Renowned actor Jon Hamm has recently revealed that he once tried out for the role of Superman in Bryan Singer‘s 2006 movie, ‘Superman Returns.’
The ‘Mad Men‘ star shared this story during a recent episode of a podcast, giving fans a rare look at a surprising “what if” moment in superhero history.
What Jon Hamm Wanted to Bring to ‘Superman’
Hamm, known for his wit and strong screen presence, did more than just audition. He had a clear idea for the Man of Steel. “My pitch.. was like ‘what if Superman was funny like he used to be with Christopher Reeve?” he recalled on Joshua Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast.
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Apparently, the producers liked the thought, responding, “Great idea, we’re gonna do that two more Supermans later, but uh, no.” Hamm mentioned that it showed up in later ‘Superman‘ films, referring to James Gunn‘s 2025 ‘Superman‘, which had a lighter tone like the Reeve movies.
At the time of ‘Superman Returns,’ Hamm was still building his career after small TV roles. The part eventually went to newcomer Brandon Routh, who played Superman with sheer honesty and vulnerability. His version honored Reeve while also highlighting a more serious post-9/11 side. The movie grossed over $390 million worldwide but received mixed reviews from critics and fans because it closely followed the old Donner films.
Why Jon Hamm Was a Strong ‘Superman’ Candidate
Hamm shared this story at an interesting moment in his career. After several acclaimed performances, the 54-year-old looked back on missing the iconic DC superhero role with a self-deprecating laugh. His square jaw and 6’2” frame had often made fans imagine him as Superman, even inspiring playful references on ‘Mad Men‘ itself.
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Yet, Hamm has said in recent years that he prefers playing complex characters instead of straightforward heroes. “Superman can be kind of boring,” he once said, highlighting his affinity for “sinners” more than saints.
This may explain why he never got the role, though his audition suggests he was open to exploring Superman’s lighter side.
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