Reintroducing Superman: An Open Discussion

[Ita-KalEl]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117990659.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Originally Posted by Variety
WB taps into ties at DC Comics
Co. has heroes like Wonder Woman, Flash
By MARC GRASER
When it comes to superhero properties, Warner Bros. couldn't be sitting on a more enviable source: DC Comics, home to Batman, Superman and other well-known caped crusaders.

But to make its heroes fly at the megaplex, the studio knows it needs to make the right movies. The financial payoff is too big to squander with a creative misfire like "Catwoman."

"They can really be an evergreen source of enjoyment and income," says studio topper Alan Horn, referring to the coin a hit pic can collect at the B.O. and from sources like TV, homevid, vidgames and merchandise. The studio earned $1 billion from DC fare alone in 2005, when "Batman Begins" was released. "If you do it wrong, you're dead, you're out of there."

Getting out there, however, has taken time.

Warners and DC (both Time Warner entities) have labored in vain over another Superman, and launches for Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Arrow and Green Lantern. It's maddening for fans as rival Marvel Comics has successfully begun financing its own slate of pics, first with "Iron Man," then a reboot of "The Incredible Hulk" this summer.

That could soon change, as Warners is readying to revamp how DC's properties are developed -- changes that could be announced within the next month.

DC doesn't have a separate film division the way rival Marvel does, which is moving forward with an "Iron Man" sequel and adaptations of Thor, Captain America and the superhero team-up "The Avengers" for 2010 and 2011.

That means Warners doesn't have a sole cheerleader for its comicbook projects, or someone to work closely with filmmakers to develop them.

Until now, those duties have been shared by production prexy Jeff Robinov and Gregory Noveck, senior VP of creative affairs for DC Comics, who has served as a liaison between the comicbook publisher and the studio.

Some say Robinov's attention may be pulled in too many directions, given his other responsibilities, which include the rest of the studio's slate and marketing. Noveck formerly was Joel Silver's TV topper.

"We're having a lot of internal discussions on it," Horn says. "We haven't committed to any change at DC at this point," adding that both Warners and DC are committed to turning "the properties into viable movie product in an intelligent way so that we introduce them like planes on a runway. They have to be set up the right way and lined up the right way and all take off one at a time and fly safe and fly straight."

One high-profile property is "Justice League," which Warner Bros. had hoped would start production before the writers strike.

But given that it unites Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Arrow, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter, the studio is trying to figure out how such the pic (cast with younger actors) would affect its existing Batman and Superman franchises -- and whether the script respects how the characters play off each other in the DC universe.

To put it simply: the studio doesn't want to piss off the Comic-Con contingent.

"We're not off the notion of a Justice League," Robinov says. "There's a massive interest and knowledge in the comicbook industry and it takes time to sort of catch up and understand the characters and the history, where they've intersected with each other and what their worlds are. That's part of the education that we're going through."

When it comes to Batman, the future of the franchise is in Christopher Nolan's hands. That's what a successful reboot with "Batman Begins" and breaking records with "The Dark Knight" will do.

There's a deal for the director to helm a third pic, but he has yet to decide on whether to tackle it yet.

"We have no idea where Chris is going with this," Horn says. "We haven't had any conversations with him about it."

Either way, there's no question Warner Bros. will produce more superhero pics. The question is when.

"These are big, iconic characters," Noveck says. "So when you make them into a movie, you'd better be shooting for a pretty high standard. You're not always going to reach it, but you have to be shooting for it. We're going to make a Justice League movie, whether it's now or 10 years from now. But we're not going to do it and Warners is not going to do it until we know it's right."
-----------

So they'll do a Superman movie when they are sure about its quality. So when they greenlited Batman Forever, B&R and Catwoman did they know that were garbages?

[KaptainKrypton]

Good to hear. I love Robert Smigel...but the fact that some half-wits at Warner thought he'd be the man to tackle a Green Lantern script gives me a lovely case of the dry-heaves. Not that I don't like TV Funhouse or Triumph the Insult Comic Dog...because I do. However, him working on a script for that kind of film is the equivalent of going to a podiatrist for neurosurgery. Good at his own field...but VERY ill-equipped to tackle something beyond that difficulty.

I just hope that the estimation on some sort of an announcement in a month's time is accurate. And I hope they have a battle plan that doesn't include the stupid JLA film. Not because I'd never want to see one...but because it should be done LAST, after all the other solo pics are out. I'd preferably like to see them wait fifteen years or so after all the smoke has cleared and call everyone back to do Kingdom Come. Because that's the only thing of Mark Waid's I'd ever want to see touch the silver screen, personally.

[GreenKToo]

I think J.L. is waaaay down the pipe judging by the way he talked.

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Credit to this thread btw goes too Lighthouse of BT

http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/showthread.php?t=27877&page=51

[Crook]

I can stand the wait, as long as the payoff is worth all the time. If not, then WB is gonna be the ones that are gonna get hurt the most.

[Delete]

Did Variety really need to take that much time to write an article basically saying WB has some vague notions of making superhero movies and that Nolan is so golden right now he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants? I coulda told you that.

[batman44]

changes that could be announced within the next month.

Can we hope to hear something soon?

[Showtime]

Credit to this thread btw goes too Lighthouse of BT

http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/showthread.php?t=27877&page=51

:huh: Check your link.

[I Am The Knight]

Did Variety really need to take that much time to write an article basically saying WB has some vague notions of making superhero movies and that Nolan is so golden right now he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants? I coulda told you that.

I think the actual "news" here is that they will probably announce something within a month's time.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^But IMO it wont be to do with Superman, I hope I am dead wrong.

[I SEE SPIDEY]

That article seemed to say...nothing! Thanks WB and Variety.:up:

[TheComicbookKid]

That article seemed to say...nothing! Thanks WB and Variety.:up:

:woot::woot::woot:

Man. Whoever got their degree in "dancing around answers" sure has earned their paycheck.

[I SEE SPIDEY]

^lol Yep. I'm sooo tired of this non news news. Don't get me wrong after Catwoman I'm glad WB are taking there time but there is a such a thing as taking too much time. By the time they actually greenlight something not named Batman 3 I'm probably going to be 50 years old. Seesh.

[TheComicbookKid]

I think GL is going to happen, baring some unforseen circumstance. It'll be the bellweather for me if WB has learned something.

1. The budget-180 max but should be around 150ish.
2. Who they cast in the movies. Still going for an irregular young cast like JL or try and put some solid actors. (It doesn't have to be Caine or Freeman level)

3. (Less important) If MoS isn't happening, then Shazam should get his spot. August was already doing rewrites. Segal is filming some movie but I think it's possible to get it ready to shoot by summer 09.

[darkseid26]

hope we get GL and MOS before or around 2010

[Jochimus]

I'll believe WB will actually move beyond Batman and Superman when we start seeing on-set photos. Until then, :p .

[FlawlessVictory]

So the only mention of Superman is that, "Warners and DC have labored in vain over another Superman". Doesn't sound too good for Big Blue right now.

[GreenKToo]

No, it doesn't. I think we'll probably see G.L., Flash, and Supermax films before we see another Superman film.

[Double Down]

hope we get GL and MOS before or around 2010
Agreed.

[mego joe]

So the only mention of Superman is that, "Warners and DC have labored in vain over another Superman". Doesn't sound too good for Big Blue right now.

It sounds to me like they are going to try their hand at GL and other characters and maybe come back to a Superman reboot a few years down the line.

[Ita-KalEl]

IMO in the article there are a lot of lines pro SR:

"But given that it unites Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Arrow, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter, the studio is trying to figure out how such the pic (cast with younger actors) would affect its existing Batman and Superman franchises -- and whether the script respects how the characters play off each other in the DC universe."

We know that in the GL movie there is Clark Kent, so at WB, they probably have the plan to release a JLA movie within few years and Superman is part of the project. By now there isn't any reason to think that they want a rebooted Superman for the JLA movie.

If the want to release more movies based on the DC comics character, I bet on the fact that we are going to see more Superman movies. There is still hope for a 2010 release.

[Double Down]

Yeah, that's what I was saying. That sounds like a sequel.

[Nightwing1977]

Yeah, that's what I was saying. That sounds like a sequel.

Yep. If Superman will be a reboot, why would it mention WB are trying to make other movies without affecting Batman & Superman? Especially when we know a 3rd Batman film will happend soon. If they're going to reboot Superman, the article wouldn't mention Superman along with Batman.

[GreenKToo]

I dunno guys. We're hearing an awful lot of rumors about G.L. and Supermax but nothing M.O.S. related.
If W.B. has plans to make it, it would be wise to say so.

[dark_b]

I dunno guys. We're hearing an awful lot of rumors about G.L. and Supermax but nothing M.O.S. related.
If W.B. has plans to make it, it would be wise to say so.if there are leaks about GL then why are they no for MOS?
because IMO there is noone working on superman now.

[Landfill]

last i heard about superman is brandon rouths staying in shape to start filming at the beginning of 09. is there other news about it?

[jj9126]

last i heard about superman is brandon rouths staying in shape to start filming at the beginning of 09. is there other news about it?

Routh is about as "in the loop" as we are.

[dark_b]

last i heard about superman is brandon rouths staying in shape to start filming at the beginning of 09. is there other news about it?this would be good if he would said it last week or even last month.
but this a loooooooooong time ago.

[Showtime]

I dunno guys. We're hearing an awful lot of rumors about G.L. and Supermax but nothing M.O.S. related.
If W.B. has plans to make it, it would be wise to say so.

I really wouldn't put that much stalk into Green Arrow happening. Not yet anyway.

[dark_b]

I really wouldn't put that much stalk into Green Arrow happening. Not yet anyway.i think this is now your 3rd post about this. ohhhhhhhhhhhh you have some new info :wow::hehe:
did they tell you that they want to make GL but not very fast? they want to take time with it ?

i guess you will also say that there is no new info about MOS and that you think its over :hehe:

[Ita-KalEl]

Maybe Superman is over, but at WB they have not released any release schedule about their sh movies.

At this point we can only speculate about the silence, but maybe the reality is better than we think.

[Landfill]

i was hoping they would have a release date for the next superman and batman films. well since batman is doing so well they could have done it like iron man did it and released a date for the sequel the next monday after the initial release.

[I Am The Knight]

Nolan has yet to decide wheter he'll complete a Bat Trilogy or not, and he will hopefully undo the 3rd Installment Curse once and for all if he does. I think news on that front will be leaking out next year.

As for Supes...Who knows. Gotta wait another month I guess.

[Landfill]

i have a feeling nolan will be back for a 3rd film but not for awhile. id say at least 4 years. but i do hope we get a superman movie for 2010 if anything.

[FlawlessVictory]

Nolan has yet to decide wheter he'll complete a Bat Trilogy or not, and he will hopefully undo the 3rd Installment Curse once and for all if he does. I think news on that front will be leaking out next year.

