This may be rumor but it looks like they found the new Superman

[buggs]

Brandon Routh is Superman

They where going to announce it last week but then Christopher Reeve passed away and they didn't feel it was the right time. Again, this may just be rumor, but it is from a guy who personally knows Bryan Singer, the director. Superman is rumored to be.....Brandon ‘B.J.’ Routh.

He had tested and was a final choice for all the directors attached to the project for a few years. I just hope the guy can bulk up enough. He is going to have some big shoes to fill since Reeve's death. I gotta tell you, besides Welling, him being cast, if it is true, makes me very happy. Singer is really trying to do this right.

See the post from the guy who knows Bryan Singer here, and at Latino Review here, and at Film Riot here.

What is really weird is he celebrated his 25th birthday the day that Chris Reeve went into a coma, then died the folowing day.

They also say that Mischa Barton is Lois Lane (I like Durrance better) and Topher Grace (from That 70's Show) is Jimmy Oleson.

It is also rumored that the film also takes place after Superman 2, and is basically Superman 3. The working title is Superman Returns, but Singer said that may change.

The source who informed me of Routh's casting a few hours ago (yes I was asleep, these are the days I want to kick myself), also has passed on some more juicy information exclusive here. The film starts off with Superman having been missing for six years. Also, the Kryptonian production design element will be almost identical to the first film - so expect Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude to be very much the slanted ice crystal motif we've all been used to.

Also, General Zod is in the film, and Terrance Stamp, who played Zod, is supposed to be reprising his role.

 

[buggs]

Okay it is looking more offical that Routh is Superman

From Superherohype.com

Scooper 'Merc' has sent these new bits about another Q&A with Superman director Bryan Singer:

I just attended a screening of The Usual Suspects at USC (I am a film student), and after the screening, Bryan Singer was onhand to answer questions; needless to say, he was inandated with them.

First off, he was very nervous about replying to questions about the casting of Superman; however at one point he slipped up, and spoke of how he just finished an awesome test with someone which was shot in 60mm film for Superman. He said that, "if I had cast Superman, I spoke to the actor, and he is very happy about the decision...". He slipped up and revealed that Superman had been cast.

Secondly, he talked about the suit and what it is going to look like. He said it will be very traditional, but that it will take advantage of the things that were learned on Spiderman. He said that spandex tends to remove definition from someone's build, and that they are going to have to shade the costume to add the effect that the actor is more toned than he really is.

He also talked about how and his writing parterns crafted a story which could be compared to Tim Burton's Batman (1989). He said that he is going to have the first two films serve as a sort of vague history, and that this next film will pick up after Superman has been gone for 6 years. He said that the story is going to approach Superman as sort of being a returning Messiah (sp). Singer also had an interesting comment that people in the movie sort of wish that Superman had never existed, because once he disappeared, the world fell into chaos.

Singer also divulged some really cool stuff about some sequences and some of the riggs that have been constructed. He said that they have created a rigg which has the capability to "fly" the actor at speeds of up to 40 mph a distance as far as 3 football fields!!! It was amazing stuff, and he said that almost all of the major sequences have already been pre-visualized.

I am not sure that he said much, else; but he pretty much confirmed that Routh has been cast.

One last thing I am remembering; he said that he really wanted to have Reeve make a cameo, and that because they are shooting in Australia (this was his idea before Reeve passed away), he was going to try to do something similar to what was done for that SuperBowl commercial a few years ago; using CGI he was going to try to have Reeve make a cameo while walking! Really exciting stuff!

You guys have been starved for information, and I thought this would tide you over!

 

[drew70]

This guy looks more like Superboy than Superman. He needs some of Jay Leno's chin.

 

[tickletoy3]

Just my opinion

Just me, but I liked Dean Cain as Superman. I kinda wished he had made the movies since he already had a built-in audience as well. However I wish this guy well and hope the Superman movies continue to be successful!

