In a poignant revelation, it has come to light that the late Matthew Perry harbored a unique and ambitious project close to his heart—a superhero autobiography featuring himself as the caped crusader known as Mattman. Perry, renowned for his role in Friends, had envisioned this extraordinary character and even pitched the concept to director and comedian Adam McKay during their collaboration on Netflix’s 2020 film, Don’t Look Up, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Describing the character, Perry painted a vivid picture of Mattman, a 50-year-old man named Matt, whose life was in disarray. The unexpected twist in the narrative unfolded when a distant relative’s passing bestowed upon him a staggering $2 billion inheritance, prompting him to use the newfound wealth to metamorphose into a superhero.
Perry’s imaginative storyline was a clear tribute to his admiration for Batman, the iconic DC superhero. The actor’s commitment to this vision extended to real-life investments, including a $20 million 10,000-square-foot “mansion in the sky” complete with a batcave to house his extensive DC memorabilia. Perry’s Instagram, a platform where he showcased his passion for the Dark Knight, further attested to his dedication.
Director Adam McKay was fascinated not only by the creative concept but also by the insight it offered into Perry’s mind. In response, McKay proposed an alternative idea, delving into Perry’s real-life battle with addiction and the metaphorical superpower it provided him to guide others toward sobriety. Despite the director’s compelling counter-pitch, Perry, hesitant to create a fictionalized version of his struggles, chose not to pursue the concept.
However, Mattman remained etched in Perry’s memory. In a poignant twist of fate, Perry made a subtle yet significant reference to his superhero alter ego in his last Instagram post before his untimely death at the age of 54. His final public words, “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman,” now stand as a bittersweet reminder of the unfulfilled superhero dream that resonated deep within the heart of a beloved actor. As fans reflect on Perry’s legacy, the untold story of Mattman adds a layer of complexity to the multifaceted personality that was Matthew Perry.
