Big Bug Man was an unreleased superhero action-comedy film by Studio-Free Studio, directed by Bob Bendetson and Peter Shin, starring Brendan Fraser, Andre 3000, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Madsen, and Marlon Brando.
The film centered around a man named Howard Kind (Fraser), an employee for the Mrs. Sour Candy Company and the "last moral person of the world", who gained supernatural powers after getting bit by one of Sidney Looper's (either Andre or Gooding, exactly who played him is unknown) scientifically improved insects one day, with him using his new powers to become the superhero Big Bug Man; his employer Nicholas Dunderbeck (Also unknown) quickly learn of his new powers, however, and attempt to entrap him in the world of business to make money on his new abilities, corrupting Howard with the new found fame and glory.
The film is most noteworthy for being the final role recorded for Marlon Brando, who was initially approached to play the main antagonist, but instead opted to play old lady Mrs. Sour, because he apparently always wanted to play a female role, and the creators accepted his request. Reportedly, it was the most fun he had in a role since Julius Caesar (1953).
Intended for release in 2006, it was constantly delayed until after 2008, where no further news on the future of the film was given, implying the film was Quietly Cancelled.
Tropes appearing in Big Bug Man include:
- Affectionate Parody: Big Bug Man's backstory seems to be one of Spider-Man, where he gained his power by being bit by insects. That said, his powers don't seem to relate much to Spider-Man's at all, so the similarities end there. If there were any further references, they remain unseen.
- There exists at least one piece of concept art of Big Bug Man carrying his love interest Ellie Rose through the night sky which seems to be a reference to Superman (1978).
- Attack Animal: A giant bee (or at least something that looks like one) is seen on the cover. It's likely Big Bug Man is somehow able to command it, but literally no information exists for what exactly it is. Not even its name is known. It's probably the insect that bites Howard and gives him his powers, but that's just hypothesis.
- Character Narrator: "Seen It All" Jackson served as this. He was an older man, voiced by B.B. King, who would narrate the film, either with or to his dog "Heard It All" Jackson.
- Corporate-Sponsored Superhero: Dunderbeck wanted to make Big Bug Man this, and it apparently caused most of the problems for him in this film.
- Corrupt Corporate Executive: Nicholas Dunderbeck was the main antagonist of the film, and his main scheme was profiting off Howard's new superpowers. Exactly how he went about this is unknown.
- The Corrupter: Dunderbeck served as this to Howard, causing the moral superhero to fall to debauchery.
- Fan Disservice: Mrs. Sour seems to think she's the sweetest catch in the town, which is contrasted with her visibly aged and wrinkly body.
- Fat Bastard: Dunderbeck is the main antagonist and is easily the largest person in the film.
- Inconsistent Coloring: The poster depicts Big Bug Man as green, while the aforementioned flying date concept art depicts his suit as red. It's unknown which one is more accurate.
- Similar holds for most of the characters on the cover. Mrs. Sour's apron is dark purple instead of white, Dunderbeck's suit is grey instead of white, Petfarkin's suit is completely navy blue instead of blue and grey stripes with cyan sleeves, and Ellie's hair is orange instead of blond.
- Literal Ass-Kissing: Petfarkin; Dunderbeck's lackey, is seen doing this on the film's poster.
- Love Interest: Ellie Rose was this for Howard. Who played her is unknown.
- Mad Scientist: Sydney Looper made an artificially improved bug whose bite gives people superpowers. Exactly why he did this isn't given. The poster seems to suggest he becomes Howard's sidekick at some point in the film.
- Meaningful Name: The main character's real name is "Howard Kind" and he's a well-meaning superhero and the last moral person on Earth.
- Silver Fox: Mrs. Sour seems to think she's this. Most official art of her depicts her posing or acting seductive. She really isn't.
- Token Good Teammate: Exaggerated, apparently Howard Kind is the last moral person on Earth. The film seemed to have focused on his struggle between remain a good person and the corrupting influence of fame and fortune.
- Wholesome Crossdresser: Real life example; allegedly Marlon Brando dressed up in women's clothing while recording his scenes, despite his role being voice acted. The directors believe he did it partially to look funny and partially to "get into character."