Agreed, I think about half a year passed before Nolan committed to doing another Batman film after BB. So I would imagine the timeframe would be around the same.

[Ita-KalEl]

In the meanwhile they can introduce some new characters like Flash and Wonder Woman and hopefully the SR sequel.
Reguarding Nolan's franchise, IMO at this point Batman is ready for the JL's step. We don't need another sequel.
IMO they should only put the Batman/Bale cameos in all their new sh movie (MOS included), and then do a JLA movie with Routh and Bale.
The perfect final step would be a "Dark Night Returns" movie made by Snyder.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

^Personally, I would prefer a 3rd Batman movie before JL, directed by Nolan as well.

[GreenKToo]

Its hard for me to imagine Nolan NOT making a 3rd Batman film with the amount of money you just know W.B. will offer him.

[FlawlessVictory]

^Personally, I would prefer a 3rd Batman movie before JL, directed by Nolan as well.

WB feels the same way, that's why an offer to helm the 3rd one is now on the table for Nolan. The ball is in his court now. WB wants to milk Nolan for as long as they can and get as many Batman films out of him as possible (which will probably be just one more anyway). Before they move onto something much more riskier and complex as a JLA film.

[FlawlessVictory]

Its hard for me to imagine Nolan NOT making a 3rd Batman film with the amount of money you just know W.B. will offer him.

Agreed, plus the amount of creative freedom WB gave to him. WB could have easily panicked over Nolan's interpretations of the Joker and Two-Face and over the film's overall dark and complex story. But they completely stayed out of his way and they trusted him. And then his film delivered for the studio. So not only will Nolan be receiving a fat paycheck but also he will continue to be working under extremely favorable working conditions. The studio trusts him and he has delivered. I would say they have an excellent working relationship right now which is key. :cwink:

[mego joe]

IMO in the article there are a lot of lines pro SR:

"But given that it unites Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Arrow, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter, the studio is trying to figure out how such the pic (cast with younger actors) would affect its existing Batman and Superman franchises -- and whether the script respects how the characters play off each other in the DC universe."

We know that in the GL movie there is Clark Kent, so at WB, they probably have the plan to release a JLA movie within few years and Superman is part of the project. By now there isn't any reason to think that they want a rebooted Superman for the JLA movie.

If the want to release more movies based on the DC comics character, I bet on the fact that we are going to see more Superman movies. There is still hope for a 2010 release.


...or it could mean they don't have all the specs on a reboot done so they don't want to do SUperman in JLA and THEN have a reboot that would be limited by what was done with Superman in JLA, including casting.

[mego joe]

if there are leaks about GL then why are they no for MOS?
because IMO there is noone working on superman now.

I bet there are 'people working' on Superman, but more in the pitch stage instead of actual script writing. Imagine a pitch that gets accepted by the end of the year, then work on an actual script, then preproduction and casting phase, maybe by the summer. Then production. Perhaps 2011- 3 years away. BTW, definitely a reboot.

Also, if CLark Kent is in the GL scirpt, perhaps it's the first of a set of crossovers that will lead into JLA- with a new Superman as well. Then when Nolan is done w/ Batman, you can introduce a new Batman that can go into a JLA film.

[Showtime]

WB feels the same way, that's why an offer to helm the 3rd one is now on the table for Nolan. The ball is in his court now. WB wants to milk Nolan for as long as they can and get as many Batman films out of him as possible (which will probably be just one more anyway). Before they move onto something much more riskier and complex as a JLA film.

Agreed, plus the amount of creative freedom WB gave to him. WB could have easily panicked over Nolan's interpretations of the Joker and Two-Face and over the film's overall dark and complex story. But they completely stayed out of his way and they trusted him. And then his film delivered for the studio. So not only will Nolan be receiving a fat paycheck but also he will continue to be working under extremely favorable working conditions. The studio trusts him and he has delivered. I would say they have an excellent working relationship right now which is key. :cwink:

Its hard for me to imagine Nolan NOT making a 3rd Batman film with the amount of money you just know W.B. will offer him.

^Personally, I would prefer a 3rd Batman movie before JL, directed by Nolan as well.

Well...Nolan almost didn't end up directing Dark Knight. Imagine that.

[I Am The Knight]

Its hard for me to imagine Nolan NOT making a 3rd Batman film with the amount of money you just know W.B. will offer him.

It's not about money...It's about sending a "message"...

I imagine Nolan will only come back if he feels he still has something to say about Batman. And I hope he feels that way. I really do :grin:

[SatEL]

It's not about money...It's about sending a "message"...

I imagine Nolan will only come back if he feels he still has something to say about Batman. And I hope he feels that way. I really do :grin:

Well he didnt offer closure in TDK, and to me Nolan doesnt seem like the kind that would not finish a story.

[Ita-KalEl]

I still can't think that Superman isn't in the WB'plans.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Well...Nolan almost didn't end up directing Dark Knight. Imagine that.

I know, he himself said at one point he didnt want to do a sequel to BB, thank god he was convinced otherwise.

[Showtime]

I know, he himself said at one point he didnt want to do a sequel to BB, thank god he was convinced otherwise.

He was going to take a producer credit on the project.

[NotFadeAway]

Hopefully, we will get some Superman reboot news here soon.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

He was going to take a producer credit on the project.

Yeah I remember that, I REALLY hope he does a 3rd movie now, but how they will top TDK, i just dont know.

[SuperDaniel]

I really think they should make a Superman Reboot and make the JLA movie everybody against Batman because of TDK. I mean, in the end, the cops and everyone are against Batman. So that will be great to see in a JLA movie. Something like Dark Knight Returns.

The president hires JLA to take down Batman while enemies ploy to destroy the heroes altogether.

[SatEL]

I really think they should make a Superman Reboot and make the JLA movie everybody against Batman because of TDK. I mean, in the end, the cops and everyone are against Batman. So that will be great to see in a JLA movie. Something like Dark Knight Returns.

The president hires JLA to take down Batman while enemies ploy to destroy the heroes altogether.

Lol you dont need the JLA to take down Batman, Superman or any of the big 6 could do it.

[Delete]

Lol you dont need the JLA to take down Batman, Superman or any of the big 6 could do it.

Batman would Tower of Babel all those jabronies.

[Superark]

Lol you dont need the JLA to take down Batman, Superman or any of the big 6 could do it.


Correctamundo

[04nbod]

Lol you dont need the JLA to take down Batman, Superman or any of the big 6 could do it.

I think Batman would show superman the green rock he keeps in his utility belt at all times. He has plans for everyone and isn't the pushover people think. As funny as the 'prep time' joke is its got its root in truth

[Showtime]

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1690

Superman Returns Gets TrueHD Treatment
Posted August 21, 2008 08:51 AM by Josh Dreuth

In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Home Video has revealed that they will re-release the Bryan Singer film 'Superman Returns' on September 9th with a Dolby TrueHD and PCM soundtracks. To the disappointment of fans, the original Blu-ray release featured only a Dolby Digital soundtrack while the HD DVD got the lossless audio track. Warner is now rectifying the situation with a proper Blu-ray release.

Editions of 'Superman Returns' with the Dolby TrueHD soundtrack were originally made available in a limited quantity with the purchase of certain Pioneer Blu-ray players. Since that time, fans have been eagerly awaiting Warner to re-release the title with the upgraded soundtrack.

No other specs are expected to change for the re-release. The release has been given a new UPC code.

[SatEL]

I think Batman would show superman the green rock he keeps in his utility belt at all times. He has plans for everyone and isn't the pushover people think. As funny as the 'prep time' joke is its got its root in truth

Yeah sure in the comics he keeps a chunk of kryptonite with him but he is talking about TDK Batman who is very limited in terms of prep time abilities.

[I Am The Knight]

I really think they should make a Superman Reboot and make the JLA movie everybody against Batman because of TDK. I mean, in the end, the cops and everyone are against Batman. So that will be great to see in a JLA movie. Something like Dark Knight Returns.

The president hires JLA to take down Batman while enemies ploy to destroy the heroes altogether.

:huh::huh::huh:

I know Teh BatGod is quite an opponent, but come on...Overkill.

[GreenKToo]

Given enough prep time, like eternity, Batman could beat God.:D

[Nightwing1977]

:huh::huh::huh:

I know Teh BatGod is quite an opponent, but come on...Overkill.

Yep. Way too overkill.

[Batmanuel2099]

Lol you dont need the JLA to take down Batman, Superman or any of the big 6 could do it.



WROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG!!!!!:cmad:

[Ita-KalEl]

Breaking News!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121936107614461929.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Warner Bets on Fewer, Bigger Movies
By LAUREN A.E. SCHUKER
August 22, 2008; Page B1

Emboldened by this summer's success with "The Dark Knight," Warner Bros.' movie studio is setting a new strategy.

The Time Warner Inc. unit, like some other Hollywood studios, is planning to release fewer films into the crowded marketplace. But the studio, known for making more big, expensive movies than most rivals, plans to make even more of those -- some centered on properties from its DC Comics unit, such as Batman.
[Christopher Nolan directs actor Aaron Eckhart on the set of Warner Bros. hit 'The Dark Knight.' ]
Warner Bros/Everett Collection
Christopher Nolan directs actor Aaron Eckhart on the set of Warner Bros. hit 'The Dark Knight.'

Warner Bros. Pictures Group President Jeff Robinov wants the studio to release as many as eight such movies a year by 2011. "The long-term goal of the studio is to take advantage of what has become a very global market by focusing on bigger films that require a bigger commitment," he says. Warner Bros. films released last year grossed $2 billion internationally, about 42% more than their $1.4 billion domestic take.

Mining the comic-book franchise is central to the success of Warner Bros.' strategy. Its lineup of "tent poles" -- Hollywood-speak for big movies that are the foundation of a studio's slate -- has thinned. Warner Bros. has been slow to capitalize on DC, and it now faces a rival in Marvel Entertainment Inc.'s Marvel Studios, the company behind box-office gusher "Iron Man."

Superhero films based on comic-book legends, like "The Dark Knight," have emerged as some of the strongest players in the global market, in part because they're natural candidates for tie-ups with consumer products and games that can also be marketed globally.

"Superheroes are more global than ever in today's commercial world, existing in 30 languages and in more than 60 countries," says Paul Levitz, president and publisher of DC Comics. The characters are "a world-wide export," he says.
[Marvel's 'Iron Man,' was a big success at the box office.Warner has been slower to capitalize on its DC Comics characters.]
Paramount/Everett Collection
Marvel's 'Iron Man,' was a big success at the box office. Warner has been slower to capitalize on its DC Comics characters.

"Films with our DC properties have the opportunity to support other divisions in the company in a way that our other movies don't," Mr. Robinov says, for example, with products such as a Superman game or toys. By 2011, Mr. Robinov plans for DC Comics to supply the material for up to two of the six to eight tent-pole films he hopes Warner Bros. will have in the pipeline by then.

