Superman is one of the most recognisable and beloved superheroes of all time. Since his debut in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the Man of Steel has become a global icon, inspiring generations of fans. With his red cape, blue suit, and iconic ‘S’ emblem, he symbolises hope, justice, and heroism.
But how much do you really know about Superman? From bizarre transformations to almost being played by Nicolas Cage, here are 10 surprising facts about the Last Son of Krypton that even die-hard fans might not know!
1. Superman Was Originally a Villain
Believe it or not, Superman didn’t start as the noble hero we know today. In 1933, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster first created a character named “The Superman” in a short story titled The Reign of the Superman. But instead of a hero, he was a bald, telepathic villain who sought world domination!
The concept was later reworked, and in 1938, Superman was reborn as the heroic figure we now associate with truth and justice.
2. He Couldn’t Originally Fly
In his early comic appearances, Superman didn’t actually have the power of flight. Instead, he could “leap tall buildings in a single bound”, meaning he could jump about 1/8th of a mile but had no ability to hover or soar through the skies.
It wasn’t until the 1940s animated series by Fleischer Studios that Superman was given the ability to fly. The animators found it too awkward to repeatedly show him jumping, so they simply made him glide smoothly instead. This change became permanent in the comics and films.
3. Kryptonite Was Created for a Radio Show
Superman’s most famous weakness, Kryptonite, wasn’t originally in the comics. Instead, it was introduced in the 1940s radio series The Adventures of Superman.
Why? The voice actor Bud Collyer needed time off, and the writers needed a way to explain his absence. Their solution? Superman gets weakened by an alien rock, allowing the character to groan in agony while another actor filled in or pre-recorded sounds were used. The concept was so popular that Kryptonite was soon added to the comics.
4. Superman Once Had a Lion’s Head and Ant Powers
Superman has undergone some truly bizarre transformations in the comics. One of the strangest was “Superman’s New Powers” (Superman #165, 1964), where he briefly developed the ability to shoot tiny Superman clones from his fingers—yes, really!
In another odd moment from the Silver Age, he was exposed to a strange form of radiation, causing him to grow a lion’s head (Action Comics #243, 1958). And let’s not forget the time he transformed into a giant ant in Action Comics #296 (1963). The writers certainly weren’t afraid to get weird!
5. There’s a Pink Kryptonite That Makes Superman Act… Differently
Most people know about Green Kryptonite, which weakens Superman, and Red Kryptonite, which causes unpredictable effects. But did you know there’s also Pink Kryptonite?
Introduced as a joke in Supergirl #79 (2003), Pink Kryptonite allegedly made Superman display stereotypically “effeminate” behaviour. It was meant as a satire of outdated comic tropes, but it has since become one of the more infamous Superman trivia facts.
6. He Once Boxed Muhammad Ali
Yes, Superman once fought Muhammad Ali in the 1978 comic Superman vs. Muhammad Ali, one of the strangest and most legendary crossovers in comic book history.
The story follows Superman and the boxing legend as they’re forced to fight in an intergalactic boxing match to save Earth. To make the fight fair, Superman is temporarily depowered, leading to an epic (and quite ridiculous) showdown in the ring. Ali, of course, wins fair and square!
7. He Was Almost Played by Nicolas Cage
In the 1990s, director Tim Burton was set to direct Superman Lives, a radical reinvention of the character, with Nicolas Cage cast as Superman.
The film was meant to take inspiration from the Death of Superman storyline, and concept art showed Cage in a shiny, bio-electric Superman suit. However, the project faced countless production issues and was ultimately cancelled.
Despite never making it to the big screen, the test footage of Nicolas Cage in costume has since become the stuff of internet legend.
8. Superman Once Killed a Villain and Regretted It
Superman is known for his no-kill rule, but there have been rare instances where he was forced to take a life.
In the Man of Steel (1986) storyline by John Byrne, Superman executes General Zod and his fellow Kryptonian criminals to protect Earth. However, the decision weighs heavily on him, leading to an emotional breakdown.
This was one of the most controversial moments in Superman’s history, as it challenged his core values and added complexity to his character.
9. There’s a Real Town Named After Him
Did you know that Metropolis, Illinois is a real place? The town, officially declared “the Home of Superman” by DC Comics, fully embraces its superhero identity.
Visitors can find a 15-foot Superman statue, a Superman museum, and even an annual Superman Celebration, where fans gather to honour the Man of Steel.
It’s the closest thing to visiting Superman’s fictional city in real life!
10. Superman’s Symbol Has Changed Over 20 Times
Superman’s famous “S” emblem has gone through over 20 different designs since his debut.
Originally a simple red and yellow shield, the logo has been modernised multiple times, with subtle shape adjustments and new meanings. In some versions, it’s just his initials, while in others, it represents the Kryptonian symbol for “hope”.
The most drastic redesign came with the 2013 film Man of Steel, which introduced a more alien-inspired look. No matter the version, it remains one of the most iconic superhero symbols of all time.
Superman has been around for over 85 years, and his legacy is filled with fascinating and bizarre moments. From his origins as a villain to fighting Muhammad Ali, his history is full of surprises.
Which Superman fact shocked you the most? Do you have a favourite Superman story or film? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re interested in more superhero trivia, check out our other top 10 lists for more mind-blowing facts.