 

[buggs]

Out of all the Supermen, I liked Dean Cain the least. He doesn't look like Superman. He looks like some guy who is wearing the suit for Halloween and not Superman. Now wtih Chris Reeve you just said "That's Superman. I never ever got that with Cain at all. In fact they were trying to make a Superman movie while the series was on and WB had toyed with having Cain in it but there was such a campaign for that not to happen from Superman fans that WB nixed it. Then their brilliant plan was Nic CAge, which was just as worse.

 

[buggs]

Looks like Kevin Spacey is Lex Luthor

I was personally hoping for Billy Zane from Titanic to be Luthor, but Spacey was my second choice. I pretty much knew this would happen as Spacey and Singer worked together on THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and they are good friends.

 

[tklr5150]

I don't care for the choice of Mischa Barton. Lois Lane is no waif. She's feminine and sexy yes, but you have to get that sense from her that she'll verbally rip you a new one and have fun doing it if you cross her. I don't get that from Barton at all, she seems too frail.

 

[buggs]

Your right. I really dont want her as Lois Lane. They are saying now that that part isn't cast, but there are a few actress' in the running. I really wish they would cast Erica Durrance. She makes the perfect Lois Lane.

 

[AffectionateDan]

L:MFAO!

This guy looks more like Superboy than Superman. He needs some of Jay Leno's chin.

You goober! I almost spit Dr. Pepper on my monitor, thankyouverymuch. 😛

 

[buggs]

Bryan Singer Confirms Brandon Routh as Superman and John Williams music will be score

October 20, 2004: Bryan Singer Confirms Brandon Routh as Superman
Ain't It Cool News posted the following interview with Bryan Singer, in which he confirms Brandon Routh as Superman...
(Here is a manip that someone on the Superherohype boards made of Routh as Superman. Looks like Superman to me.)

(And he looks like Clark Kent, as you can see here🙂

...Just as exciting is the part where Singer confirms that they will indeed be using John William's original Superman theme for the new movie...

I just attended the screening of X2: X Men United at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood tonight, where Bryan Singer made a special appearance and answered some questions regarding the movie. People filled out cards with questions and turned them in and he answered them directly.
I decided to go for the gold and ask about Superman, and he actually addressed my question. My question was, "What can you tell us about Superman?" and he asked me point blank, "What do you want to know?"

Since the news about Brandon Routh being casted hasn't really been officially been confirmed by the WB, as far as I know, I asked that first, and he responded first by correcting my pronunciation of his name (Rowth) and then said, "As of today, yes. He's Superman. He has the perfect physicality for the role and will be great."

He then went on to tell us about how he actually pitched his idea to Richard Donner, director of the original Superman movie, to get his approval first. Donner apparently loved it and then Singer went to Warner Brothers with his idea.

He's going to stay very true to Donner's vision of the Superman mythos, saying that the three most important aspects of the character are young Clark, the Clark facade, and Superman himself.

He asked if there was anything else and I presented him with the most important aspect I could think of. "Will you use John Williams music in the movie?"

He looked at me dead on and said very boldly, "Yes. Definitely yes."

The audience went nuts with this news.

Variety is also confirming Routh as Superman. I am also glad that Donner likes it. Before Donner was brought on, who brought on Tom Mankiewicz to rewrite what the Salkinds wanted to shoot. It was so bad that at one point, when Superman is flying over the city for Lex Luthor, he sees a bald guy and is about to grab him when the bald guy turns around, and it is Telly Savalis, who says "Who loves you baby". It was that bad. What you see on the screen now is all Donner and Tom Mankiewicz original script. The script you find online before Tom Mankiewicz's script, credited to the Newman's, is actually Mankiewicz's first draft. So if Donner is exstatic, then this is very good news that we are going to see a great movie in the viegn of the first two. Lets all hope that the legal stuff gets worked out and Donner is able to release his cut of Superman 2, which is vastly different (but mostly from the same script) and far superior to the one released in 1980.

