Starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Tim Burton, 'Superman Lives' never got made. But fans can get a glimpse of what could have been in 'The Flash.'

Nicolas Cage in the "Superman Lives" costume and Ezra Miller as Barry Allen in "The Flash."TDOSLWH/Warner Bros. Pictures

• Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for "The Flash," which is in theaters now.
• "The Flash" features several DC-related cameos toward the end of the movie.

When director Andy Muschietti surprisingly let slip that Nicolas Cage will appear in "The Flash" as Superman, DC Comics fans were understandably eager, and curious. Just how would the 59-year-old actor finally get to don the cape and tights on the big screen?

Well, the wait is over. "The Flash" is in theaters, so you can finally see SuperCage in action. But if you're a little flummoxed as to why Nicolas Cage is playing Superman — well, there's a long, and rich, history behind the cameo.

Let us break it down...