Crisis on Infinite Earths showrunner, Marc Guggenheim, has revealed that they actually DID try to get Nicolas Cage to play a version of Superman in the Arrowverse crossover event. The seminal comic book storyline, upon which the five-hour event is based, was written by Marv Wolfman and originally published in 1985. Designed to help commemorate DC's 50th anniversary, Crisis on Infinite Earths ultimately changed the entire landscape of the DC universe. As such, it is fondly remembered as one of the greatest comic book stories to this day. Wolfman himself has written a tie-in Arrowverse comic and worked with Guggenheim to help shape the highly ambitious adaptation.

Crisis on Infinite Earths will see the heroes of Arrow team up with those of The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow will play an integral part this time around. Equally, Batwoman's Kate Kane will have a central role. As will Black Lightning's titular hero. Together they will have to combat the multiverse-destroying threat of the Anti-Monitor. Along the way, they will encounter a whole host of new and familiar faces - from within the Arrowverse and beyond. Tom Welling will reprise his Smallville version of Superman. Kevin Conroy will get to play a version of Bruce Wayne in live-action. And Brandon Routh will return to the cape for the first time since Superman Returns - playing Kingdom Come Superman. With Crisis on Infinite Earths set to feature at least six unannounced guest-stars, there will also be a host of surprises in store.

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Back in October, when replying to a fan on Twitter, Guggenheim even joked that they reached out to Cage. In a new interview with IndieWire, however, it has been revealed that it wasn't a joke at all. Guggenheim spent the majority of the interview detailing the Herculean task of bringing Crisis on Infinite Earths to life. As talk turned towards the subject of guest appearances, though, Guggenheim was asked directly whether they had genuinely reached out to Cage. Here's what he said: "You know, to be honest with you, because I never want to lie on these things, that was...yeah, I actually did...we did reach out to Nic Cage."

Nic Cage dressed as Superman

Guggenheim went on to further describe the process of making the Crisis on Infinite Earths cameos happen. As well as the variety of reasons some never came to fruition, from money to a lack of interest. Guggenheim neglected to offer which reason ultimately prevented Cage from signing on. He did state, however, that with many movie stars that they reached out to, there was genuine interest to be a part. And that it was actually just scheduling issues that proved to be a stumbling block.

Given Cage's renowned adoration for Superman, it's not difficult to believe that he was one of those who really wanted to do it. Not only did he almost play the Man of Steel in the ill-fated Superman Lives, but he is an avid collector of rare Superman comics. Even more than that, he even named his child Kal-El in honor of the Kryptonian hero. Equally, Cage has never been predictable in his choice of roles (many of which have been comic book adaptations). As such, he might happily have ventured to television if he was passionate enough about the part. Unfortunately, barring a monumental surprise when Crisis on Infinite Earths finally airs, it would appear that seeing Cage don the cape will have to remain the stuff of imagination. Still, with at least three versions of Superman appearing together, the Arrowverse looks set to do the character huge amounts of justice either way.

More: How The Arrowverse Will Look Different After Crisis On Infinite Earths

Crisis on Infinite Earths will begin on The CW on December 8.

Source: IndieWire