Tieler, Jim Caveziel was not in the running, as rumored and even bet on, for the role as Singer wanted an unknown. Much like Christopher Reeve, who had only been on a soap for a year, and a 1 minute, two short line cameo in the Universal movie "Grey Lady Down".

Screenwriter Dan Harris, who turned in the final "Superman Returns" script to the studio on Sunday, would say only that, contrary to many Hollywood reports that a known actor like Jim Caviezel, Tom Welling or Josh Hartnett would be cast as the Man of Steel, the part would be played by an unknown.

"We watched all the screen tests done by big names in Hollywood, and all of these guys are all wrong for different reasons," Harris said. "The biggest problem is that the known actors bring the baggage of their own personas. And think about it. Chris Reeve was an unknown when he made the movie."

Harris and director Bryan Singer ("X-Men") had been hoping to work with Reeve, who died Oct. 10.

"We wanted to involve Christopher Reeve in the making of the new movie," Harris told GLARE on Monday. "It would have been so nice to have Chris be a part of the new film as an adviser. Who knows what his title would have been, but we know Chris would have loved being involved. Being Superman meant so much to him."

The creators are setting out to give a new generation its Superman with "Superman Returns," which will begin production in four weeks.

"It's moving full steam ahead," Harris said. "I'm happy to say that, because Hollywood has been trying to crack this Superman thing for years."

As for script secrets, Harris divulged the following: "He'll begin in his late 20s. He lost his powers in 'Superman 2' and now he has the powers back. But something has happened because he's been away for a long time."

As for script secrets, Harris divulged, "We're taking off from the first two Superman films with Christopher Reeve. We use his history and then move on with big twists and great special effects.

"We're not going to do the origin story again. Our view is if you're over 25 years old, then you've seen the Reeve films and that's Superman to you. If you're under 25, then you watch TV's 'Smallville,' and that's Superman to you."

They don't want people to go "Hey that is the guy who played Jesus", or "Hey, that is Mr. Mom." That is what sucked about watching all of the Batman movies. You kept saying "Hey that is Mr. Mom." "Hey that is Iceman." "Hey that is Clooney bobbing his damn head like one of those stupid sports bobble heads!" I am glad he went with an unknown. I like Welling, but the more I look at that manip, the more the guy looks like Reeve Superman. I wish they went with an unknown for Batman Begins, but Bale isn't really well known as his movies have never really made money, so you can still say "That is Batman." I reallly wish they went for an unknown. Remember that Hugh Jackman was an unknown that he found too and, except for being a little skinny, he is the perfect Wolverine, and you never question that he is Wolverine. That is what he wanted. In fact, If you watch Sup 1, he gains all of his body and muscle throughout the movie as he was very skinny when he was cast. He gained some 30 pounds of muscle under the training of Darth Vader himself, David Prowse. They aren't starting shooting till May, so Routh has plenty of time to bulk up. They are also using the technique of what was done on Superman to dye the costume in a way that makes his physique bigger. If you had seen Chris Reeeve out of the costume, he was much bigger than in the costume. Spanex does that.

I really do hope that he casts Durrance as Lois. It is doubtfull as they didn't want anyone from the series in the movie so that it wasn't conflicting to viewers. Lets hope they find another Durrance for her. Cinescape is confirming the 6 actress in the running:

Now that the new Man of Steel has been minted by Bryan Singer, one of the remaining casting mysteries for the new SUPERMAN film is: who will play Lois Lane?

This new scooper claims to know who it's down to and told us the six actresses that are supposedly on the callback list. We know the ID of our scooper and they also told us where (in a roundabout fashion) that they heard this info from and they claim it comes from a reliable contact of theirs. Three of the names mentioned on the list have been referred to on other websites, so perhaps the scooper is also tapped into the same source that these other reports are originating from. For now, take it with a grain of salt as we don't have a prior history with our new pal -- but if it turns out that the new Lois does indeed comes from this list, then we've got a new contact that has earned our trust.