While big ambitions can result in a huge payoff, they can also end in huge losses. Warner's car adventure "Speed Racer" bombed at the box office in May. The film, said to have cost as much as $150 million, has taken in only $43.9 million in the U.S. Some other big-budget Warner films, such as spy comedy "Get Smart," also have failed to meet expectations.

Earlier this year, Warner Bros. shut its two art-house labels, Picturehouse and Warner Independent Pictures. The studio currently releases 25 to 26 films a year. By 2010, Mr. Robinov plans to pare production to 20 to 22 movies a year.

A movie referred to internally as "Justice League of America," originally said to be for next summer, was planned as one of the studio's major releases. With that film, starring a superhero team, Warner hoped to spark interest in DC characters like Green Lantern who haven't yet attained the level of popularity of Batman. But script problems, among other things, have delayed the movie.

The studio said last week that "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," originally slated for November release, would come out next July -- on the same weekend that "The Dark Knight" opened this year. The Batman sequel made more than $150 million in the U.S. that weekend. "We just needed a July movie," said Alan Horn, president of the studio, at the time.

Warner Bros. also put on hold plans for another movie starring multiple superheroes -- known as "Batman vs. Superman" -- after the $215 million "Superman Returns," which had disappointing box-office returns, didn't please executives. "'Superman' didn't quite work as a film in the way that we wanted it to," says Mr. Robinov. "It didn't position the character the way he needed to be positioned." "Had 'Superman' worked in 2006, we would have had a movie for Christmas of this year or 2009," he adds. "But now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all."

One of the studio's other big releases planned for 2009, "Watchmen," is the subject of a high-profile copyright lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox.

Based on the premise that superheroes are real people grappling with their own problems, "Watchmen" is an apocalyptic vision of their world. Fox says it is seeking an injunction to enforce its copyright interest in the film. Last week, a federal judge ruled that it may have rights to the property. News Corp. is the parent of Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones & Co.

With "Batman vs. Superman" and "Justice League" stalled, Warner Bros. has quietly adopted Marvel's model of releasing a single film for each character, and then using those movies and their sequels to build up to a multicharacter film. "Along those lines, we have been developing every DC character that we own," Mr. Robinov says.

Like the recent Batman sequel -- which has become the highest-grossing film of the year thus far -- Mr. Robinov wants his next pack of superhero movies to be bathed in the same brooding tone as "The Dark Knight." Creatively, he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.' DC properties. "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it," he says. That goes for the company's Superman franchise as well.

The studio is set to announce its plans for future DC movies in the next month. For now, though, it is focused on releasing four comic-book films in the next three years, including a third Batman film, a new film reintroducing Superman, and two movies focusing on other DC Comics characters. Movies featuring Green Lantern, Flash, Green Arrow, and Wonder Woman are all in active development.

Many of the studio's directors credit Mr. Robinov for taking Warner Bros.' films in a darker and deeper direction. Christopher Nolan, who directed "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," says Mr. Robinov "really encouraged the logic of the villain" from "Batman Begins." That led to focusing heavily on the Joker in the sequel. "At the script stage, Jeff really wanted us to be very clear on the Joker's lack of purpose," he says.
------------

1) There will be a Superman movie in few years (2010-2011). IMO best news ever.

2) For the first time they openly say that SR was a wrong movie to relaunch the character.

3) The next movie will be clearly a reboot or an heavy revamp.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Looks like we are getting a re-boot, which is dissapointing to me as it seemingly means no Singer and, most dissapointing of all, no Routh.

But, as a Superman fan, I will see what they do with it before making any sort of judgement. BTW, shouldnt this be on the front page?

^Just to add to that though, why re-release SR on Blu-Ray if they dont plan on doing a follow up?

[Mike22]

Sounds like a reboot is on the way. FAB-U-LOUS. http://forums.superherohype.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[jayskate]

my first choice would be a reboot and go for a modern take of supes . that said it they went for more of a revamp , that would be okay as i loved some of the production design of SR , the kent farm , the daily planet building .Brandon was okay just let him speak more . ( one of things i never got was why he spoke so little , as when i watched the film i thought this guy is a good superman in his own way , why not let him say a bit more .)

As for the release of SR on blue ray , warners love doing that sort of thing , i think the burton bat movies are coming out on blue ray soon too . I'll get the fan . i guess too , i hope that the '' look'' of the film might be a touch 'brighter' on blue ray and not the dark filter look , which left parts looking kinda flat for me .

[Ultimate_Superman]

To me this sounds more along the lines of what Jett was saying over in the BOF where the next Superman movie will be a heavy revamp of the hero that by the end of the movie it will look like a reboot..

[Ita-KalEl]

Sounds like a reboot is on the way. FAB-U-LOUS. http://forums.superherohype.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I would have said the same thing without Jett's news.
It could even be a revamp a la Batman Forever.

[bgshw44]

i just want a good superman movie, so this is good news

[Ita-KalEl]

i just want a good superman movie, so this is good news

Yes, this is a good news. In the article the name Superman appears a lot of times, far more than the other WB's proterties. It's a sign that for them Superman is a priority and that they want to release a new movie within three years. I say that 2010 can be considered the right year.

[bgshw44]

Yes, this is a good news. In the article the name Superman appears a lot of times, far more than the other WB's proterties. It's a sign that for them Superman is a priority and that they want to release a new movie within three years. I say that 2010 can be considered the right year.

exactly, they see the huge potential in the character.

[Mikelus]

Well, Robinov told it like it is, no reason now for some to keep denying the reality of SR's failure. Lets hope WB gets it right next time, bring Brainiac, Darkseid... go for darkness, break hell loose!

[El Payaso]

"But now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all."

If SR were successful at the BO we'd have had Superman vs Batman??? :wow:

Everything happens for a reason. :up:

Mr. Robinov wants his next pack of superhero movies to be bathed in the same brooding tone as "The Dark Knight." Creatively, he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.' DC properties. "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it," he says. That goes for the company's Superman franchise as well.

Ah, now I get it. Singer's Superman wasn't dark enough. :) :up:

Good news for the ones of us that like Superman's other side. :up:

[Ita-KalEl]

For a badass Superman in a dark world I smell Mark Millar's vision...

[Nixon]

I guess the complaints of things being too dark should've been not dark enough. Hopefully though, we won't go back to Peter's idea of a dark Superman with a "caged animal quality" and the fericious "eyes of a killer" in our quest for Superman's darkness.

Still, it seems that's that then.

What happens now?

[JP]

Does this mean no Routh? :(

[dark_b]

aha so a more dark superman? how is this again good news?

ohhh i get it. desperation so even a tim burton superman would work right?

i sense fear.

[DavidTyler]

What can I say? Really


OMG.. I'm absolutely thrilled....

I don't know how they're going to reboot the character but at least there's an attempt. Hopefully, the WB has figured out that getting people with a good background in comics characters like Goyer is the way to go.

[Ita-KalEl]

I guess the complaints of things being too dark should've been not dark enough. Hopefully though, we won't go back to Peter's idea of a dark Superman with a "caged animal quality" and the fericious "eyes of a killer" in our quest for Superman's darkness.

Still, it seems that's that then.

What happens now?

You'll hear a lot of rumors or pseudo-news from Steve, Jett etc. and within a month there will be the official announcement about the release schedule of the movies based on the DC Comics characters.
According to the article, the new Superman movie is a priority, then there is a third Batman movie and 2 movies based on other DC Comics characters (G.L., Flash, WW). They are all "solo" movies, so if we assume that G.L. is a sure thing, only one between Flash and WW will have the honor of a live action flick.
All to be released within 3 years (2009-2010-2011).

[Nixon]

Does this mean no Routh? :(

I'd imagine very likely.

Suppose it all would come down to just how extensive their planned "reintroduction" is

[dark_b]

i wanted Routh back. but since 2 years later they want a reboot i am starting to get angry. if the rebot worked so good with BB then i dont understand why a year later it couldnt work for superman?
so now i didnt get action in SR and in 3 years i will have to wait 60 minutes to get a first action scene with superman? ohhh and he will rescure a helicopter or maybe a boat. f... stupid.

[Superman Prime]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhaaaaaaaaaaaawwwww w!



:) :) :)

[Jochimus]

Creatively, he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.' DC properties. "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it," he says. That goes for the company's Superman franchise as well.

No f***ing thank you.

At this point I don't give a sh** whether it's a reboot or not, WB, but let me know when you're ready to make an ACTUAL Superman movie.

[dark_b]

was anyone actually expecting official news like that?

obviously TDK changed everything. a new batman bomb and you can say goodbye to those movies hehehe. just joking.

[Superman Prime]

It's a good step in the right direction away from the long-decayed corpse of the Donnerverse. Stop your biatchin', Joch.

[TDK4EVER]

well.....as someone who's been wanting a revamp/reboot of the Superman franchise.....this, on the surface, sounds like much welcome news...

the only thing that "bothers" me is that "darkness" comment.

Superman is NOT a dark, brooding, depressing character. Just as Batman is NOT a light, campy, goofy character ( cough....Batman and Robin....cough )....

[Jochimus]

Superman is NOT a dark, brooding, depressing character.

:up:

[Superman Prime]

You're right about Superman, TDK4EVER.

But even the lightest heroes have brushes with the blackest darkness.

[Nixon]

well.....as someone who's been wanting a revamp/reboot of the Superman franchise.....this, on the surface, sounds like much welcome news...

the only thing that "bothers" me is that "darkness" comment.

Superman is NOT a dark, brooding, depressing character. Just as Batman is NOT a light, campy, goofy character ( cough....Batman and Robin....cough )....

If it means they might get another $500 million movie, for WB he is.

[Jochimus]

You're right about Superman, TDK4EVER.

But even the lightest heroes have brushes with the blackest darkness.

That's what Superman should have a Rogues' Gallery for, but if most of the film is going to center around darkness and evil, we could end up going back to the Burton days where the hero ends up being a minor character in his own movie. I loved Batman Begins because for once we actually got a Batman movie about BATMAN. Superman should have the same internal struggles, but y'know what? He didn't witness the slaying of the entire planet Krypton by Brainiac or whoever. He's not a badass. He's a Boy Scout.

Yeah, I think by the end of the movie he should get ticked and unload a sh**load of property destruction on whoever's threatening Metropolis, but you can't build a whole movie around that for Superman the way you can with Batman.

[The Sage]

And here we go...AGAIN...and hopefully the last time.

I hope by darkness, Robinov mean exploring the darkness in Superman's villains, not Superman himself. Or taking the character more seriously.

[Ita-KalEl]

IMO for "dark" they mean "mature tone" of the movie. A movie that can be considered a fantastic movie even by who doesn't care about the comics.

