Kevin Smith’s Superman Lives script would feel right at home with modern superhero blockbusters and TV shows.

Imagine if you will, a briskly paced superhero movie.

One with a sense of humor tempering its nine-figure action sequences.

Sounds a lot like the Marvel Studios or DC superhero TV formula, doesnt it?

It also applies to Kevin Smiths unproducedSuperman Livesscreenplay.

Hell, Smith even describes his script as fan fiction inThe Death of Superman Livesdocumentary.

), and a darker, more cynical take on the character (because it was the 90s).

Well, thats what the studio wanted at least.

Smiths Luthor has more than a little Gene Hackman in his DNA, too.

Smith wrote two drafts (dated Jan. 31, 1997 and March 27, 1997).

Also, the Eradicator becomes a little more versatile, offering more opportunities to sell transforming toys and weapons.

The nerdy stuff doesnt end there.

One of Luthors hapless employees is a Dr. Shuster, a reference to Supermans co-creator Joe Shuster.

Both drafts featureSuicide Squads Deadshot in the first action sequence to introduce Superman.

Its a good machine that Im surprised isnt utilized more often in superhero movies.

Why not start your hero off taking out some secondary costumed villains?

Its the first draft version of that opening Deadshot scene which is a little more fun, though.

Deadshot looks to THUG #1.

DEADSHOT

Tell me that was your stomach.

GRAB THE BROAD AND LETS GET OUT OF

HERE!!!

The thugs grab the Governor as a VAN screeches up.

TOP OF BUILDING DAY

The Boy is set down lightly on the roof.

He opens his eyes, which

then go wide.

Smith toldWizardmagazine in 1999that had his film been made, he had a cast in mind.

For the most part, its pretty darn good.

Not all of Smiths dream cast seem quite as well-suited, however.

We were spared Jason Mewes as Jimmy Olsen, for one thing.

Smith also envisioned Jack Nicholson as Lex Luthor.

There would be no third draft.

Anyway, youve got Jon Schnepps exhaustive and funThe Death of Superman Livesdocumentary for that.

Things have certainly changed.

Maybe hes due another shot at writing Superman.

Mike Cecchini has read virtually every draft of every unproduced Superman screenplay of the last 40 years.

For real.Pity him on Twitter.

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