With the news last month that Warner Brothers planned on rebooting the Superman film franchise, I thought it would be a good time to give an overall status report on everyone’s favorite big blue boy-scout. And let you folks know what’s going on…as of now, at least.
First things first, no director or screenwriter(s) have been hired nor are any in negotiations at this time. Warner Brothers is simply looking at a few candidates as potential “feelers.” Nothing more, nothing less.
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If there’s anything the studio learned from Superman Returns, it’s that they’re not going to hand over another blank-check to a “big name” director. So more likely than not, the eventual director will be someone who works well with the material, sees eye-to-eye with the approach they’re taking and (most importantly) can be easily controlled by the studio.
An example of this would be when Peter Jackson was first hired for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Bryan Singer for X-Men, Sam Raimi for Spider-Man, etc. You get the idea.
Regarding the big question of casting before anyone asks, the answer is no: Tom Welling will not be Superman. For some of you, take a moment, and let whatever feelings you have about that out of your system.
The studio isn’t going to spend $150-$200 million (if not more) to produce Smallville: The Movie. Like it or lump it, that’s exactly what it’d be if they went with Welling. Additionally, the failure of X-Files: I Want to Believe this past summer further proved that cult following doesn’t equal mainstream audience. So one can’t argue that Welling would bring in “a big audience” during the opening weekend.
I don’t care if you love or hate the idea of him as Superman on the silver screen. He’s not in the running. Sorry, but it ain’t gonna happen. Get over it.
Whoever becomes the next Superman/Clark Kent will be an unknown for obvious reasons. For the studio, it’s easy to nab one down to a multi-picture deal (i.e. cheap) and for the filmmakers there won’t be any “baggage” coming into the project with said actor.
Now what about Wanted and Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar who’ll tell anyone with a set of ears (and more importantly, a camera) that he wants the writing gig? Well, his claims about “being a Marvel guy” as the reason Warner Bros. rejected his pitch last year are 100% Grade-A B.S. Plain and simple, they hated it.
But what of his recent claims of writing an epic Superman trilogy that’s a second away from being greenlit with his phantom “American action director” at the helm? Uh, that would be: no.
I don’t doubt his love for Kal-El, and maybe he’s met with a director in the past. But if he was really in the running, he wouldn’t be talking out loud to the press before being heard (again) by the studio.
Furthermore, he’s had a well-documented history of flat-out fabricating news-items just to get himself press (i.e. his claim of “knowing” Jim Caviezel would play Superman in Returns and Eminem “begging” to star in Wanted – both turned out to be bogus rumors that he started!) Therefore… you can’t honestly take him at his word on the matter – especially since there’s been no one to come out and back-up his claims.
And Millar wasn’t the only comic-book writer the studio heard pitches from. The likes of Grant Morrison, Mark Waid and Geoff Johns also came in with takes on how to properly revive the franchise. And like Millar, they were shot down. So it’s safe to say they’ll begin hearing from screenwriters again.
Quite frankly, I doubt we see Krypton’s last son return to the silver screen for… awhile. They’re currently projecting a 2011 release. The thing is though, Warner Brothers appears to be damn-near booked with arguably the three biggest blockbuster tent-poles for that year: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows – Part II, Batman III and The Hobbit.
They just plain don’t “need” Superman right now. Although it’s definitely a priority to get the Man of Steel back on track. But they can honestly afford to take their sweet time (which they are!).
That, and after the reception of Superman Returns, they want to make damned sure this revival film will be something that everyone (i.e. WB, DC, Legendary Pictures, etc.) is 100% behind.
But rest assured, Superman will return to the silver screen…eventually!
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64 Comments
I am a huge Superman fan. I do agree on some points of Mr. Williams. I dont think another Superman film will hit theatres for awhile. Tom Welling as The Man of Steel on the big screen? I can’t see it. I DO like “Smallville” but IMHO, i don’t feel Welling would fill the red boots. For television?…awesome. To smash box office records?… good luck. Superman can still be done right. I feel that there should be more creativity, originality and enthusiasm put in to the next film. A darker twist to Superman? Thats not his nature, however, Superman can STILL be conflicted and presented with issues which test his morales. As i stated before, if WB can put together a good team with some CREATIVE & ORIGINAL ideas, Superman will do well. The comics and graphic novels speak for themselves.
