Smith Says Producer Jon Peters Asked for a Gay R2-D2 and a Space Dog for Toy Licensing; The Writer/Director Doubts the New Movie Will be Finished in Time

For a Summer 1999 Release

CHICAGO, April 7 /PRNewswire/ — Cinescape Magazine reveals new details about the upcoming Warner Bros. Superman movie in its May/June issue. Talking with writer-director Kevin Smith (now filming Dogma in Pittsburgh), Cinescape Senior Editor Edward Gross offers a unique glimpse at the scribe’s behind-the-scenes battles with Superman producer Jon Peters as well as his version of the events that ultimately led to his dismissal from the project.

Among Smith’s comments:

“I was fascinated by my meeting with Jon Peters because this was the guy who produced Batman, and to hear him tell the story, you wouldn’t think director] Tim Burton meant anything in the making of that film.”

“[Peters said], ‘You know why you and me are going to get this project right and make a great movie? Because you and me understand Superman; we’re from the streets.’ I was like, ‘You were a hairdresser once. I’m from the suburbs. Neither of us are from the streets.’” “Peters went to the premiere [of Smith's film Chasing Amy] in Los Angeles and the next day he said, ‘That gay black guy in your movie did an excellent job; that’s what we need in Superman Lives. We need that kind of attitude. Can’t El-Ron [the villain's robot assistant] be gay? I want a gay R2-D2.’ I was thinking that this man is either the most progressive individual in films today or just a flat-out idiot. It’s a real thin line.”

“[Peters] was always saying that Brainiac [one of the villains] should give Luthor a space dog, something from that menagerie of his. He gives Luthor a dog, Luthor is afraid of the dog and the dog hates him. I’m like, ‘It doesn’t really lend to the story, why do you want that?’ Because I need a Chewie.’ This was during the time of Star Wars’ re-release and he said, ‘Chewie’s cuddly, man, you could make a toy out of him, so you’ve got to give me a dog.’ He’s forever influenced by the things he’s seen.”

Smith, who is best known for critically lauded independent films such as Clerks and Chasing Amy, was ousted from the Superman project shortly after turning in his script. Tim Burton took over the film, which is set to begin shooting this summer. Nicolas Cage will star as the Man of Steel.