RTK Sequence in Sequel

[Retroman]

XSI Base interview with illustrator Ben Procter who did some extensive design work on the Return To Krypton sequence.

Interview with Ben Procter

Concept Illustrator Ben Procter talks about his work on 'Transfomers', combining 3d and 2d techniques, XSI and how to make the career switch from 3d to illustration.

September, 26th, 2007, by Raffael Dickreuter


Tell us about your involvement in Superman Returns and what illustrations you had to create

Sadly, much of my work on Superman Returns never ended up in the final film, because at the last minute a big introductory sequence where Superman returns to the shattered remains of Krypton was dropped to help keep down the running time. But at any rate, I worked on a variety of elements for this lost sequence, including the destroyed planet itself and both the exterior and interior of a large crystalline ship which has carried Supes from earth. The interior was fully built and photographed as a translucent, glowing set which I've only seen in one photograph in the Art of Superman Returns book. Bryan Singer's group has made noises about including the lost sequence in a sequel film, and I sure hope they do that so I can see how it turned out! Also cut from the release was a scene where teenage Clark Kent discovers the hidden remnants of the Kryptonian space pod which brought him to earth as an infant. I modelled the pod in 3D, once again working within a crystalline, alien style of construction.
Happily, my work on the Fortress of Solitude made it into the movie, at least in some form. I did a full interior model which became the basis for a partial set construction, and was also used by Collin Grant in storyboarding the FOS sequence and by Jeff Julian in his concept illustration of the Jor-El ice crystal holograms. In developing the FOS interior model, I took a good look at the set from the Donner Superman films, as production designer Guy Dyas wanted everything for the movie to harken back to the earlier designs in some ways while at the same time taking them to a new level. Taking a ton of screengrabs from the Donner films and roto-mapping them into roughly matched 3D camera views, I was able to more or less reconstruct the basic layout of the old FOS set, and from there we added greater scale, a more intricate composition of angular elements, more crystalline growth detail, and a big vertical construction/launch chute for Superman's crystal ship.
I also modelled a FOS exterior entrance staircase, based heavily on Tani Kunitake's storyboards, which became an important part of the exterior set for Luthor's island grown from the seafloor.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3107/bp5bt1.jpgSource:http://www.xsibase.com/articles.php?detail=142

http://www.benprocter.com/SITEv2/HTML/PROJPAGE_Superman_01.html

[bgshw44]

i still think it will be used an a full dvd cut as well.

[Matt]

Probably, being as the sequel is very unlikely (though not impossible) at this point. Therefore around the time of JLA in 2009 you will see several special extended edition DVDs ranging from Superman Returns to Batman 89.

[Showtime]

If there is a sequel, it will be in a sequel if Singer is smart. That would show that the scene wasn't wasted and still could fit a possible storyline. If not, then it will be as Matt has said.

Awesome find Retro. You're still the #1 Sleuth.

[Mister J]

Sequel, extended DVD or whatever, I hope we get to see this one day. That shot in Retro's opening post is beautiful.

[OzzMosiz]

Sequel, extended DVD or whatever, I hope we get to see this one day. That shot in Retro's opening post is beautiful.

Same here. I think from a financial point of view (and to keep the cost of Man Of Steel down) it would make sense to use this in the sequel.

As suggested in the past, perhaps Brainiac hitched a lift

[manofsteel4life]

i sure hope so...

[matthooper]

Why would SHH post this article with a headline like that? Those Singer comments were from 2006 after the film came out. This guy, who had his work thrown to the cutting room floor is simply grasping for straws. Not even realizing that the sequel is pretty much dead.

There is nothing new here, yet whoever posted this simply won't recognize the situation. The sequel is not happening.

[bgshw44]

Same here. I think from a financial point of view (and to keep the cost of Man Of Steel down) it would make sense to use this in the sequel.

As suggested in the past, perhaps Brainiac hitched a lift

they would make more having it in a dvd. besides, you can use it in both.

[KaptainKrypton]

If this is used in the sequel...all I can say is a big, fat, I told everyone so. It makes as much fiscal sense then as it does now. They use it for the sequel and it takes budget away from the first film.

[Brian Braddock]

they would make more having it in a dvd. besides, you can use it in both.


Actually, I think they could save more (and therefore by saving, make money) by having it in MOS. I posted ages ago about how just makes sense to use it - they spent all that money on a sequence that lasts supposedly close to a half hour.

You tie your MOS villain in with it and, hey presto, you've got half an hour of your new movie already filmed, just tweak it a little and you've made yourself some money.

[ohmshalone]

lol! typical hollywood! they make millions from superman returns but they'll make sure they can find a place to FORCE that couple million that landed on the cutting room floor ;)

this belongs in the special dvd, not in the sequel

[ChickenScratch]

It'll be used in the sequel. It's stuff they don't have to pay for again if we are going under the assumption that MOS will have a smaller budget.

