Ok, for better or worse, Zack Snyder is your new “Superman” director and the trades have emerged with their own details that shed a bit more light on the project.
The biggest piece of news comes from Variety, who spoke to Snyder and their report says the new director said it’s “unlikely” that “Superman Returns” actor Brandon Routh will return for the lead role of Superman and Clark Kent. Suffice to say that’s likely truth and diplomatic talk for “we’re looking in another direction.”
This will be a big disappointment for “Routh as Superman” fans who are a small, but vocal group (we’ll admit, we liked the guy, but we’re also not opposed to someone new as long as the choice doesn’t make us cringe).
As we mentioned briefly, it appears that a villain has been found. Though early reports pegged Brainiac (and Luthor) in an “action-packed” Superman film, THR says that apparently General Zod from Richard Donner’s “Superman II” (as played by the venerable Terence Stamp) is rumored to be part of the David S. Goyer-penned screenplay.
As for Christopher Nolan’s godfathering role in all this? Snyder tells Variety. “He provides that extra bit of wisdom to a process that sometimes lacks it. It’s the best situation we could be in for this character. It’s still early in the process but I will say that the story that Chris and David have laid out is pretty awesome,” he said.
Many have noted, including us, that Superman is traditionally a well-adjusted character so he’s difficult to portray on the screen with a lot of psychological flaws; the perfect Christopher Reeves-type Superman being pretty dull these days and Snyder acknowledged this. “Chris and David have given this the shape with a great story. It’s a hard character to crack,” he told Hero Complex.
I actually liked Routh as Superman…in fact, I actually liked Superman Returns.
"new director said it's "unlikely" that "Superman Returns" actor Brandon Routh won't return for the lead role of Superman"
Double-negative… wat?
@circusfolk Yeah, I kinda liked it too, particularly Routh as Superman. Though far from perfect, there was a lot to like about Singer's film.
the problem that so many people have had with superman is that they think of him as human – he isn't, he's an alien being raised as a human – there is your inner conflict, there is your tension – something used occasionally well in the comics.
if he had landed on earth 2000 years ago he would have been worshiped as a god…
one of the most insightful things ever said about Batman and Superman is that Superman is Clark Kent's secret identity and Bruce Wayne is Batman's.
Good news. I trust Snyder to do the right thing, his imagination is out of this world.
Christopher Nolan producing makes it more of a reason why this film will rule.
e-book and novella
Couldn't comment yesterday, probably for the best. so fucking disappointed the HACK has gotten this gig. Really I kinda give up, i think this hurts because it had such promise (superman, nolans Goyer) and now this.
Kill me.
I don't think this new Superman film will be successful. You already selected an Actor that fits for the role and your hiring another unknown Actor. You can't start all over again. Brandon Routh is now considered the new Superman who replaced Christopher Reeve after his death. I don't believe somebody will replace the Actor who is now considered qualified for the role.