Dean Cain Reveals Hidden Harassment on 90s Superman Set
Zoe Bennett: The facts matter. Here is what we know so far.
Dean Cain, best known for his four-season run as Superman in the 1993-1997 ABC series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, has stirred a significant Hollywood conversation by claiming he endured sexual harassment on that set. In a recent Variety interview, the 58-year-old actor stated, “I could have had the biggest sexual harassment lawsuit in Hollywood history.” Cain did not name the alleged perpetrator and declined to provide further specifics. His disclosure arrives as part of a broader reflection on contractual battles, on-set challenges, and financial disputes behind the scenes.
According to Variety, there were persistent rumors that off-camera tensions contributed to the show’s abrupt cancellation after Season 4, even though Cain had penned scripts for a planned Season 5. Insider reports cited by Variety also suggest the harassment took an emotional toll on Cain’s personal life, notably affecting his relationship with former professional volleyball star Gabrielle Reece. Despite Cain’s claims, neither Warner Bros. Television nor any member of the original production team has publicly responded to these allegations.
Beyond harassment, Cain offered an analytical look at the physical demands of donning the iconic Superman suit. He recalled the royal blue spandex bodysuit was initially fitted with lace-up boots and stirrups to keep it taut. Filming under Burbank’s scorching summer heat—reported to top 110 degrees—forced him to avoid sweating on pain of visible suit damage. “I’m a Japanese dude. I don’t sweat that much. I’m not hairy at all,” Cain joked, noting he never required chest shaving. Wire-supported flying stunts further compounded his discomfort, as extended suspension would cut off blood flow to his legs, constantly necessitating therapeutic massage sessions.
Cain’s rigorous production schedule also factored into his career trajectory. He described a grueling five-day shoot that began at 6 a.m. Monday and ended at 7 a.m. Saturday—an operation the cast mockingly dubbed “Fraturday.” The actor explained that the network refused to include a workout clause in his contract, fearing a precedent for every leading star. The claustrophobic environment and lack of physical preparation time convinced him to avoid serialized television projects ever since.
Financially, Cain expressed regret over his handling of residuals. He accused Warner Bros. of obscuring profits to downplay syndication earnings, lamenting, “I didn’t know enough back then about residuals. Warner Bros. buries the bodies deep and makes it look like it’s lost money.” Cain admitted he was advised not to sue, fearing retaliation: “You don’t want to bite the hand that feeds you.” He contrasted his situation with George Clooney’s lucrative settlement from the ER lawsuit, acknowledging he “should have sued” when he had the chance.
Throughout the interview, Cain balanced candor with humor, even brushing off concerns about male objectification. “Any guy who tells you he feels bad being objectified, I mean, really? Come on. It’s a wonderful compliment,” he quipped. Cain’s candid recounting offers both a rare insider view of network television’s golden era and a cautionary tale about reputation, contract negotiation, and personal boundaries on high-profile sets. His revelations raise fresh questions about employment practices in 90s television production and the legacy of one of pop culture’s most enduring characters.
That keeps our truth radar sharp. Stay tuned for what emerges next.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Variety, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
