Almost every comic book fan knows this story well. In the mid-to-late 90s, Kevin Smith was approached to write the script for a new Superman project which he tentatively titled Superman Lives, though as Smith has told fans first-hand on his various An Evening With interviews, his unfriendly relationship with eccentric producer Jon Peters played a part in the film never happening. Aside from the ridiculous idea of Nicolas Cage playing Superman, another odd casting choice was made. Chris Rock was to play the Daily Planet's young photojournalist Jimmy Olsen. Naturally the choice would have caused an outrage with the comic book nerds because, of course, Chris Rock is black and Jimmy Olsen has always been white in the comics. However, aside from that, it would still be difficult to imagine Rock in the role. Unless Smith significantly re-fashioned the character, this would have felt more like stunt casting than a genuinely good casting decision.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
