Director Kevin Smith has been helping DC Comics media for the making of "The Flash" and "Supergirl" by lending to them his talents. 20 years prior, however, he was involved in a Superman production that almost made its return to the big screen.
"Superman Lives," Smith's own script had many hindrances that prevent it to be realized as a movie but Smith wishes for its return as an animated film. During a Facebook Q&A, Kevin Smith again campaigned for the idea, same as what he did in 1996.
It was before Christopher Reeve's final turn as the Man of Steel in "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace". Smith's script was used but under Tim Burton as director, it was totally revised. Nicolas Cage even did a short stint but the film was canceled. "Superman Lives" therefore remain as an unfinished business, as per Screen Rant.
He elaborated during the Facebook Q&A that he is still thrilled to see "Superman Lives" in the movies since he worked hard for it. In the animated version, he still wants Nicolas Cage's voice and Michael Rooker for Lex Luthor. He is hoping that Warner Bros. would do just that.
If Warner Bros. is pleased with DC's "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders", featuring Adam West, Julie Newmar, and Burt Ward with reprised roles from the 1960s Batman TV series then, DC together with Warner Bros can do the same with "Superman Lives". Nicolas Cage might be a challenge to get back but Michael Rooker's Lex Luthor will be interesting to hear. In any case, it will be such a unique animation.
There is also a documentary entitled "The Death of Superman Lives" that details everything narrating the happenings leading to its cancellation. Tim Burton, Jon Peters, Kevin Smith, and other production members are interviewed there for their insights, according to Cinema Blend.
