expressed that he views that period as a valuable learning opportunity.
Tim Burton expressed that he holds no regrets regarding the project. He elaborated, stating that investing extensive time in a project only for it to remain unrealized leaves a lasting impact. Such endeavors spark a deep passion, and each one represents an unpredictable journey, even if they don’t come to fruition. These experiences, although unfulfilled, leave a lasting impression that lingers with you to some extent over the course of your life.
Tim Burton Finds Nicolas Cage’s Cameo Disturbing
Jon Schnepp’s 2015 documentary, The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?, delved into the legend of Superman Lives, including an interview with Tim Burton. This unproduced film would have loosely adapted DC’s The Death of Superman storyline, pitting Superman against foes like Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and a colossal alien spider. Although the project never came to fruition, Andy Muschietti, the director of The Flash, persuaded Nicolas Cage to make a cameo appearance as Burton’s version of Superman in the DC Universe film’s multiverse-ending storyline.
Burton brought up a concerning topic in response to Nicolas Cage’s cameo in The Flash: the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry.
Burton told BFI:
“But also it goes into another AI thing, and this is why I think I’m over it with the studio,” Burton continued. “They can take what you did, Batman or whatever, and culturally misappropriate it, or whatever you want to call it. Even though you’re a slave of Disney or Warner Brothers, they can do whatever they want. So in my latter years of life, I’m in quiet revolt against all this.”
While The Flash had some noticeable cameos, it failed to strike the right chords with the viewers, resulting in a massive setback commercially as well as critically.
Source: BFI