[Paradyme]

Sounds good, I'm happy. I think Routh would do just fine as Superman just with a more interesting script. The movie wasn't all that entertaining.

[FaT_tONle]

Well... goodbye Singer (good riddance)... goodbye Routh (disappointing). I wanted a revamp but not a reboot. We are getting a reboot based on these reports. But if that's the case WB still needs to extend the rights. That's not the biggest problem. But the idea that they are still aiming for 2010... well that's just too soon for a "re-introduction"... I am thinking Green Lantern July 2010 if anything. But I am still holding hope for a Routh/Spacey revamp of Superman even though there is zero percent chance of that. The reboots are way over done these days.

[Superman Prime]

That's what Superman should have a Rogues' Gallery for, but if most of the film is going to center around darkness and evil, we could end up going back to the Burton days where the hero ends up being a minor character in his own movie. I loved Batman Begins because for once we actually got a Batman movie about BATMAN. Superman should have the same internal struggles, but y'know what? He didn't witness the slaying of the entire planet Krypton by Brainiac or whoever. He's not a badass. He's a Boy Scout.

Yeah, I think by the end of the movie he should get ticked and unload a sh**load of property destruction on whoever's threatening Metropolis, but you can't build a whole movie around that for Superman the way you can with Batman.

I think you forget about contrast. If you have an invasion from say, Darseid, then there's an irredeemably evil villain that could lay waste to everything Superman loves, and despite all that, Superman still remains a symbol of light (while kicking ass. He's ALWAYS kicked hard ass whether you want to admit it or not).

As long as it's the atmosphere and story that's dark, and Superman overcomes the temptation to bring down complete slaying on those of the other moral side, and still remains who he is in the end, we could have a great movie on our hands.

[Showtime]

If it is a complete reboot, then Routh and anything connected are gone. If it is a revamp, I can see Routh and maybe Spacey still being on board. Then what though, you still have Jason smiling up at us with his Eddie Vedder haircut.

[FaT_tONle]

If it is a complete reboot, then Routh and anything connected are gone. If it is a revamp, I can see Routh and maybe Spacey still being on board. Then what though, you still have Jason smiling up at us with his Eddie Vedder haircut.

Make the kid an alien... that's the only way to do it. I am sure you know tons of Superman stories where this would be feasible. But Jason is one of many reasons why it won't be a revamp and it won't be 2010 IMO.

[The Batkilt]

I guess the complaints of things being too dark should've been not dark enough. Hopefully though, we won't go back to Peter's idea of a dark Superman with a "caged animal quality" and the fericious "eyes of a killer" in our quest for Superman's darkness.

So....you don't want Sean Penn as Superman?:cwink:

I'm happy with this news. And I hope that the success of Wanted and Millar stating it's his dream project will lead to him becoming involved. I don't, however, think it means the tone will be the same as TDK. The success of Nolan's films are that they've tapped into the dark nature of the character, but have the themes of hope that exist in the stories. I think thus the most obvious way for Superman to be a success is to tap into the mood of the character, and I think Millar can deliver a screenplay that will please both fans and WB.

[The Shredder]

So the current plan is for a reboot? That's just fabulous as far as I am concerned.

Hopefully WB doesnt plan on going overboard with the 'darkness' aspect they apparently have an affinity for especially now with TDK's success. Last thing I want to see is another scenario where theres a vocal fan backlash to a first draft review where a number of liberties were taken with the franchise (ala Abrams), and thus resulting in perhaps an even extended wait.

But yeah, the reboot essentially being official has me thrilled. :)

[jmc]

IMO for "dark" they mean "mature tone" of the movie. A movie that can be considered a fantastic movie even by who doesn't care about the comics.

I think that's true, when they mean darker and deeper they mean going for a more mature audience and more adult orientated film, not necessarily making it a dark movie, that's not to say it still can't have fantastic elements.

[dark_b]

So the current plan is for a reboot? That's just fabulous as far as I am concerned.

Hopefully WB doesnt plan on going overboard with the 'darkness' aspect they apparently have an affinity for especially now with TDK's success. Last thing I want to see is another scenario where theres a vocal fan backlash to a first draft review where a number of liberties were taken with the franchise (ala Abrams), and thus resulting in perhaps an even extended wait.

But yeah, the reboot essentially being official has me thrilled.

in the 80's a dark batman was made. it made them money.
-B89 dark (good BO)
-so BR was even more darker . it didnt make B89 money
-so WB thinks its the tone.
-BR more kid friendly. again a lot of money
-B&R even more kid friendly because by WB's logic it will make even more money.of course a complete bomb.

now in 2008 WB agin with their monkey stupid logic.
-kid friendly colorful Speed Racer bombs.
-august dark TDK is breaking records.
-you can bet your ass that superman will be dark. because this is how WB works for years.

[The Overlord]

If SR were successful at the BO we'd have had Superman vs Batman??? :wow:

Everything happens for a reason. :up:



Ah, now I get it. Singer's Superman wasn't dark enough. :) :up:

Good news for the ones of us that like Superman's other side. :up:

So you like that the Superman franchise has been derailed?

Also if SR was such a great movie, why has the Superman franchise been derailed then?

[dark_b]

So you like that the Superman franchise has been derailed?

Also if SR was such a great movie, why has the Superman franchise been derailed then?sometimes good movies dont get a sequel.

ehhh opinion hhh?

[DeaDheaD]

SR was a good movie?

[batman44]

So it looks like there is gonna be a reboot of sorts...awesome:up:

[The Shredder]

in the 80's a dark batman was made. it made them money.
-B89 dark (good BO)
-so BR was even more darker . it didnt make B89 money
-so WB thinks its the tone.
-BR more kid friendly. again a lot of money
-B&R even more kid friendly because by WB's logic it will make even more money.of course a complete bomb.

now in 2008 WB agin with their monkey stupid logic.
-kid friendly colorful Speed Racer bombs.
-august dark TDK is breaking records.
-you can bet your ass that superman will be dark. because this is how WB works for years.
Going dark is one thing. Going overboard with the 'darkness' aspect is quite another. And if that's the case, then I both aniticpate, and at the same time, dread the net reaction to a script review (considering if history repeats itself here) of a first draft.

And as I previously mentioned, the last thing I want to see happen is for this new development to find itself on a slippery slide down to Otisburg, but this is WB we're talking about.

Needless to say, that's not too far fetched.


Should be interesting to see play out.

[GreenKToo]

The only way I can interpret ''Reintroducing Superman" is a reboot.

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Well, Robinov told it like it is, no reason now for some to keep denying the reality of SR's failure. Lets hope WB gets it right next time, bring Brainiac, Darkseid... go for darkness, break hell loose!

I still dont see how SR failing is a fact, plenty of classic movies never got a sequel to them, The Thing immediatly springs to mind.

[CFE]

A reboot will never have the impact of Donner's original film.

Donner nailed it so perfectly...there's no way in hell anything else can measure up. I mean Jon Peters was trying to push for a "darker reboot" for years and from what has been seen from all that development (concept art, etc.) looked horrible.

There was never a problem with the Donnerverse in terms of design, story, characterization.

The only fundamental flaw that it had was the lack of rogues from the comics aside from Lex and Zod.

Throw Brainiac, Metallo or Bizarro into the Donnerverse and it would be incredible.

But a reboot?

There's a sense of grandeur and pathos in the Donnerverse, and all of that would be gone. The tongue n' cheek charisma and charm would be gone.

And on a more superficial level, no John Williams theme...which IS Superman's theme.

It might have been roughed up over the years, but Donner's vision is hardly broken...and thusly it doesn't have to be fixed. Just polished and expanded upon.

"Superman Returns" polished it up for a new generation, and a 2nd Bryan Singer film could've very well expanded on it since "Returns" didn't do that.

---------

CFE

[Superman-Prime]

Goodbye, Bryan Singer and Brandon Routh. :(

I hate Warner Bros and Robinov must die.

[Snickers]

keep routh
that is all

[Showtime]

Goodbye, Bryan Singer and Brandon Routh. :(

I hate Warner Bros and Robinov must die.

Why are you being close minded though, what if WB delivers the best Superman movie ever made? You wouldn't like it if Routh and Singer weren't involved? :csad:

[Nixon]

Is there any possibility that we're taking "reintroduce" just a little too literally?

[Showtime]

Very big possibility.

[Nathan]

Similar in tone to the Dark Night? The heck? Just don't make it boring and re-hash old stories from the Donner Movies and we're good to go.

I'd be completely satisfied with a Movie version of TAS Superman. The tone of the world and attitude of the characters are just right.

[FaT_tONle]

Reintroduce means reboot IMO. I mean technically it doesn't mean exactly that but when you say reintroduce it certainly doesn't give off a sequel vibe in any way shape or form... meaning Routh is out.

[dark_b]

if he wrotte reintroduce and if he thinks using brandon routh then he is mroe dumb.

[Showtime]

Reintroduce seems like they are introducing a different Superman to me as well, I'm sure this will spark more comments from WB and from webmasters and maybe even Singer's camp. So we'll know the truth and it will be cleared up soon.

Good news is there will be another Superman movie coming down the pipeline very soon. I hope we can now join together as Superman fans again either way...

[dark_b]

i will laugh my ass of if a spider comes at the end of the reboot and superman will fight him

a darker superman movie?
her returns
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9083/2289661278peoplepetersxec4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dark_b]

Reintroduce seems like they are introducing a different Superman to me as well, I'm sure this will spark more comments from WB and from webmasters and maybe even Singer's camp. So we'll know the truth and it will be cleared up soon.

Good news is there will be another Superman movie coming down the pipeline very soon. I hope we can now join together as Superman fans again either way...i would be a happy superman fan if this happens in 2010. could it even happen?
could a reboot even work in 2010?

[Superark]

I'm taking "reintroduce" as reboot, but I hope I am wrong. I guess they could mean revamp, but it doesn't sound good to me. Especially considering they wanna go "dark" with it, ugh! Hell why does he wanna go dark with all their characters? I mean not every comic needs to have a dark nature about it!

Showtime, I thought Robinov was one of the folks behind a sequel???

[Showtime]

Anything is possible my friend, anything.

The good thing is that Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and LA Times will jump on this story and dig into it. We will then learn more.

Also, websites like Latino Review, Dark Horizons, Moviehole, ScreenRant, Superherohype, Bluetights, IESB, AICN, CHUD, and other websites will throw their two cents in.

It is going to be an explosion of news...

[GreenKToo]

Reintroduce means reboot IMO. I mean technically it doesn't mean exactly that but when you say reintroduce it certainly doesn't give off a sequel vibe in any way shape or form... meaning Routh is out.
I agree. I mean even if it's just a revamp, with routh and spacey, thats not reintroducing Superman. The public will already know that version of him.
No, to me, reintroducing means reboot.

That said, he picked his words poorly if Singer, Routh, and Spacey are coming back.

