‘I don't need it’: Paul Walker boldly rejected playing Man of Steel in 'Superman Returns' in 2003

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Paul Walker did not want to be marked a caped superhero for the rest of his life.

In a recently released documentary titled ‘I Am Paul Walker,' several relatively unknown aspects of the ‘Fast and Furious’ actor’s life have been chronicled. 

In the 2018 documentary, which made its premiere on Saturday, January 20, Walker’s childhood friend Oakley Lehman and his former manager Matt Luber shared that the late actor was in talks to play the iconic superhero in the 2006 franchise film 'Superman Returns.'

Paul Walker rejected the role of Superman

Lehman shared that Walker was dabbling with the idea of playing the role, saying, "I knew he was up for it," before adding, "I knew he was thinking about doing it and I knew that he did not want to do three or four Supermans and be Superman for the rest of his life."

His former manager, Luber shed further light on the matter, saying, "I had to put him up for roles regardless [of how he felt about them] and if I got him to engage that was a bonus.”

Luber shared that, "Paul was screen-testing for Superman. I think it was a $10 million deal, and he was the frontrunner,” per The Messenger.

While portraying the 'Man of Steel,' Walker would have to play an absolutely good person on screen, but he was not up for it. Walker wanted to explore the other avenues of acting and different characters with gray shades.

As Walker was having his costume fitting, he realized he had it, and decided to back off from the project.

Luber shared, “All of a sudden, the phone rings, and it's Paul," Luber recalled. "'I've got an ass on and a cape, boots, tights. And this is not me. I am getting the f**k out of here, f**k you.' And he was gone."

He then went on to play a morally ambiguous undercover police in ‘Running Scared’ and the role of Superman went to Brandon Routh, which failed to create a buzz among the fans.

Paul Walker revealed the real reason for his turning down ‘Super Man’ in 2003

Earlier in 2003, the ‘Fast and Furious’ actor shared with the Chicago Sun-Times why he did not accept the role in the ‘Superman’ franchise. 

He speculated that while he could have made “a gazillion dollars” through the franchise, he did not need that much money to maintain his simple lifestyle.

He shared, "Yes, I could have made a gazillion dollars on that franchise. I could probably have bought my own fleet of jets or my own island,” per Marca.

However, he added, "You know what? I don't need it,” before explaining, “My favorite brand of running shoes costs $23.”

Walker further added, “I rarely pay more than $40 for my jeans. Throw in a T-shirt and that costs me $20 or $10 if I buy it on the beach.”

“I don't need a gazillion dollars to manage that kind of lifestyle,” admitted the actor in 2003.