[Matt]

If this is used in the sequel...all I can say is a big, fat, I told everyone so. It makes as much fiscal sense then as it does now. They use it for the sequel and it takes budget away from the first film.

Umm, if they use it for the sequel, that is no suprise...EVERYONE has said that, but I really doubt Singer shot the entire scene from the beginning with the intent of using it for a sequel that wasn't even outlined.

[Matt]

It'll be used in the sequel. It's stuff they don't have to pay for again if we are going under the assumption that MOS will have a smaller budget.

But you are going under the assumption that there will be a sequel to Superman Returns, and right now chances of that ain't lookin' to good.

[bgshw44]

warners would make much more in gross profit by releasing an extended dvd.

[markaudette]

*readies another gripe about the cut RTK suquence*

...

Thinks about it.

Hmm. Putting the sequence in the MOS....

I'm cool with that. It works pretty well that way.

*decides there's no gripe to be had*

Really, cutting the RTK scene into MOS would go a long way to helping keep production costs down. I don't think it'd be any great sin at all to include the scene in MOS instead of saving the scene for a SR ultra vitameatavegamin special edition.

[bgshw44]

i think mist people want to see it in an extended cut to see how SR was origionally intended to be

[markaudette]

Who ever makes a movie the way WE want anyhow?

I'll just be glad to see it in whatever fashion it finally shows up.

[Sebastos]

Very interesting.

[VenomsMom]

Looks like something they will add to the special edition uncut extended lets make more money on footage we excluded from they movie release DVD.

[Nightwing1977]

That would be great if they use that for MoS if it happend. Seeing as Brainiac is a great choice for the next film & is from Krypton. They should use that Superman visiting the ruins of his birthplace, Brainiac unexpectly took a ride on his ship. I love that idea.

[Acid Snowman]

I'm very happy about this.

[Angeloz]

I'm very happy about this.

It potentially being in the sequel? Or would you be happy with it being shown on DVD? Or both?

Angeloz

[mjbull23]

I understand they were trying to cut down the running time of the movie. As is, I think Returns clocked in at nearly 2 1/2 hours. But they still should've included some of this footage in the movie. There's no way you start a Superman Movie with Lex Luthor in some dying old woman's bedroom. Bad Call.

[manofsteel4life]

I understand they were trying to cut down the running time of the movie. As is, I think Returns clocked in at nearly 2 1/2 hours. But they still should've included some of this footage in the movie. There's no way you start a Superman Movie with Lex Luthor in some dying old woman's bedroom. Bad Call.
well it started with Clark landing on the farm.....but i get what you were saying

[Angeloz]

Actually it started with the Jor-El voice-over as well as showing Krypton and then Rao blowing up.

Angeloz

[Superman-Prime]

I hope this is true. I want a sequel dammit!

[Angeloz]

I hope this is true. I want a sequel dammit!

Me too though without sending it to hell. ;)

Angeloz

[Etienne]

Me too though without sending it to hell. ;)

Angeloz

lol your funny angeloz :yay:

[Angeloz]

lol your funny angeloz :yay:

Thanks. :)

Angeloz

[Retroman]

If there is a sequel, it will be in a sequel if Singer is smart. That would show that the scene wasn't wasted and still could fit a possible storyline. If not, then it will be as Matt has said.
I agree.
Awesome find Retro. You're still the #1 Sleuth.
Thanks!:yay:
Why would SHH post this article with a headline like that? Those Singer comments were from 2006 after the film came out. This guy, who had his work thrown to the cutting room floor is simply grasping for straws. Not even realizing that the sequel is pretty much dead.

There is nothing new here, yet whoever posted this simply won't recognize the situation. The sequel is not happening.
He's in a better position to know than any of us having spent a good deal of time working on both SR and Logan's Run - the same team that was (or is) working on the sequel.It's not impossible that he's heard a thing or two that we haven't.:cwink:

[Retroman]

Someone in the comments section of the Supermanhomepage had a pretty good suggestion of how the sequence could be utilized in the sequel.:up: Not sure if anyone's brought up this idea before.

I have another thought – it seems logical that Superman would want to retrieve the crystals (including the father crystal) from the island/planet “New Krypton” that he pushed into space in SR. It is possible that the “Return to Krypton” sequence from the fist film will be3come (in edited form with new footage) Superman’s trip to the asteroid belt (or wherever he threw the thing) to get back the crystals to reestablish contact with the Jor-El AI.Source:http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=3990

[Brian Braddock]

Someone in the comments section of the Supermanhomepage had a pretty good suggestion of how the sequence could be utilized in the sequel.:up: Not sure if anyone's brought up this idea before.