[Showtime]

Showtime, I thought Robinov was one of the folks behind a sequel???

Well he was the one who Dan Lin convinced Justice League was the way to go, I think Mr. Robinov is about giving fans the best Superman movie possible while allowing for a huge profit from WB...

[Showtime]

I agree. I mean even if it's just a revamp, with routh and spacey, thats not reintroducing Superman. The public will already know that version of him.
No, to me, reintroducing means reboot.

That said, he picked his words poorly if Singer, Routh, and Spacey are coming back.

If it is a reboot, he should have just said reboot, doesn't he understand that we pick apart every word and debate about it! :csad:

[dark_b]

Anything is possible my friend, anything.

The good thing is that Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and LA Times will jump on this story and dig into it. We will then learn more.

Also, websites like Latino Review, Dark Horizons, Moviehole, ScreenRant, Superherohype, Bluetights, IESB, AICN, CHUD, and other websites will throw their two cents in.

It is going to be an explosion of news...excelent
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8392/mrburnsxj5.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[batman44]

This news is actually somewhat suprising to me. Even after the Ann Thompson blog, I was preparing myself that WB was gonna announce the sequel with Singer and trying to get myself optimistic and open minded about what Singer was gonna do.

[GreenKToo]

If it is a reboot, he should have just said reboot, doesn't he understand that we pick apart every word and debate about it! :csad:
Heh. Its prolly on every movie site by now.

[Superark]

If it is a reboot, he should have just said reboot, doesn't he understand that we pick apart every word and debate about it! :csad:


They're not the brightest of people over there at WB

[FlawlessVictory]

Holy crap, I don't even know where to begin, I'm so ecsatic! :woot:

First off, it's pretty clear that Superman will get a major overhaul which is really pointing towards reboot. That article makes it clear they weren't happy with SR. And they go onto specifically say "reintroduce". You don't reintroduce a character by making a direct sequel to a film they are not pleased with. SR was supposed to be the reintroduction to Superman for the GA but it's clear WB is not satisfied. So major, major changes are in store, which at this point is heavily in favor of a reboot.

Second, it really sounds like WB is committed to exploring the other DC superheroes and giving them a chance. Also, that these solo projects will come before any team-up movie such as JLA.

Third, this here:

Many of the studio's directors credit Mr. Robinov for taking Warner Bros.' films in a darker and deeper direction. Christopher Nolan, who directed "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," says Mr. Robinov "really encouraged the logic of the villain" from "Batman Begins." That led to focusing heavily on the Joker in the sequel. "At the script stage, Jeff really wanted us to be very clear on the Joker's lack of purpose," he says.

makes me think that Superman will be explored more through with his next villain causing a greater conflict both physically and emotionally. That's what I take from deeper and darker. No more crappy real estate plans, we are getting a villain/villains that can really go to toe to toe with Superman on many levels.


This is all so very exciting! Go WB!!! :grin::up:

[The Overlord]

sometimes good movies dont get a sequel.

ehhh opinion hhh?

Mmmmmm, considering WB wants to turn superman movies into a franchise, then that's not the case, SR wasn't meant to be a stand alone movie, but it was because it ruined the Superman franchise.

I still dont see how SR failing is a fact, plenty of classic movies never got a sequel to them, The Thing immediatly springs to mind.

Because WB wants Superman to be a franchise, not just a stand alone movie. If SR didn't suck, we would have saw a sequel by now.

[Jochimus]

A reboot will never have the impact of Donner's original film.

Donner nailed it so perfectly...there's no way in hell anything else can measure up. I mean Jon Peters was trying to push for a "darker reboot" for years and from what has been seen from all that development (concept art, etc.) looked horrible.

There was never a problem with the Donnerverse in terms of design, story, characterization.

The only fundamental flaw that it had was the lack of rogues from the comics aside from Lex and Zod.

Throw Brainiac, Metallo or Bizarro into the Donnerverse and it would be incredible.

But a reboot?

There's a sense of grandeur and pathos in the Donnerverse, and all of that would be gone. The tongue n' cheek charisma and charm would be gone.

And on a more superficial level, no John Williams theme...which IS Superman's theme.

It might have been roughed up over the years, but Donner's vision is hardly broken...and thusly it doesn't have to be fixed. Just polished and expanded upon.

Actually, for some of us, Johns and Frank have been taking care of that void lately; just pop in the 2-disc soundtrack and you're good to go. :cwink:

[FlawlessVictory]

They're not the brightest of people over there at WB

To me they now are. Recently, they've given me BB, TDK and Watchmen looks amazing. And they realize SR was a big mistake and that significant changes are needed pointing towards a reboot. Plus, Mr. Robinov has laid out plans for other DC superheroes to get their chance before a team-up movie.

Sounds like WB is right on the ball now. :up:

[Paradoxium]

It's from a conservative blog, but leave the politics aside, the point made here I think is very relevant.
I have that same fear. Hollywood loves moral complexity, but not the kind that The Dark Knight has. Their idea of moral complexity is not taking a stand, or taking a stand with the enemy, or showing that the "good guy" and the "bad guy" are really just cut from the same cloth and that there’s no difference between them, that there are no "heroes" and "villains." But The Dark Knight doesn’t do that. There is moral nuance throughout, but in the end, the film firmly takes the side of Batman, the side of good, the side of heroism in spite of hatred from the very people you protect. It explores the similarities between Batman and the Joker, but emphatically states that there is an important distinction between the two that makes the former the hero and the latter the villain. But the Hollywood types seemed to have missed that, perhaps because of the warped lens through which they see the world. When they saw Batman beating up people for information and spying on millions of people, they automatically perceived that as wrong, and must’ve therefore concluded that the film must be making a statement of moral equivalence. And thanks to this flawed understanding, we may see the ultimate corruption of the last remaining genre that holds onto classical ideas of good and evil.

I think it became most clear to me when I started reading reviews in which critics called the film nihilistic. I was dumbfounded. Who could’ve seen that fantastic ending and walked away with that perception?

Source: http://dirtyharrysplace.com/?p=3816

I hope WB doesn't go the nineties anti-hero trend. They can make Superman more grounded and mature as a story (it might not be realistic, but the actions produce produce realistic human reactions etc...). Superman is simply not Batman. Google up "Hitman #34" (*cough second search result*), it sums up Superman really well. Kind of shocking considering it is by Garth Ennis.

[storyteller]

Personally I think they should reboot and stick with Routh. If the current arc of the brainiac storyline in the comics shows us anything. Superman doesnt(and in my book shouldnt) look like a body builder. Also if by dark they mean how dark the brainiac arc seems to be then im all out for it. If by dark they mean TDk, then we got a problem. Whats the point in a block buster for the fans if its TDK with brighter suit.

[dark_b]

Mmmmmm, considering WB wants to turn superman movies into a franchise, then that's not the case, SR wasn't meant to be a stand alone movie, but it was because it ruined the Superman franchise.



Because WB wants Superman to be a franchise, not just a stand alone movie. If SR didn't suck, we would have saw a sequel by now.you are aware that WB were the one who greenlighted the script? WB was the studio that invested 200 milions in SR?
WB
WB
WB
you are saying that WB wants a franchise and thatSR wasnt a stand alone movie?
then why was SR not more for the masses? and if they wanted sequels where was a hint of a supervillain at the end of SR?
pleeeeeeeeeeease.

[Superark]

To me they now are. Recently, they've given me BB, TDK and Watchmen looks amazing. And they realize SR was a big mistake and that significant changes are needed pointing towards a reboot. Plus, Mr. Robinov has laid out plans for other DC superheroes to get their chance before a team-up movie.

Sounds like WB is right on the ball now. :up:


Well even though I loved Singer's movie, they better really work hard to get the reboot right.

It needs to be a really faithful comic adaption with a great cast and good director. If they reboot fails, than all of this is for nothing.

[The son becomes]

Firstly we don't and won't know for a while what "Reintroduce" means. It probably means reboot but it could mean repositioning the character and the way he's viewed by the public. Routh may be involved. Singer may be involved. It doesn't sound likely but we don't know what they have planned. It could all be marketing speak for "How do we sell more toys?".

Good news is there will be another Superman movie coming down the pipeline very soon. I hope we can now join together as Superman fans again either way...

Agreed. I want a Returns sequel but if that's not what's gonna happen then we have to move on and join forces on the new film. I just hope all the negative people and the Returns haters can do the same.

[dark_b]

To me they now are. really?
to me it looks like WB is doing exactly the same thing.to me it looks like WB again had LUCK and is using this luck to make more profit without thinking again.

this is what i wrotte
in the 80's a dark batman was made. it made them money.
-B89 dark (good BO)
-so BR was even more darker . it didnt make B89 money
-so WB thinks its the tone.
-BR more kid friendly. again a lot of money
-B&R even more kid friendly because by WB's logic it will make even more money.of course a complete bomb.

now in 2008 WB agin with their monkey stupid logic.
-kid friendly colorful Speed Racer bombs.
-august dark TDK is breaking records.
-you can bet your ass that superman will be dark. because this is how WB works for years.

[storyteller]

The donnerverse was fine and dandy back in the 70's before the crisis. Now i think its time for you old people to let it go and allow the better post crisis superman to take over(minus the mullet.............oh the mullet)

[Timstuff]

Woo! This is the news I've been waiting to hear for 2 years now! I really hope WB gets it right this time! :D:up:

[Ita-KalEl]

Anything is possible my friend, anything.

The good thing is that Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and LA Times will jump on this story and dig into it. We will then learn more.

Also, websites like Latino Review, Dark Horizons, Moviehole, ScreenRant, Superherohype, Bluetights, IESB, AICN, CHUD, and other websites will throw their two cents in.

It is going to be an explosion of news...

There's no doubt about that.
The problem, dear Showtime, is that it will be the festival of the nonsense.
Steve, Jett, everyone will say what they think to know..."I hear that Singer is still on board", "it's a reboor", "no it's a revamp", "Singer will direct the reboot", "No it's a direct sequel with minor changes" etc. etc.

The real question is when they are going to announce it. According to Robinov and Horn, they still plan to release this new Superman movie in 2010.

I say

2010: G.L and Superman
2011: Batman 3rd and Flash/WW

[Coleman Reese]

This is very good news. One of the problems I had with Singer's film is that it fashioned itself after the Donner films. Don't get me wrong the Donner films were good but they had a lot of flaws the glaring one being that Lex Luthor was some sort of bottom feeding genius criminal.

I've always felt that Superman should have been restarted completely with a new origin that laid the groundwork for sequels. Definitely not in the Superman Lives, Superman Reborn vein. But JJ Abrams script had the most promise. It had issues that needed to be worked out especially the Lex Luthor angle but it would have been a more powerful treatment than Singer's version.

I hope they break away from the Donner umbrella and start from scratch.

[The Overlord]

A reboot will never have the impact of Donner's original film.

