I my get serious flames for saying it, but I always felt that Cudmore would have been a better unknown for the role of Superman than Routh.
NOT THAT HE EVER WILL BE (so don't shoot me), as the film is long over, now that most likely any following movies would be starting Routh, but I know Cudmore got a test for the role. If you dont care, skip reading the rest of this post. It was something I typed up during the casting time period of S:Returns, around the time Cudmore tested for the role.
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He has the right build, big and muscular yet NOT bodybuilder looking. He has the right face, and although he does not resemble reeve as much in the face, he DOES look a lot like the "comic book" superman.
The only thing working against him is that he is a little bit too tall, at 68". Some sources say 66", and I suspect that may be true, the 68" could be an exaggeration to have helped him get the Colossus role. It is common for actors who get roles for their height to pad an inch or two.
The comic superman is officially listed at 225 (sometimes 235) pounds and is 63"(sometimes 64" it varies). For those with low bodyfat at 225 (under 8%) actually is about the build of Cudmore, he is heavier (around 260), only because he is taller, but the proportions are the same (if he was shorter with the same proportions he would only be 220-225).
Add to that "on the page" superman is rarely shorter than anyone else. He is not the tallest man that has ever lived, or the best build either, but he is well built, and very tall. That is part of the superman visual presence.
That and even though Routh and Cudmore are close in age, Cudmore has a far more masculine face. Not the same as Reeve, but IMHO more like the comic book.
I never was a fan of the Cliché of superman "looking weak", yet being powerful, and that old joke has been over-used, see Lois + Clark DVDs if you want that. "ooh what a surprise, superman is strong!"-I figure that after the first time he picked up a car that would have gone out the window anyway, so let him have the visual appearance of a "tall strong looking" guy.
Then there is the argument of; "how could he have big muscles, there are not weights for him to lift?" My answer for that is; HE IS AN ALIEN. That may just be the way kryptonians are built, especially if they are raised under a yellow sun. We do not need to apply human exercise physiology to an ALIEN. That and Cudmore's build, while strong looking, does not make me think "steroids" by any means.
In the Comics, like "Superman: Birthright", superman is for the most part drawn taller than just about every one else, he slouches as Clark, and wears loose fitting jackets and clothing. Clark can be a tall guy, and not be an obvious superhero. Tall guys can even look gangly and awkward if he slouches.
The biggest argument for Clark not being found out as Superman, even if he is very tall and strong looking (even though a slouch and stooped shoulders can hide that), is that NO-ONE inside the DC universe is looking for supermans secret identity. As superman he wears no mask, so everyone assumes he is Superman fulltime. Clark could even stand tall, and flex his shoulders, and all he would get are comments like "hey any one ever told you that you look just like superman?", reply "gee thanks I get it all the time".
I know a people who look just like a lot of famous people, but no-one thinks they are them, but they once in a while get the "you look just like" thing.
Michael Chriton, the author, is 69", and I never assumed he was a superhero, so why not a journalist who apears 65" or 66" (but is in-fact a 68" guy who slouches).
Now then there is the "who is going to be the thug that looks bigger than superman is superman is 68?" my answer to that is simple too; how often do thugs look taller than superman in the comics? Not often, nut unless they are a super-villain like Doomsday, or Darksied.
Any how, it may not be classical casting, but I would have gone with Daniel Cudmore for the role of superman, had actors around him in 2" lifts if need be, and have him slouch as clark.
Keep in mind that all of this is depending on if they want to do some Rehash with a new polish, OR if they want to do the Birthright angle with a modern DC comic and reboot the movie franchise like "Batman begins". If Birthright is what they are going for, then Cudmore is perfect for the role. ----------------