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Brendan Fraser as Man of Steel? Fans divided as actor recounts auditioning for shelved Seperman movie

While ultimately Brendan Fraser didn't portray the Kryptonian, the audition process had a profound impact on the actor

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA : Brendan Fraser recounted auditioning for JJ Abrams' unmade project 'Superman: Flyby' while appearing on 'The Howard Stern Show'. "Superman was being read for by everyone in town. In 2002 or 2003, they tested six or seven men," the actor said on the show, adding he didn't opt for the role as he's 'not a one trick pony'.

Fraser may have played the role of Cliff Steel/Robotman in DC Universe's Doom Patrol, lending the live-action series some of its best one-liners, but it's not his only experience with the superhero world. He tried out for the part of Superman in what would later become 'Superman Returns'. While ultimately Fraser didn't portray the Kryptonian, the audition process had a profound impact on the actor.

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'I’m not a one-trick pony'

Speaking while on 'The Howard Stern Show', he said, “Of course it’s a life-changing, amazing opportunity, but I had to reconcile with, ‘Okay, say you do get the job to be the Man of Steel. It’s going to be chipped on your gravestone. Are you okay with that? You will forevermore be known as the Man of Steel.’ There was a sort of Faustian bargain that went into [the] feeling, and I think inherently I didn’t want to be known for only one thing, because I prided myself on diversity my whole professional life. I’m not a one-trick pony.”

'Brendan is one of the best actors'

After Brendan opened up about his experience during his audition for the role of Superman, fans showed their support for the actor on social media. One fan said, "Brendan is one of the best actors ever he needs to play Superman." Another fan said, "I love this man so much! Bless him #Brennaissance #BrendanFraser #IStandWithBrendanFraser".

Another fan showed their love and said, "Such a sweet, sweet man. I love his gratitude and it hurts me to think that he thought we didn't feel this way about him THE ENTIRE TIME. So glad to see his beautiful face again. It truly was missed."

Fans love the actor but some were not sure if he was suited for the role. One fan said "We love Brenden Fraser, but suited for Superman he isn't. He's more a happy go lucky scamp rather than truth, justice and the American Way." Similarily, another fan said "I have much love for Brendan Frasier, but I gotta be honest... he would not have been right for Superman."