He has a lengthy screen career, including parts in B-movies and television films. Nolte has starred in over 40 films playing a wide variety of characters. Diversity of character is Nolte's signature of his film career. He is known for his trademark athleticism and gravel-voiced characters. According to a written note owned by Richard Donner, Nolte was the first choice to play Superman in the 1978 film starring Christopher Reeve. He also lost the role of Han Solo to Harrison Ford in the 1977 classic, Star Wars.