Let us get this straight once and for all. Superman is THE comic book character. Welling is in no way able to portray the qualities of a mature Superman. Superman does not throw a tractor across Smallville and turn around with a puzzled face. Tom welling is a careless Superman. He is the face of Superman right now only because his facial features compared to Christopher Reeves. Not because of his ability to act, because frankly he still acts like he is in a soap opera. Those who know the constant follow up of Superman through Wizard magazine may remember and issue they clearly had dedicated to the fact that Welling and Reeves had the same features. People who know only know Smallville have no voice of opinion. Smallville is not a realistic portrayal of how Superman was.
Let us get this straight once and for all. Superman is THE comic book character. Welling is in no way able to portray the qualities of a mature Superman. Superman does not throw a tractor across Smallville and turn around with a puzzled face. Tom welling is a careless Superman. He is the face of Superman right now only because his facial features compared to Christopher Reeves. Not because of his ability to act, because frankly he still acts like he is in a soap opera. Those who know the constant follow up of Superman through Wizard magazine may remember an issue they clearly had dedicated to the fact that Welling and Reeves had the same features. People who only know Smallville have no voice of opinion. Smallville is not a realistic portrayal of how Superman was.
Now let’s get past that and have a serious talk about how Superman should be released.Brandon Routh was a very big gamble. They Did a few things right with Superman Returns in it’s failure. They established his God like presence. He accidently played the last Clark Kent almost down to a T with the clumsy feel. The problem was the storyline was one that involved Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Although he was a perfect face for the character, that is all he was. Second, when the Movie was released Routh did not step up in the media to make us feel like he was something great for the role. Christian Bale does not have to do this seeing he is a arrogant prick in real life. Even with all the things wrong for some odd reason I still see Brandon Routh becoming the perfect actor for the role once he steps up to the plate. I say ditch the chick because she made him look weak in the public eye and act like you have some balls. Routh is perfect he just needs to sell his self.
Now let’s get past that and have a serious talk about how Superman should be released.Brandon Routh was a very big gamble. They Did a few things right with Superman Returns in it’s failure. They established his God like presence. He accidently played the last Clark Kent almost down to a T with the clumsy feel. The problem was the storyline was one that involved Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Although he was a perfect face for the character, that is all he was. Second, when the Movie was released Routh did not step up in the media to make us feel like he was something great for the role. Christian Bale does not have to do this seeing he is a arrogant pr*ck in real life. Even with all the things wrong for some odd reason I still see Brandon Routh becoming the perfect actor for the role once he steps up to the plate. I say ditch the chick because she made him look weak in the public eye and act like you have some f***ing balls. Routh is perfect he just needs to sell his self.
yet I guess using Welling is no more idiotic than Superman shooting a hole through his head in a childs cartoon lol.
I’ve deleted a few comments. Behave, boys – BJ, I’m talking to you.
Vic
Superman Doomsday was PG or PG13. Far cry from child’s cartoon.
Mr. Vic Holtreman, I have been respectful of your website for quite some time. People have said worst things on this site and YOU sir get on me for saying “Shut up”? Well if that’s the case consider this the last comment you’ll read from me. I will not return to this website. Good day.
@BJ
Leaving a comment that says nothing more than “Shut up” is rude. And jeez, don’t have such a thin skin.
Vic
Vic Holtreman, the previous month I have said childish remarks on your website. I do apologize for this act and hopefully you will allow me back on your site. BJ Jones.
Vic Holtreman: After reading the above news, what is going to happened when CW returns with the new Smallville this coming Sept. 18th? We all want to know.
A “Superman Returns” sequel would be good. No need for a reboot.
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