In 1976, Nick Nolte turned down one of cinema’s most iconic heroes. He said he’d only “play him as a schizophrenic”
Nick Nolte says he turned down the chance to play Superman in Richard Donner’s 1978 film after being approached in 1976. He told the filmmakers he would only play the hero as a schizophrenic, a deliberately unsuitable suggestion that helped rule him out.
Christopher Reeve was eventually cast in the role, which became a defining part of his career. Nolte later said he did not regret missing out; the article notes that the film went on to earn more than $600 million at the box office and that Reeve played Superman in four films.
In short
- Nolte was considered for Superman in 1976.
- He proposed portraying the hero as schizophrenic.
- Christopher Reeve took the role, which Nolte did not regret.
Explained simply
Superman is a fictional superhero from DC Comics, known for his great strength, ability to fly and commitment to protecting people. The character had appeared in comics, television and earlier films before director Richard Donner began making a major new film about him in the 1970s.
Casting the lead was important because the film depended on audiences accepting its central character as both an ordinary man and a superhero. Christopher Reeve was chosen for the 1978 film, which led to three more Superman films starring him and became a landmark role in his career.
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