With reporting by Josh Horowitz

These days, comic book movies are the norm in Hollywood. So much so that it seems like most A-listers have at least one Marvel or DC project to their names. (Some are happier about their life choices than others.)

Back in 2002, however, it was a different story. Riding off the success of Bryan Singer's "X-Men," J.J. Abrams wrote a script for the first film in a trilogy of Superman movies in 2002. Brett Ratner was attached to direct the action flick, and Jude Law was the first choice to play the DC Comics superhero. However, Law -- a life-long comic book fan -- turned down the super role and the project collapsed shortly after.

MTV News caught up with Law during the press day for his new submarine thriller "Black Sea," and the 42-year-old actor reflected on what might have been if he had suited up to play Superman on the big screen.

"At the time, I really didn't want to," Law said. "I didn't want to spend the rest of my life being that guy who played Superman."

Despite initially turning down the project, Ratner convinced Law to try on the iconic Superman costume, and for a fanboy like Law, it was an unforgettable experience.

"I go in the bathroom, put it on and look in the mirror, and suddenly, I am Superman," Law said. "And it is an amazing costume. My chest pops up and the music comes on... That was it. I got it out of my system. I took it off, put it in the bag, and was like, 'I'm not going to do it.'"

"I saw myself," he added. "No need for the rest of the world to see me."

That's what Halloween is for, amirite?