True Story Of The Best Superman Movies Never Made

When you think of superheroes, chances are it won't be long before your mind automatically goes to Superman. The Man of Steel is the quintessential hero, a beacon of hope, justice, and of doing what is right. He has been one of the most popular superheroes out there for decades, and likely always will be.

It is baffling to think then, that since Superman II way back in 1980, there has been just one live-action Superman-led movie to achieve a Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, something Superman Returns earned by the skin of its metaphorical teeth.

Yes, the Last Son of Krypton has had a difficult and often strained relationship with the big screen, from the insult that was Superman IV: The Quest for Peace to the will they/won't they storyline surrounding Henry Cavill's future in the DCEU. For everything that Supes has brought to the big screen over the years however, there have been some seriously tantalising projects that never saw the light of day.

Of course, it's impossible to say exactly how these movies would have been received by audiences and DC fans alike, and you would have to hope that some of them would have seen several creases ironed out before release, but when you look at some of the Superman movies that did see the light of day you have to question how these didn't.

It's a tale as old as time that a popular movie franchise eventually outstays its welcome. Though today his on-screen career has seen a mixed reception to say the least, Superman: The Movie in 1978 was a beloved flick that still stands up today. Three sequels later however, the same thing can't be said.

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace is one of the most unpopular comic book movies of all time, and it makes sense that this was where the franchise ended. This almost wasn't the case however, as there were plans for a Superman V at one time.

Even after a fourth instalment in the franchise that Christopher Reeve was vocally unhappy with, there were talks to bring the actor back as Clark Kent. The script was written by former franchise producer Ilya Salkind, and would have seen the Man of Steel die and be reborn again, before capping off his time as the hero with a proposal to Lois Lane.

Reportedly, Reeve was in discussions to return to the role that had defined so much of his career, but unfortunately the project never really got off the ground. Superman V was ultimately never made, allowing for no redemption of Superman IV's mistakes.