According to the scooper, these six actresses are presently frontrunners for the part of Lois Lane in SUPERMAN. In alphabetical order they are:

Mischa Barton (THE O.C.)

Charisma Carpenter (ANGEL)

Mia Kirshner (THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS)

Evangeline Lilly (LOST)

Natalie Portman (STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES)

Keri Russell (FELICITY)

We've seen three of the actresses mentioned before. Barton and Portman have been both linked as being a possible Lois for a number of months now, and two days ago the movie website JoBlo.com was the first to report Evangeline Lilly as another candidate. That site's source also told them that Singer had narrowed the short list down to four names, two less than what we were told it stands at.

If it were up to me, out of all those, Mia Kirshner would be the one.

She is the one that looks most like Lois, and she has played a tough ass before in a few movies, so I know she can give Lois justice like Durrance does. She can play the tough as nails, ball busting Lois along with the aloof falling in love with Superman Lois. Plus, she can just act period. 2nd choice would be Carpenter.

Portman is already Amidala, and so that will be too much of what Singer doesn't want. Portman is also way to short compared to Routh. They would have to have her on an apple box to even be in a scene with either Routh or Kevin Spacey(Luthor). No one who is a Superman fan wants Barton, and Singer listens to the fans on AICN, so I would be suprised if she gets it. Russell's looks and personality is nothing like Lois so I don't see her being cast. She just exudes goody goody two shoes. That is not Lois Lane. Also, they need someone in her mid 20's to keep in line with Superman 1 and 2. Barton is 18. My money is on eitehr Kirshner, Lilly, and Portman being considered last due to her Star Wars ties. I also just read that Amy Acker (Fred on Angel) has been testing and retesting with Routh and that they have good chemistry:

I really wish he would have tested Kate Beckinsale. She would have been perfect for it. But maybe Warner's has put an "off-limits" on her for the Wonder Woman movie.

Of course this also means that we are going to have a Batman/Superman movie, ans I know Bale is contracted for. And I am assuming if he is, then Routh is being as well.

And Drew, Routh and Reeve have the same chin, as you can compare the manip above with this pic or Reeve:

 

[General Zod]

Buggs
Thanks for the news I'm not sure about Terrence Stamp playing Zod again Wouldn't he be a little old for that role? Hopefully if Zod is in the film he'll kick Superman's butt and win this time😀

 

[He-Man]

Re: Bryan Singer Confirms Brandon Routh as Superman and John Williams music will be score

They don't want people to go "Hey that is the guy who played Jesus", or "Hey, that is Mr. Mom." That is what sucked about watching all of the Batman movies. You kept saying "Hey that is Mr. Mom." "Hey that is Iceman." "Hey that is Clooney bobbing his damn head like one of those stupid sports bobble heads!" I am glad he went with an unknown. I like Welling, but the more I look at that manip, the more the guy looks like Reeve Superman. I wish they went with an unknown for Batman Begins, but Bale isn't really well known as his movies have never really made money, so you can still say "That is Batman." I reallly wish they went for an unknown. Remember that Hugh Jackman was an unknown that he found too and, except for being a little skinny, he is the perfect Wolverine, and you never question that he is Wolverine.

Well, he was close as Wolverine, except for two other things...he wasn't hairy ...and he wasn't short. After all, he's had villans call him things like "midget","shortstuff","shrimp" and other little things like that.

At least his personality was right.

"It's okay, it's me!"
"Prove it."
"You're a dick."
"...okay." (best scene in x-men, ever. 😛 )

 

[tklr5150]

Re: Re: Bryan Singer Confirms Brandon Routh as Superman and John Williams music will be score

"It's okay, it's me!"
"Prove it."
"You're a dick."
"...okay." (best scene in x-men, ever. 😛 )

The only remaining line from Joss Whedon's script doctoring, I might add. Except for the line Storm says about "what happens to a toad when it's struck by lightning." Joss was unhappy that she delivered it "like Desdemona," when it was supposed to be much more off-the-cuff, a la a Buffy quip post-slay.