Donner nailed it so perfectly...there's no way in hell anything else can measure up. I mean Jon Peters was trying to push for a "darker reboot" for years and from what has been seen from all that development (concept art, etc.) looked horrible.

There was never a problem with the Donnerverse in terms of design, story, characterization.

The only fundamental flaw that it had was the lack of rogues from the comics aside from Lex and Zod.

Throw Brainiac, Metallo or Bizarro into the Donnerverse and it would be incredible.

But a reboot?

There's a sense of grandeur and pathos in the Donnerverse, and all of that would be gone. The tongue n' cheek charisma and charm would be gone.

And on a more superficial level, no John Williams theme...which IS Superman's theme.

It might have been roughed up over the years, but Donner's vision is hardly broken...and thusly it doesn't have to be fixed. Just polished and expanded upon.

"Superman Returns" polished it up for a new generation, and a 2nd Bryan Singer film could've very well expanded on it since "Returns" didn't do that.

---------

CFE

Donner is not the be all and end all of Superman, there have tons of great Superman stories done after 1980 in the comics.

Also Donner Lex sucks, Metallo, Biazzaro and Parasite can't carry their movies and Donner Lex isn't smart enough to create them. After brainiac where would you go for a third movie?

If Superman franchise doesn't move past Donner it will always be stuck in the past, with other super hero movies leaving it in the dust. Is that what you want?

you are aware that WB were the one who greenlighted the script? WB was the studio that invested 200 milions in SR?
WB
WB
WB
you are saying that WB wants a franchise and thatSR wasnt a stand alone movie?
then why was SR not more for the masses? and if they wanted sequels where was a hint of a supervillain at the end of SR?
pleeeeeeeeeeease.

Why wasn't it for the masses, because it was Superman hero movie without action or a fight scene.


Yeah and WB also made Catwoman, WB makes mistakes, SR was one of them. They wanted to make a superman franchise, but SR sucked, so it screwed up their plans, so that concept too complex for you to get?


Are seriously saying that that WB didn't want to make a Superman franchise again? Please, that's what I say to you.

[Apollo]

great news! :)

superman returns was good, but i think its time for something different.

[Superark]

You know its funny b/c when I read that article, Robinov talks about SR not doing what they wanted it to and etc. But WB is was a big reason, IMO, for that problem.

I mean you have to lay fault at Bryan Singer, no doubt. But look at the bonehead decisions WB made.

Poor Marketing
Released a week before Pirates 2

With this reboot I hope they don't put it right next to Iron Man 2 or use the same marketing plan.

[FlawlessVictory]

Dooner is not the be alla nd end all of Superman, there have tons of great Superman stories done after 1980 in the comics.

Also Donner Lex sucks , Metallo, Biazzaro and Parasite can't carry their movies and Donner Lex isn't smart enough to create them. After brainiac where would you go for a third movie?

If Superman franchise doesn't move past Donner it will always be stuck in the past, with other super hero movies leaving it in the dust. Is that what you want?

Agreed, this idea that Donner Superman can never be topped is nonsense. That Superman world is so dated and Lex is beyond awful. It's time for a major upgrade and not a half ass one like Singer tried doing. It's time to leave the Donner world completely in the past and start from scratch with something new, exciting and bold. Time to move forward and stop living in the past. Donner's Superman will always have its place but lets let go already. And I wont be convinced that Singer was doing his tribute to Donner and then moving on. He should have never done his tribute to begin with, should have just started a completely new franchise in a new vision, but he blew it so now we are in this position.

[Ita-KalEl]

I think that Comic-Con 2009 is going to be interesting

[Showtime]

There's no doubt about that.
The problem, dear Showtime, is that it will be the festival of the nonsense.
Steve, Jett, everyone will say what they think to know..."I hear that Singer is still on board", "it's a reboor", "no it's a revamp", "Singer will direct the reboot", "No it's a direct sequel with minor changes" etc. etc.

The real question is when they are going to announce it. According to Robinov and Horn, they still plan to release this new Superman movie in 2010.

I say

2010: G.L and Superman
2011: Batman 3rd and Flash/WW

My opinion. Pay attention to Variety and Hollywood Reporter. To a lesser extent, the other sites. There are going to be rumors floating around as always, what you have to do is be logical about it and cut through the fat.

[Superark]

I'm surprised more websites haven't picked up on this story yet. I guess everyone is doing some digging and calling their sources.

Jamie where are you at with your two-cents???

[RogueDK]

IMO, Superman Returns sucked. I really thought that it was milquetoast at best and Singer sort of directed himself into a corner with the kid issue. He should've stayed with the X-Men franchise.

For me, a reboot would really be great. Hope it holds true because personally, I didn't want Singer back.

I hope that they don't axe Routh though. :csad:

[Nathan]

I don't get the Donner love anyway. He made campy movies with Lex and his henchmen acting like stooges and Clark Kent was a whimp with no personality. As far as characterisation goes, Lois & Clark and TAS are worlds better. Heck, I even prefer Smallville.

[Paradoxium]

The most appropriate reintroduction is still this one:

http://superman.ugo.com/comics/superman_truthjustice/

In fact, "Superman Returns" would have been a really appropriate title for this story on the big screen; the comic book title is a bit too long. You get your dark and mature topical issue, without compromising the core character. You can also produce a lot of action scenes out of this story. Been advocating an adaptation of this story for years.

[GreenKToo]

If their gonna reboot, then I hope they don't half a$$ it.
They need to go ALL out and do this thing right or not at all. Namely, a supervillain with a fraking fight this time.:D

[Ita-KalEl]

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn218/C4Lahuevo0o/MarvelSupermanVsBatmanByJimLee.jpg

"Why you did it to me?

[Superark]

If their gonna reboot, then I hope they don't half a$$ it.
They need to go ALL out and do this thing right or not at all. Namely, a supervillain with a fraking fight this time.:D


Yup! As much as I wanna see a Superman movie again, I really wish they weren't going with this reboot so soon. Since that appears to be what direction they are going in, they should have waited.

I personally hate when Studios do this.

[bunk]

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/285/superreeveevilwm6.jpg

Let's all raise our glasses to a darker Superman!

Seriously though, this could be really awesome, or an epic nightmare.

[FaT_tONle]

i would be a happy superman fan if this happens in 2010. could it even happen?
could a reboot even work in 2010?

2010 is just stupid. I took MOS out of my sig finally. I mean you are going to reboot after four years? TIH was bad enough as it is. In this day and age of comic books it wouldn't suprise me one bit though. But I am looking at 2012. As far as 2010 I don't know if WB will get a super hero flick out there. Green Lantern isn't a tentpole film IMO. Nor are any of the other characters. It's sequel or nothing.

[Nathan]

I don't mind a darker Superman if we get someone like Darkseid and he goes ape**** crazy on his ass, like in TAS. Loved it when they fought each other. :up:

[Hunter Rider]

''Reintroducing Superman"

Interesting choice of words. I was never bothered which route they went with the next Superman movie just as long as they didn't abandon the character altogether.

[Lucid]

----

[SatEL]

Sounds like a reboot is on the way. FAB-U-LOUS. http://forums.superherohype.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Great news indeed at least I can now sleep easier at night, although I must say I am a little worried about the comments regarding making characters dark.

[Jochimus]

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/285/superreeveevilwm6.jpg

Let's all raise our glasses to a darker Superman!

:woot:

Seriously though, this could be really awesome, or an epic nightmare.

They just shouldn't the compromise the character again (seriously, between SIII, SIV, S:TAS and S: Doomsday, we've already seen a multitude of "darker" variations of Superman). Some variation of the Elite story wouldn't be a bad step, though.

[CFE]

Since when did sticking within the realm of the Donnerverse constitute NOT pulling from post-Crisis stories? They have 70 years worth of comics that they can pull from...they can pull anything they want.

Use the paradigm of the Donnerverse, and push it forward with any story you wish.

But the overall construct of the Donnerverse (Supes' characterization, the design, the music, the wit, the epic scale) should remain the same IMO.

It was fine for "Begins" to do its own thing in the aftermath of Schumacher and the fact that even Burton changed things up in "Returns" and the construct of the Batman films was always changing, but the template set up by Donner stuck. And while the material within that template is questionable (Superman's III and IV) the template itself was brilliant.

CFE

[Superark]

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Vb5goKX24JQ/Rz9NnApV1qI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/uCveiY8WUrE/s400/Image-StarWars-BadFeeling.jpg

The only problem here is that Superman isn't a "dark" character by nature. They think since Nolan's Batman made a billion dollars that all superhero movies should be dark like Batman, but Nolan's Batman was so successful because it was the right tone for Batman. WB now needs to make a movie with the right tone for Superman, not try to turn him into Batman. I have a bad feeling about this... WB thinks with their wallets and not their minds... and that's not the way to make a good movie, or a lucrative one. That's not how Nolan and Co. thought and that's why their movie made so much money. When is WB going to learn?


Agreed!

[Superark]

http://bp2.blogger.com/_Vb5goKX24JQ/Rz9NnApV1qI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/uCveiY8WUrE/s400/Image-StarWars-BadFeeling.jpg

The only problem here is that Superman isn't a "dark" character by nature. They think since Nolan's Batman made a billion dollars that all superhero movies should be dark like Batman, but Nolan's Batman was so successful because it was the right tone for Batman. WB now needs to make a movie with the right tone for Superman, not try to turn him into Batman. I have a bad feeling about this... WB thinks with their wallets and not their minds... and that's not the way to make a good movie, or a lucrative one. That's not how Nolan and Co. thought and that's why their movie made so much money. When is WB going to learn?


Agreed!

[FlawlessVictory]

2010 is just stupid. I took MOS out of my sig finally. I mean you are going to reboot after four years? TIH was bad enough as it is. In this day and age of comic books it wouldn't suprise me one bit though. But I am looking at 2012. As far as 2010 I don't know if WB will get a super hero flick out there. Green Lantern isn't a tentpole film IMO. Nor are any of the other characters. It's sequel or nothing.

I don't think we will see Superman in 2010 either especially with drastic changes in store. My guess would be 2012 as well. But, I do think WB is looking at GL for 2010. The word is out that they love the script, so I think its possible. Whether or not it will be a big success is another story but I think they may have high aspirations for it after a second level character like Iron Man had the success it did.

[FaT_tONle]

To me they now are. Recently, they've given me BB, TDK and Watchmen looks amazing. And they realize SR was a big mistake and that significant changes are needed pointing towards a reboot. Plus, Mr. Robinov has laid out plans for other DC superheroes to get their chance before a team-up movie.

Sounds like WB is right on the ball now. :up:

Being a tinnie wheeny bit too optimistic, are we?

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Mmmmmm, considering WB wants to turn superman movies into a franchise, then that's not the case, SR wasn't meant to be a stand alone movie, but it was because it ruined the Superman franchise.



