Find out how Darth Vader star David Prowse turned to the light as Superman

The world of cinema keeps us fascinating stories, especially when the destinies of the characters in the films are intertwined. Imagine a universe where Darth Vader and Superman were merged into the same image. No, it’s not a script for a new comic crossover, but a reality through David Prowse, the actor behind the big picture of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. But did you know Proves dreamed of trading his lightsaber for an Iron Man cape?

David Prowse, best known for playing Darth Vader in Star Wars, has left an indelible mark on film culture. Proves also had a varied career that included small roles in British films and TV series, thanks to his impressive body builder physique. Although he never had another role as Vader, his presence in cinema is memorable.

A giant with heroic ambitions

In the year At six feet seven inches tall in the 1970s, Proves was at the peak of his career. His appearance in Star Wars brought him fame, but his ambition led him to play a more iconic role: Superman, in Richard Donner’s classic film. Prowse saw in the Clark Kent/Superman character an opportunity to cross over, from the shadow of a villain to the light of a hero.

“I tried really hard to get the role of Superman,” Proves explained in an interview with Rock Cellar magazine. But their efforts ran into a wall of prejudice: Hollywood at the time was convinced that Superman should be played by an American. “How important is that?” Prowse asked, facing an industry that could not conceive of a non-American Superman.

Fate/stay night: Super Power Trainer

Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t Prowse’s English accent that turned him down, but the idea that Superman, an icon of American comic folklore, should only be portrayed by an American actor. “The American public, which represents 90% of the film’s revenue, would not accept a non-American Superman,” Prowse explained, resigned to the immovable reality of his time.

But the story takes a surprising twist for Proves. Although he did not get the role, the actor chosen for Superman played an important role in the physical preparation of Christopher Reeve. “I actually wanted the role for myself,” Proves recalled jokingly, describing how he convinced director Richard Donner to cast Reeve, a tall but thin young man, as Superman. Proves, with a background in bodybuilding, accepted the challenge, adding 40 pounds of muscle to Reeve in six weeks.

The legacy of the giant

In retrospect, Prowse’s contribution to the character of Superman was almost as significant as his portrayal of Darth Vader. Although he didn’t wear the red cape or fly in the skies of Metropolis, his behind-the-scenes work helped him capture the life of one of cinema’s greatest superheroes. Today, looking back, it is fascinating to consider how the trajectory of these two titans of celluloid intertwined, weaving a story of ambition, comedy and unexpected contributions.

One can’t help but wonder: What could David Proves’ Superman be? Would it have brought a different intensity, perhaps a more commanding presence? While we can’t know for sure, the fact is that Prov’s legacy in the world of cinema is indisputable, in Vader’s mask and in the gym, creating superheroes.