And Jackman was about a foot taller than Wolverine. But he still kicked a sizable amount of ass.

 

[buggs]

"It's okay, it's me!"
"Prove it."
"You're a dick."
"...okay."

Yeah, that was my favorite part of the movie as well. I like Whedon, but I think Hollywood didn't trust him for a while as he did the scripts to Speed 2, the haunting, and Aline Ressurection right in a row. That is how Hollywood is. I think he has bounced back from that. There is reports that he is going to be the new director for X-3. Well that is what Lauren-Schuller Donner and Avi Arad are leaning to. Other than him being taller, Singer did good, although I didn't like Berry. Her casting was probably a studio mandate thing (You need to have at least two or three established money makers in this) I at first didn't like Jansen cast as Jean (too old and not red haired), but I like Jansen herself (Onatop is one of the sexiest villians ever) and so I have grown to accept her. I think Singer is going to kick butt all over this thing. Finally Warners got it right and started listening to the fans, their audience.

It looks like New Line is going ahead with Iron man too:

"Sources advised IGNFF that this draft of Iron Man is very Tom Clancy-esque in tone and involves the conflict between Tony Stark and his father Howard over Stark Industries. The Armored Avenger's origin has been updated from the Vietnam back story used in the comics."

AND IT IS FINALLY OFFICIAL-ROUTH IS SUPERMAN

October 21, 2004: Official Announcement - Warner Bros. Pictures Casts Brandon Routh as Superman
Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Brandon Routh, a 25-year-old native of Iowa with television and film acting experience, has been cast as The Man of Steel in the Studio's upcoming Superman epic, to be directed by Bryan Singer. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production for Warner Bros. Pictures.
The untitled Superman movie is expected to begin principal photography in Australia early next year for release in summer, 2006. It is produced by Jon Peters, Bryan Singer and Gilbert Adler from a screenplay by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. No other casting has been announced.

Stated Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros., "We are so pleased to have put this extraordinary team of filmmakers and talent together and to be moving forward with a project we've all anticipated so much. I think we're going to make a Superman movie that all of us can be very proud to bring to our audience around the world."

Routh was chosen for the role of Superman following an exhaustive search that spanned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Thousands of candidates were interviewed before the final selection was made.

Singer commented on his choice of a star, saying "Contrary to speculation, it was always my absolute intention to hire an unknown for this role. Brandon is an extremely fine actor who possesses the physical qualifications of Clark Kent/Superman. But he also embodies the legacy and history of this character in a way that makes me certain he's the right choice."

"We respect and appreciate the intense interest that our fans around the world have in Superman, and we went everywhere in search of a talented actor who would represent his look, character and presence," said Robinov. "We think Brandon is a gifted young performer who can re-energize this iconic character and excite new audiences about the legend of Superman."

Routh's television credits include One Life to Live, Gilmore Girls, Will & Grace, and Cold Case. He recently wrapped his first feature role in the upcoming film Deadly, starring opposite Laura Prepon.

And of course you guys know what this all means don't you...A BATMAN/SUPERMAN MOVIE (which both actors are contracted to do. Well I know Bale is and I am assuming that Routh is now too.) And if Joel Silver can get a good Wonder Woman script going and a Actress cast, then we will have a JUSTICE LEAGUE movie too.

 

[New2u]

Superman Lives

This is so cool, Buggs. I'm ready for some more Superman adventures. I'm suprised that they would bring back Terence Stamp as "Zod". How about Sarah Douglas (Ursela) and O'Hallahan (Non) is there any chance they'll return?

 

[buggs]

Not sure on that new. In the Lester version of Superman 2, which was released, it appears that the trio fall into the casms of the Fortress and die. In the Donner original version(not releases but negotiations are in process for a Donner version to be released on DVD to conicide with this movies release), they are taken into custody by the Arctic Patrol with Luthor, as you can see in this screen cap from the Donner Version (which was added in to extend the running time when it first premiered on ABC in 1982):

No word as to weather the three original actors will return, or new doubles with their voices, or just Stamps, dubbed in. All that is known is that Stamp and Zod have been mentioned by the writters and Singer.