Because WB wants Superman to be a franchise, not just a stand alone movie. If SR didn't suck, we would have saw a sequel by now.

SR sucking isnt a fact, I cant believe there are still people here who dont understand an opinion, plenty of people loved it, which is why it won readers awards and made the money it did.

you are aware that WB were the one who greenlighted the script? WB was the studio that invested 200 milions in SR?
WB
WB
WB
you are saying that WB wants a franchise and thatSR wasnt a stand alone movie?
then why was SR not more for the masses? and if they wanted sequels where was a hint of a supervillain at the end of SR?
pleeeeeeeeeeease.

Exactly.

[GreenKToo]

It depends. It sure sounds like Superman is a priority for W.B., so 2010 may happen. Now if it's a good film or not is another story.

[FlawlessVictory]

Being a tinnie wheeny bit too optimistic, are we?

Why not? Most of the time these boards are filled with incessant complaining about one thing or another, myself included, why not be optimistic for once when I hear something I like?

Granted, the "darker" comment does make me slightly nervous although I hope that is more of a reflection of the villains used than anything else. But everything else sounds pretty good to me.

[Showtime]

Why don't we wait and see what WB has in store for Superman before we start hating Robinov or wanting to kill him.

Sure I don't much like the "dark" quote, but it can be taken many ways. We could be on the verge of the greatest Superman movie ever made. I want to be a part of that.

[Jick09]

is it really necessary?
they just needed to put more action in the movie.

Batman needed a reboot because it's previous movie was horrible. handled the character in a way he shouldn't. made him cheesy and happy.
now Superman was done right in the last movie. he ain't a dark character. he's the big boy scout. they just needed to put a stronger villain in the sequel. not start over. pretty much everyone knows him already.

and a reboot gets me wondering...
how will we get a foe for Supes different from Lex? Bizarro, Darkseid...
I don't want to see more of Lex's plans when we could get incredible brawls all over the sphere.

[Grinder]

YESSSSSS!!!

Finally it's official. It's exactly what everyone with a brain was saying right after SR failed in theatres!

Keep crying apologists, WE WON!

[Coleman Reese]

The only problem here is that Superman isn't a "dark" character by nature. They think since Nolan's Batman made a billion dollars that all superhero movies should be dark like Batman, but Nolan's Batman was so successful because it was the right tone for Batman. WB now needs to make a movie with the right tone for Superman, not try to turn him into Batman. I have a bad feeling about this... WB thinks with their wallets and not their minds... and that's not the way to make a good movie, or a lucrative one. That's not how Nolan and Co. thought and that's why their movie made so much money. When is WB going to learn?

True but Robinov said they would go as dark as the character allows which signals to me that they aren't going to go with a one size fits all dark theme ala Batman.

I don't think its about darkness as it is about a good quality film. TDK was a masterpiece in terms of script writing and directing. There was a steady flow of action coupled with a compelling story. This is what WB needs to focus on not suddenly making everything dark. A Nolan helmed creative team seems to be a rare occurrence but that's a big factor to these franchises succeeding.

[FlawlessVictory]

is it really necessary?
they just needed to put more action in the movie.

Yes, it was necessary. This, "all we need is more action" stuff doesn't cut it for me. Its not about just adding more action. I hated all the characters in the film, none were likeable with the exception of Richard. I hate Jason, I hate Bosworth as Lois, I hate how Lex was portrayed, and I hate the continued story of Superman dealing with being a daddy in one way or another. So, no, just adding action will not fix so many other glaring problems with the movie for me.

[Superark]

is it really necessary?
they just needed to put more action in the movie.

Batman needed a reboot because it's previous movie was horrible. handled the character in a way he shouldn't. made him cheesy and happy.
now Superman was done right in the last movie. he ain't a dark character. he's the big boy scout. they just needed to put a stronger villain in the sequel. not start over. pretty much everyone knows him already.

and a reboot gets me wondering...
how will we get a foe for Supes different from Lex? Bizarro, Darkseid...
I don't want to see more of Lex's plans when we could get incredible brawls all over the sphere.

IMO, no a reboot isn't necessary. Unfortunantely reboots and remakes are the fad in Hollywood right now.

[Nixon]

YESSSSSS!!!

Finally it's official. It's exactly what everyone with a brain was saying right after SR failed in theatres!

Keep crying apologists, WE WON!

There's a marked difference between being a kid at heart and acting like a petulant child.

That quote up there, is an example of the latter.

[dark_b]

from what i know batman was the first comic character that got a reboot origin. and i think because....there was no origin movie for him.
you can not reboot hellboy,fantastic four,spiderman,...........

[The Overlord]

Since when did sticking within the realm of the Donnerverse constitute NOT pulling from post-Crisis stories? They have 70 years worth of comics that they can pull from...they can pull anything they want.

Use the paradigm of the Donnerverse, and push it forward with any story you wish.

But the overall construct of the Donnerverse (Supes' characterization, the design, the music, the wit, the epic scale) should remain the same IMO.

It was fine for "Begins" to do its own thing in the aftermath of Schumacher and the fact that even Burton changed things up in "Returns" and the construct of the Batman films was always changing, but the template set up by Donner stuck. And while the material within that template is questionable (Superman's III and IV) the template itself was brilliant.

CFE

But Donner Lex sucks, so how do they go from idiot Lex to croporate lex? This version of Lex isn't smart enough to tie his shoe, let alone create Metallo. That makes half of Superman's rogues gallery off limits.

from what i know batman was the first comic character that got a reboot origin. and i think because....there was no origin movie for him.
you can not reboot hellboy,fantastic four,spiderman,...........

Yes you can reboot the fF movies because they suck so bad at this point. They can use comic book Doom instead of the loser got instead.

[Nathan]

I think I'd be glad about a reboot. It would definitely be nice, if I were able to look at Lex and don't have to think that's the guy who tried twice to get his own land, got stooges as henchmen, possesses dozens of wigs and screams "Wrooooooooong!"

And it be great to have a Clark with a little confidence and attitude.

[Nixon]

This version of Lex managed to deduce Superman's weakness to Kryptonite, calculate the exact spot on the San Andreas to trigger a massive tectonic event, steal two nuclear missles, find the Fortress of Solitude, figure out Kryptonian science, and nearly kill Superman twice.

And that's just the stuff that's in Superman Returns continuity. If you want, we can include developing a nuclear powered clone of Superman too. Metallo would be a cake walk for him.

An idiot who can't tie his own shoe? Hardly. He probably just doesn't care to spend his days sitting behind a desk to maintain the pretext of a benevolent CEO.

[FaT_tONle]

I don't think we will see Superman in 2010 either especially with drastic changes in store. My guess would be 2012 as well. But, I do think WB is looking at GL for 2010. The word is out that they love the script, so I think its possible. Whether or not it will be a big success is another story but I think they may have high aspirations for it after a second level character like Iron Man had the success it did.

Hal Jordan works for a Holiday release. WB needs that big time money maker in July. Green Lantern, WW, Flash, or anyone not named Batman in that slot is a joke. Those films can still be summer films... but they won't be the tentpoles WB is looking for.

[Hypestyle]

... where is Millar's pitch, is it online yet?

the new film must have at least one major non-lex villain, and some b-list henchmen villains, too.. get deadshot in there, prankster..

[Paradoxium]

At this point, the pro-rebooters are only halfway there. Instead of defending the position, or *****ing about it, one should advocate a proper approach to a reboot. Yea, we are fanboys, but note a lot people who pitch their ideas do read these forums and sites for ideas. You give them the right ones and it can help steer the movie in the right direction. ****, maybe Mirko and co should do an op-ed on it. Or someone else do a VOICE 2.0 :D

For Pro-SR/Singer fanboys, you should do the same; give ideas that work for both a reboot and a continuation to Singer's continuity. This is a more compelling and indirect way to get your continuation. Even if it does not succeed, the idea itself is not a waste.

Key points, faithful to source, and be considerate of money. Money as in expenditures and maximizing the potential demographic. Money speaks louder than anything.

[green]

On a personal level I think this is kinda dumb. The box office for Returns may not have been what WB was hoping for but it did reintroduce the character to the general audience just as well as Begins did box office wise. I kinda want to see what was still coming. There's a giant land mass half made of Kryptonite and Kryptonian technology floating in space, there's a human alien hybrid walking around Metropolis that three of the main characters would give their lives defending and you've also got Supermans nemesis still at large(not locked up or dead for that matter) with the knowledge of Supermans homeworld and 29(or is it 28 known galaxies). I think Singer has a great sequel in him, I cant stand Kevin Smith but I have to agree with him on this. I think just throwing a new edgier darker superman movie at the general public is gonna be even harder for them to swallow...
I'll remain cautiously optimistic for now but I am a bit disappointed.

[Timstuff]

I personally don't want to see a particularly "dark" Superman movie, because Superman is one of the more colorful Superheroes. However, I am not against exploring some of the dark areas of the Superman franchise where it's appropriate, namely through the villains. A good villain should be dark mirror that shows us what all of the hero's flaws are, and personally I think people would like to see what Clark Kent's flaws are, because it will make him more relatable.

In terms of color pallet though, I think that Superman Returns crossed the line into too dark. Even The Dark Knight was more bright and colorful than SR!

[Ita-KalEl]

It depends. It sure sounds like Superman is a priority for W.B., so 2010 may happen. Now if it's a good film or not is another story.

Exactly!
The article says four movies (Batman III, Superman and 2 other sh movies) within next three years (2009-2010-2011).

[darkseid26]

NOOO!, my dreams of a kick-ass sequel are shattered, guess i to wait and see what they do with this reboot.

[Superark]

If they are set on a reboot, I wonder if they heard a pitch they are excited about that helped make this decision.

[SatEL]

I also think they need to approach this with a more serious tone, what is it Bale always says about Batman "We knew from the start we had to take this serious".

[Payle Gray]

i really think they make a revamped superman film AFTER they introduce the other characters. i think the hulk reboot would have gone better if they had let more time elapse between the ang lee movie and the current one.

and WB should make GL or flash first IMO.

[Darknightnomis]

Oh God.... How can WB not understand one of their own major characters that's been around for over 70 years?

Superman is not supposed to be dark, he suposed to INSPIRE us to do the right thing.

It was the melancholy of 'Superman Returns' is what killed it for most people.

Dark works for Batman becasue it's the underlining factor of the character from day one, but not for Superman.

This is not good. Not good at all.

[ultimatefan]

Heh, wasn´t one of the big complaints on Superman Returns that it was "too dark"?

[Superark]

i really think they make a revamped superman film AFTER they introduce the other characters. i think the hulk reboot would have gone better if they had let more time elapse between the ang lee movie and the current one.

and WB should make GL or flash first IMO.

Yeah that's what they should do, but it is like a previous poster said, studio execs. think with their wallets first.