Source:http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=3990


Maybe i'm missing something but didnt the crystal in the FOS originally build the ship for him to enable him to search for the remnants of Krypton.

When he returned to earth it looked pretty damaged - without the crystals, does Supes have the capability to repair it himself and look for New Krypton?

[Retroman]

Maybe i'm missing something but didnt the crystal in the FOS originally build the ship for him to enable him to search for the remnants of Krypton.

When he returned to earth it looked pretty damaged - without the crystals, does Supes have the capability to repair it himself and look for New Krypton?
Good points. Didn't think of that.:O

It obviouslt got damaged when it crashed but a lot pieces were still intact when he buried it.Maybe there's another crystal left inside the ship or somewhere else? Perhaps he could use that to get the ship running again or create another?:huh:

[Showtime]

I think if NK is in orbit above earth, all Superman would have to do is fly out to it anyway.

[Retroman]

I think if NK is in orbit above earth,
It was in orbit between Mars and Jupiter last i remember.:huh:
all Superman would have to do is fly out to it anyway.
Yeah i guess he could do that but why fly on your own when you could fly first class Kryptonian style.:oldrazz: And besides, it'd be very risky to go to NK without some kind of protection.

[Angeloz]

Like a lead lined suit in the animated series? ;)

Angeloz

[Brian Braddock]

It was in orbit between Mars and Jupiter last i remember.:huh:

Yeah i guess he could do that but why fly on your own when you could fly first class Kryptonian style.:oldrazz: And besides, it'd be very risky to go to NK without some kind of protection.

I agree - Donner/Singers Supes is still basically pre-crisis Supes and as we've seen can journey into space under his own steam as long as there is a yellow sun (like Zod, Non and Ursa in SII) but he'd need some sort of shielding seeing as NK is infused with Kryptonite.

Or as Angeloz says - get him one of these:-

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/SUPERBENITEZ/med_lead_bike_suit.jpg

:cwink:

[Bad Superman]

I think the RTK scenes should've been added in a possible Re-Cut for Superman Returns. Since he said he wouldn't do another cut, it won't happen. The only way the scene could be used on a sequel would be as a "flashback" memory since there might be some physical changes that may show up with Routh's age from 2005 Routh to 20??.

[Angeloz]

I agree - Donner/Singers Supes is still basically pre-crisis Supes and as we've seen can journey into space under his own steam as long as there is a yellow sun (like Zod, Non and Ursa in SII) but he'd need some sort of shielding seeing as NK is infused with Kryptonite.

Or as Angeloz says - get him one of these:-

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/SUPERBENITEZ/med_lead_bike_suit.jpg

:cwink:

Heh. I like it (your post). :)

Angeloz

[UltimateJustin]

Why would SHH post this article with a headline like that? Those Singer comments were from 2006 after the film came out. This guy, who had his work thrown to the cutting room floor is simply grasping for straws. Not even realizing that the sequel is pretty much dead.

There is nothing new here, yet whoever posted this simply won't recognize the situation. The sequel is not happening.
Your signature is the best of time.

[NotFadeAway]

Singer is so stupid. He wasted money on this sequence and never used, just like hewatsed money on the pointless bullet to the eye scene. And better yet, he had Superman fight a continent. The only cool scene was the plae sequence, where I will give the devil his due! That scene was incredible!

[Retroman]

Like a lead lined suit in the animated series? ;)

AngelozI agree - Donner/Singers Supes is still basically pre-crisis Supes and as we've seen can journey into space under his own steam as long as there is a yellow sun (like Zod, Non and Ursa in SII) but he'd need some sort of shielding seeing as NK is infused with Kryptonite.

Or as Angeloz says - get him one of these:-

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b64/SUPERBENITEZ/med_lead_bike_suit.jpg

:cwink:

lol Well the RTK suit does look kind of metallic.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9469/073iu8.jpg
http://www.brandonrouth.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=90&pos=6

[Visionary]

It's too late for gimmicks, the movie has failed damn-near across the board.

[Angeloz]

It's too late for gimmicks, the movie has failed damn-near across the board.

For you and not for everyone. ;)

Angeloz

[Angeloz]

For the Majority! :cwink:

Says you! :oldrazz: ;) :)

Angeloz

[Sebastos]

lol Well the RTK suit does look kind of metallic.

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9469/073iu8.jpg
http://www.brandonrouth.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=90&pos=6

Great pic.

[KaptainKrypton]

Umm, if they use it for the sequel, that is no suprise...EVERYONE has said that, but I really doubt Singer shot the entire scene from the beginning with the intent of using it for a sequel that wasn't even outlined.
He did when he realized he might not've been coming in under budget. After all, why the hell would he sacrifice a $10 million sequence right before go time and replace it with a black screen and white typeface?

[jrd550]

WB owes it to us to get this made