 

[MsDivaNYC]

I don't do prime-time TV

Can someone tell Me what movies/TV shows this kid Routh has been in? I've never watched 'The O.C.', but I know Mischa Barton from the countless celeb fanzines.

Someone mentioned Reese Witherspoon for the Lois Lane role. It would be a FAB choice: Pretty, feisty, spunky, smart--would be a great choice.

 

[buggs]

MsDivaNYC

He just did an independant film that is to be released shortly. Other than that, all he did is a few prime time things and a soap.

As far as Witherspoon, she isn't in the running. They are trying to cast people that look and act like her charactger in the comics. Everyone wants Slema Blaire, who has campaigned for it with all of the other directors, but now that she is in Hellboy and the sequel, she is not in the running. But she is the upmost Superman fan favorite as she looks like Lois Lane stepped out of the comics and acts like her too. I honestly don't see why Keri Russel is in the running. I hope it isn't that Lilly girl from lost as she jsut doesn't look like Lois Lane. The only ones I can see that even have a chance are Charisma Carpenter, Mia Kirshner, Natalie Portman, and Amy Acker. I am hoping it is Kirshner, Carpenter, or Acker.

 

[drew70]

Well, in the first picture which I commented on before, he looks too young to be Superman. In the second picture which is black and white and says WILDE in the bottom right hand corner he looks much more acceptable as Superman. But in that last picture, he once again looks too young. Perhaps its the costume that does it for him.

 

[New2u]

IronMan

Buggs, my man, I'm not sure if you're a fan of the Marvel universe but I was wondering if you could check your sources on the proposed "The invincible Iron man" movie (This probably warrants a new thread on this) that supposedly Tom Cruise was looking at to play the billionare "Tony Stark" charcter? Director Stuart (Robot Wars) Gordon was attempting to bring this character to the big screen about 10 years ago but lacked studio support. But now with the success of the "X-Men" and "Spiderman", Studios have taken another look at "Ironman" for a possible movie venture at long last.

 

[buggs]

Drew, he is older now. That pic with him in the Superman suit was a manip, but I am sure he will be wearing a wig for Superman's hairstyle like Reeve had to. So that is what the guy would look like in the suit. That is a manip with a current pic of Routh.

New, What I reported on Iron Man is what was reported at www.superherohype.com, which was quoting a Film Force article you can see the article here:
http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/558/558797p1.html

Exclusive Iron Man Update
The status of Shellhead's movie!

October 21, 2004 - IGN FilmForce has learned that screenwriter David Hayter's latest draft of Iron Man has won over New Line Cinema and the studio is immediately going out with it to directors who can get the film up and running by early 2005!

Sources advised IGNFF that this draft of Iron Man is very Tom Clancy-esque in tone and involves the conflict between Tony Stark and his father Howard over Stark Industries. The Armored Avenger's origin has been updated from the Vietnam back story used in the comics.

Actors like Tom Cruise and Nicolas Cage have been mentioned for the project over the years but with Cruise now busy doing War of the Worlds and Cage prepping for Ghost Rider, New Line has several other movie stars in mind.

Iron Man is produced by Avi Arad and Kevin Feige of Marvel Studios, who are currently on the set of Fantastic Four in Vancouver, and Don Murphy of Angryfilms, who is also busy with DreamWorks/Paramount's live-action feature version of The Transformers, which is slated for a summer 2006 release.

Look to IGN FilmForce for more Iron Man news as it happens!

New Line has a lot of money in it's pocket's from their take on the Lord of the Rings series, and they are looking for more high profile projects like Rings that can become a series if successful. Don't know if Cruise is still attached. I know he and Spielberg are gearing up to shoot the remake (or faithful version of the book) of War of the Worlds to be released next summer.

