Jim Caviezel is a prominent Hollywood actor, who rose to stardom with his role in Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ. However, the film almost cost him his acting career, as he was not offered any good roles for a long time. But, long before the actor’s career sidetracked, he did remarkable work in The Count of Monte Cristo, Angel Eyes, The Thin Red Line, and others. The star would have made his comic book movie debut in 2006, but his role was given to Brandon Routh.

Jim Caviezel could have played the lead in Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns

The superhero film Superman Returns was the sixth and final installment of the original Superman series. The previous ones include Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), Supergirl (1984), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). The film’s director was Bryan Singer, and written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris.

When the film was announced, numerous actors approached the director for the lead role. One among them was Jim Caviezel, who wanted to play the character.
Superman Returns

“I like to play iconic characters, and I see the role of Superman as a big responsibility. Playing Superman would be a great challenge.”

Though the actor was keen on playing the role, the director was not convinced enough. It was not because he was not talented enough, but he was too big a name for the film. Singer said, in an interview with Ain’t it Cool News,

“James Caviezel [is] a wonderful actor. But, no, I’m committed to casting an unknown.” 

The role was given to another rising actor at the time, Brandon Routh. Superman Returns was a box office failure.  

Also read- “Just treat Superman Returns as the Ang Lee Hulk”: Before Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel, Legendary DC Writer Demanded 2006 Brandon Routh Movie Be Wiped Out of Continuity

Hollywood shunned Jim Caviezel due to Mel Gibson’s film

The actor played the role of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ. The film was released in 2004 and became a blockbuster hit. It grossed $612.1 million worldwide. However, playing the role had a massive impact on his career. He shared with an audience of churchgoers in 2011, that his industry shunned him. The actor was not cast in films or other projects for a long time. 
Jim Caviezel as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ (2004).
He shared with Daily Mail that Mel Gibson offered him the role, and 20 minutes later, he called back to prevent him from taking up the role. Caviezel recalled,

“He said, ‘You’ll never work in this town again.’ I told him, ‘We all have to embrace our crosses. He said, ‘Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been. Not much has changed in 2,000 years.’”

However, the actor decided to take the role and stake his acting career to reveal the truth.

Superman Returns is available for streaming on Max.

Also read-Sound of Freedom Star Jim Caviezel Almost Lost His Life Due To A Horrible Accident On The Last Day Of Mel Gibson’s $622M Movie Set