5 Actresses Who Almost Played Lois Lane in Superman Movies & Shows

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In what world would Superman/Clark Kent exist without Lois Lane? This fearless Daily Planet reporter symbolizes the strength and resilience found in ordinary people, even when faced with immense evil. Moreover, the romantic connection between them has left fans from all backgrounds spellbound for decades. Even her most iconic lines, such as “You’ve got me?!? Whose got you?!?”, have significantly shaped the narrative of Superman, cementing Lois Lane as a vital element in the character’s legend.

It’s not surprising that each new era of Superman movies introduces a fresh Lois Lane, with notable actresses like Margot Kidder, Rachel Brosnahan, and Amy Adams embodying this character on screen. When it comes to casting such an iconic Superman figure, there have been many talented artists who nearly played the role. Among these, five actresses particularly captivate us as intriguing “what if?” possibilities, showcasing what they might have brought to the part of Lois Lane.

1) Zoe Saldaña in Man of Steel

Indeed, Zoe Saldana almost joined the DC Extended Universe by portraying a character in “Man of Steel”. In 2019, director Zack Snyder revealed that his preferred actress for the role was Amy Adams, but Saldana was a strong second choice. For Snyder, Saldana’s energy in “Avatar” resembled Adams’, making her an excellent fit for his vision of Lois Lane. However, since Adams took on the part, Saldana didn’t get to star in “Man of Steel”. Instead, she went on to play Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”, which was released around the same time.

2) Keri Russell in Superman Returns

Among the different movie adaptations of Lois Lane, the version portrayed by Kate Bosworth in “Superman Returns” stands out as less satisfactory. This isn’t a criticism of Bosworth’s acting abilities; instead, it’s due to the fact that the film doesn’t give Lois much meaningful content beyond reacting to Superman and her son, who has secret superpowers. It might even be fortunate for Keri Russell that she didn’t get the role, given how demanding these types of productions can be. Russell had been connected to the part and auditioning for it throughout the various directors involved in “Superman Returns” and its earlier versions. In the end, Russell lost out on the role, a development she viewed as a positive because of the intense nature of these film projects.

3) Stockard Channing in Superman (1978)

In the late 1970s, the part of Lois Lane for the initial Christopher Reeve Superman film was highly debated. Stockard Channing, a well-known actress from Grease, had made it to the final round for this role and even conducted a lengthy chemistry test with Reeve. However, Margot Kidder ultimately secured the role. Despite missing out on this opportunity, Channing still shone in a 1978 movie thanks to her performance as Betty Rizzo in Grease.

4) Samara Weaving in Superman (2025)

Finding the right actors for “Superman” wasn’t a simple task, considering this film aimed to introduce the DC Universe on the big screen and offer a marked contrast to “Man of Steel.” In the extensive search for the perfect Lois Lane, several names were tossed around, including Samara Weaving. With her impressive performances in films like “Ready or Not” and “Babylon,” it’s clear why James Gunn might have seriously considered her for the role of Lois Lane, even though she didn’t ultimately land the part.

5) Sandra Bullock in Superman Lives

One of the least produced superhero movies with an iconic status is Tim Burton’s “Superman Lives,” which aimed to redefine the Man of Steel, with Nicolas Cage portraying Superman. Notable figures were under consideration for significant roles in this project, such as Sandra Bullock as Lois Lane – a role that producer Jon Peters assertively attempted to secure. In the mid-90s, during the development of “Superman Lives,” Bullock was gaining momentum as an emerging movie star following the success of 1994’s “Speed.

If I had been chosen to share the lead role in the movie “Superman Lives,” it would have been an incredible achievement. Unfortunately, that casting never happened because the entire project collapsed. Before 2006’s “Superman Returns,” “Superman Lives” was one of several abandoned Superman films. Despite never being made, the idea of Sandra Bullock portraying Lois Lane in this movie remains intriguing and unfulfilled, keeping the concept alive.

Superman is now playing in theaters.

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2025-07-14 20:41