Superman-v.com is reporting:

Now that the identitiy of the new big screen Superman has been revealed and Mark Millar has admitted defeat. Bryan Singer and company can finally move on to casting the rest of the principal cast. New reports on casting possiblities have appeared in the press. DarkHorizons reported that Mischa Barton was up for the Lois Lane role, although JoBlo.com put forward a different name - Evangeline Lilly - as a prime candidate for the part. Now Cinescape have followed up on both these scoops with a list of more possible candidates. According to their list; Natalie Portman, Keri Russell, Mia Kirshner and Charisma Carpenter are among the names being considered. Sources close to the project tell S-V that tests are happening as we speak. Apparently the Lane hopefulls will be tested alongside Brandon Routh in the next few weeks. The Super team are looking for someone with a pretty face, who can also act. Because Lois Lane has some very strong and powerfull scenes in the movie, they are searching for a real actress NOT a prom queen. Another source tells us that the director apparently wants Amy Acker (who was mentioned in a Cinescape article) but she's heavily pregnant and Evangeline Lilly did test with Routh -- however her schedule on Lost might be a stumbling block.

Lex Luthor hopefuls are also being tested. According to IESB and the NY POST , Kevin Smith mentioned that Bryan Singer is eyeing Kevin Spacey for that role. We're told that Singer wants someone whom audiences will recognize but who is not too well known to take over the film. The Independent mentions that Jude Law will be 'turning up' in Superman Returns. The paper fails to specify what role Jude will be playing - it could be a mistake as Jude was linked to Batman vs. Superman. We're told that James Caviezel - who was disappointed to lose out on the part he wanted badly - might play another role in the film, that of Jor-El, for example. Patrick Stewart who's rumored to be under consideration for the same part, told Space-View that although he hasn't received an offer, he would not mind starring in another major film franchise (on top of Star Trek and X-Men). An unknown actor named Travis Wade did a screen test for an unspecified role recently. Superherohype! informs us that Superman 2 villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) will be back in some capacity! Also, Jack O'Halloran - 'Non' in the Superman films - tells Moviehole.net that the idea of bringing back his character and Ursa has been discussed but that nothing had yet been decided.

So how will Singer's Superman connect to Superman 2? We understand from a usually reliable source that the story will start off with Superman in exile 6 years after the events in Superman 2 when General Zod, Ursa and Non wreaked havoc on the citizens of Metropolis. There was alot of hate towards the Man of Steel and he felt responsible, so he exiled himself. The film will begin with Superman in the fortress of solitude whilst in his exiled state. After an attack on Metropolis Superman returns and whilst he feels badly about what happened before, he feels it's his duty to save the day once more. We're told to imagine this as a kind of Kingdom Come-like 'Second coming'. our source goes on to tell us "This is a tale that will amaze and captivate you from the get go. The film will have an amazing story at it's core. It will have a connection to the previous franchise in the sense that similar story elements are being used. But in many ways, this represents a complete restart."

Things are said to be going very well in the art department. Sources say the production plans have tremendous scope. The first prototype of the Superman costume has already been constructed. It has padding - an enhanced undersuit - to aid the actor. It will have the same flexibility -if not more - as the Spider-Man suit. The shield on the suit has red and yellow with an updated yet classic S design. The cape is almost regal in the way it drapes over the shoulders.

As Bryan Singer stated recently a number of sequences have already been pre-visualized. Some of the pre-viz work by Pixel Liberation Front is said to be wonderful. One particular sequence is the trade-mark 'shirt rip' sequence. We're told that even though by then the audience would have been introduced to the Superman character, this particular sequence is so gripping, it appears they are seeing 'The man' for the first time.

Sources advise us that Warner Brothers have tapped SONY IMAGE WORKS and ILM to possibly work on the visual effects. Apparently the work will be split between the two highly rated -award winning- fx houses. Sony Image Works' credits include Peter Pan, Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions and the Spider-Man films. ILM's credits include all the Star Wars - Harry Potter- Back To The Future - Indiana Jones and Jurrasic Park films. ILM were tapped to work on Superman Lives back in the 90's with Tim Burton. When Brett Ratner took over, he too wanted ILM to work on the special effects for his (subsequently aborted) Superman FlyBy project. Now if things work out, they will get the chance to make you believe a man can fly again. A number of other fx houses are also being looked at to possibly work on other things.

Ron Routh (Brandon Routh's Father) told the Omaha World-Herald that he has been told that publicity about the movie won't happen until after it's shot! "Their motive is to keep the mystique up," he said. Sara Routh -Brandon's sister- has reacted to his casting with a certain amount of pride. "I'm proud of you today and for everyday after...you are an inspiration and I'm so lucky to be here with you through everything that is going on! Many big hugs! Sarie"

More crew additions for the project have been revealed. James Oxford (Riddick, X2) Concept illustrator, Gabriel Hardman (Cat In The Hat, X2) - Storyboard artist. Victor James Martinez (Minority Report, Riddick), J. André Chaintreuil (Spider-Man 2, X2) and Rob Johnson (XXX2 , Spartan) have joined as Digital Set Designers. Christopher Batty (Sky Captain, Logan's Run) is the pre-visualization supervisor.

Finally the director of the original Superman films, Richard Donner will be making an appearance at the Screenwriting Expo 3. He's scheduled to appear on Friday, November 5 at 7 PM. Paul Attanasio -one of the many writers to work on a Superman script- will also be appearing at the same event at around 5 PM.
Details can be found here: http://www.screenwritingexpo.com/expo3catalog.pdf

Further more Superman Returns DOP, Newton Thomas Sigel and former Superman costume designer, Stan Winston, will be appearing at the Digital Studio summit. Details: http://www.ihollywoodforum.com/ http://www.ihollywoodforum.com/digitalstudio2004.htm

Finally - Wouldn't be cool if Superman results in a well made SUPERGIRL movie? Head over to Cinescape for details! Although Melissa George is the current rumour S-V thinks there is only one (possibly two) choices for Supergirl.

 

[New2u]

Much Appreciated, my friend

Thanks Buggs, you provided a wealth of info for me. I'll come back from time to time to check on the progress of the new Superman film and on the (hopefully) new Ironman film.

Thanks for the website addresses too.

 

[He-Man]

Certainly Stewart seems to have been able to play two highly identifiable roles in his career, Picard and Professor Xavier.

I think he'd make a good Vulture as well. I almost thought I heard his voice in the Spider-Man movie video game when Vulture yells "You're getting to be a pest, Spider-Man! Today, YOU DIE!"

 

[tickle]

I can see where being identified by a role can cause problems. Mark Hamill once said that after Star Wars no one wanted to cast him because he was "Luke Skywalker". However, Harrison Ford had no problems as he went on to become "Indiana Jones".. However.. on to my question on topic.. seems I once read a while back that Charisma Carpenter was being considered for the role of Wonder Woman. Is thia true or fantasy? I for one, would like to see her as Wonder Woman rather than Lois. But as mentioned, everyone has their favorites. Also, I think it's the movie that makes the actors/actresses just as much as their own talents. For instance, nothing could save Batman and Robin from being a horrid movie simply because the writing was horrible. Top notch actors/talent, yet shoddy writing equals yuck movie. I just hope this Superman movie is written in a way that allows anyone playing Superman/Clark and Lois to at least have a chance as showing they are capable.

 

[New2u]

Type casting is the danger for an Actor

tickle, what you mentioned is quite true among the actors that being "type cast" could be a "death knell" for some actors' careers. Mark Hamill was a good example. Chris Reeve attempted to "reasonably" break out of the role of Superman but probably knew that this would be difficult if not impossible. That same problem occurred with the first T.V. Superman, George Reeves who decided, before his untimely death, to move into the area of directing as a possible new career. Adam West will forever be known as the "camp" Batman, a typecast "weilded" to him. William Shatner, although his character is not "super" he was a form of "hero".