[Jochimus]

This version of Lex managed to deduce Superman's weakness to Kryptonite, calculate the exact spot on the San Andreas to trigger a massive tectonic event, steal two nuclear missles, find the Fortress of Solitude, figure out Kryptonian science, and nearly kill Superman twice.

And that's just the stuff that's in Superman Returns continuity. If you want, we can include developing a nuclear powered clone of Superman too. Metallo would be a cake walk for him.

Not to mention establishing a corporation with which to buy up all that land (a front company, true, but still it was ahead of Byrne), or being able to build holographic projectors and alpha-wave generators while in prison, and then moving from real estate to war profiteering. Plus, in the midst of all that, he DID get to the White House in-between...:woot:

[darkseid26]

dark superman reminds me, of Tim Burtons Superman

[bunk]

i really think they make a revamped superman film AFTER they introduce the other characters. i think the hulk reboot would have gone better if they had let more time elapse between the ang lee movie and the current one.

and WB should make GL or flash first IMO.


Yeah, I agree. It seems way too soon for a reboot. They could develop other characters first and give Superman the "Captain America" treatment where the solo movie is also used to set up a JL movie.

[Mister J]

Mr. Robinov wants his next pack of superhero movies to be bathed in the same brooding tone as "The Dark Knight." Creatively, he sees exploring the evil side to characters as the key to unlocking some of Warner Bros.' DC properties. "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the characters allow it," he says. That goes for the company's Superman franchise as well.
The bolded part unnerves me a little. If it's tempered fairly well by the 'to the extent the characters allow it' follow-up, it goes over a bit better.

Specific to Superman, Big Blue's last outing already got caught up in too much melodrama for my taste. I'm hoping for something different in tone for the next film. The word 'brooding' really doesn't play into that at all.

[supesfan80]

To me, and this is just my opinion, the wording of the article did not clearly state that there will be a reboot. He used the word reintroduce ... it could go either way.

I see this as more fitting with the "angry god" talk that was floating around several months ago. IMO, that means exploring a darker side of the villains in the Superman world ... increasing the chances of a Darkseid or Mongul. I also think it means that one of those villains will kill off the kid.

Again, just my opinion.

[FaT_tONle]

Yes, it was necessary. This, "all we need is more action" stuff doesn't cut it for me. Its not about just adding more action. I hated all the characters in the film, none were likeable with the exception of Richard. I hate Jason, I hate Bosworth as Lois, I hate how Lex was portrayed, and I hate the continued story of Superman dealing with being a daddy in one way or another. So, no, just adding action will not fix so many other glaring problems with the movie for me.

I really don't know what made you flip flop over the year. You were one of the proponents of a revamp... even if it meant Singer was back. The love triangle is a problem everyone knows that. So was Rachel Dawes... and Nolan had a solution for that. These things can be fixed. Even if it's cheesy I am willing to extend my imagination as long as they get rid of the kid. The MAJOR problems I had with SR... requel, real-estate Lex, Bosworth, and the kid. Other than that it really didn't have other major flawes. You update Lex, recast Bosworth, and change a few other things and those problems can be taken care of. I could care less about Singer. Bring in another director. Obviously it's a problem since you need Spacey for a sequel... but then again do we even need Lex again? You probably do but still, if the money is there I think he'll be back even if Singer isn't back to direct. I just think that if one of these pitches offers a viable solution for the kid... WB needs to fast track that pitch into a full screen play, bring in their director, and get into pre production ASAP.

[Showtime]

Interesting to note, Tull said that a "sequel" would portray Superman as "an angry god". Maybe that was Robinov's plan for a sequel and now a plan for a reboot.

[Superark]

Heh, wasn´t one of the big complaints on Superman Returns that it was "too dark"?


Yes it was. Although these are all just early and vague comments from Robinov, they do worry me quite a bit.

Remember this anyone....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/thetaoofjoe2/tim-burton-superman.jpg

[Katsuro]

Man, this news sucks. Regardless of plot, I really liked Brandon Routh, and I want him to still be Superman. They dont need to reboot.

[bunk]

There's certainly a difference between darker characters, and a darker universe on the whole. I really have zero interest in seeing Superman's "evil side".

[Coleman Reese]

To me, and this is just my opinion, the wording of the article did not clearly state that there will be a reboot. He used the word reintroduce ... it could go either way.

I see this as more fitting with the "angry god" talk that was floating around several months ago. IMO, that means exploring a darker side of the villains in the Superman world ... increasing the chances of a Darkseid or Mongul. I also think it means that one of those villains will kill off the kid.

Again, just my opinion.

Semantics is all part of the plan. These executives are as slippery as politicians.

[darkseid26]

Yes it was. Although these are all just early and vague comments from Robinov, they do worry me quite a bit.

Remember this anyone....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/thetaoofjoe2/tim-burton-superman.jpg

i'm scared this will happen

[Coleman Reese]

Man, this news sucks. Regardless of plot, I really liked Brandon Routh, and I want him to still be Superman. They dont need to reboot.

Nick Cage anyone? Burton had faith in him for his dark version. Maybe now the timing is right. If you want a dark superman you need to scrap the boyscout countenance and cast a lead who embodies darkness. If not Cage I vote for Jason Statham.

[Asteroid-Man]

Superman should NOT be dark. Even Metropolis at night time was said to look like day due to all of the lights. Metropolis was always a city of high morality which is why when a villain was introduced everyone would flip out cause it was something different and unexpected. Some stuff a Superman Movie needs:

-A Gold Tone to the film (like in the COMICS)
-A Goddamn Villain with SUPER POWERS so we can see some goddamn...
-Action and LOTS of it
-A good plot adaptation for a film (which we have yet to see in the Superman films, including Doomsday)
-Humour as Clark Kent
-A quick nod at his origin

The only way I could see a little bit of Darkness done in the film is if this movie is a spinoff of Smallville. I know Smallville looks cheap and what not, but give it a good budget and a director like Chris Nolan, and the movie will be good.

[supesfan80]

To me, and this is just my opinion, the wording of the article did not clearly state that there will be a reboot. He used the word reintroduce ... it could go either way.

I see this as more fitting with the "angry god" talk that was floating around several months ago. IMO, that means exploring a darker side of the villains in the Superman world ... increasing the chances of a Darkseid or Mongul. I also think it means that one of those villains will kill off the kid.

Again, just my opinion.

Sorry, to continue I also see this as a very compelling storyline with the character.

How does Superman, a virtually indestructible hero deal with loss. Specifically the loss of a child. Will he unleash the full extent of his powers? Will he turn back to his character's morals of truth & justice to constrain his sadness and grief?

What will his view of "justice" become? I see this as very fitting within the current world we live in. I could be a very compelling story that allows for growth in the character and a reinforcement of those morals that make Superman who he is.

[FaT_tONle]

from what i know batman was the first comic character that got a reboot origin. and i think because....there was no origin movie for him.
you can not reboot hellboy,fantastic four,spiderman,...........

TIH? Even though it didn't do well... TIH gives WB every reason to believe a reboot can work in this day and age.

[Superark]

Interesting to note, Tull said that a "sequel" would portray Superman as "an angry god". Maybe that was Robinov's plan for a sequel and now a plan for a reboot.


I was never a fan of that supposed portrayal when I first heard it.

[storyteller]

Wouldnt make for a bad bizzaro or cyborg superman

[GreenKToo]

If they are set on a reboot, I wonder if they heard a pitch they are excited about that helped make this decision.
Who knows. They could have decided a loooong while ago to reboot, but just kept it under their hats.
Then again, it could have been a recent decision. ( insert James Bond theme here)

[Batman137]

Does this mean no routh?

[Asteroid-Man]

Yes it was. Although these are all just early and vague comments from Robinov, they do worry me quite a bit.

Remember this anyone....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/thetaoofjoe2/tim-burton-superman.jpg
OH GOD! GET IT AWAY! (Thank God Burton didn't direct SR)

[Jochimus]

Yes it was. Although these are all just early and vague comments from Robinov, they do worry me quite a bit.

Remember this anyone....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/thetaoofjoe2/tim-burton-superman.jpg

I still maintain that might almost pass for Bizarro. They certainly wouldn't have to spend any more money coming up with the design, plus if you're gonna make him out to be a clone of Superman (which seems to be the popular mode lately), it at least bypasses the argument of why his S-shield would be backwards.

[Showtime]

TIH? Even though it didn't do well... TIH gives WB every reason to believe a reboot can work in this day and age.

If they do a reboot or not, I don't think it should be based off TIH...how did that really "work". It made about 3 million more domestically then Hulk which was considered a failure?

[FlawlessVictory]

I really don't know what made you flip flop over the year. You were one of the proponents of a revamp... even if it meant Singer was back.

Dude, I have no idea what you are talking about. :huh: I always wanted a reboot. Ask anyone who posts here. I want a movie that completely severs all ties to the Donner/Singer film. I want a restart, new origin, no Singer and a brighter bolder Superman. The only circumstance where I preferred a Singer sequel was when I thought the choice for 2010 would be between Singer's SR2 or Miller's JLA. I hated the sound of Miller's JLA even more than Singer's SR2, LOL.

Interesting to note, Tull said that a "sequel" would portray Superman as "an angry god". Maybe that was Robinov's plan for a sequel and now a plan for a reboot.

I was thinking of that as well, good point.

[The Overlord]

This version of Lex managed to deduce Superman's weakness to Kryptonite, calculate the exact spot on the San Andreas to trigger a massive tectonic event, steal two nuclear missles, find the Fortress of Solitude, figure out Kryptonian science, and nearly kill Superman twice.

And that's just the stuff that's in Superman Returns continuity. If you want, we can include developing a nuclear powered clone of Superman too. Metallo would be a cake walk for him.

An idiot who can't tie his own shoe? Hardly. He probably just doesn't care to spend his days sitting behind a desk to maintain the pretext of a benevolent CEO.

What, create Metallo, so lex can use him in another lame real estate scam? If this cversion of Lexis so great, why do so many fans thinks he sucks?

Yet he couldn't have come up with a better plan then the one seen in SR? Seriously Lex isn't Joker, he shouldn't be trying to kill millions of people for no logical reason. Lex should be lawful evil, that;s more clever and sinister that the clown we see the movies.

Corporate Lex is Superman's true opposite, movie Lex is some lame ass clown Superman has to deal with now and again.

[ant3ros]

I'm all for superheroes being deeper. Superman Returns attempted to do it, but failed since the characters never really confronted and dealt with the issues they were given. The events in the movie over shadowed all the personal issues as if they never mattered in the first place.

It would be great to have a movie where we can get more into Superman's mentality, where he can justify that he isn't just an ideal boyscout. A Superman movie should make people feel like they can aspire to his standards instead of Superman being completely alone. That's where I imagine a "dark" take to be instrumental. Superman Returns didn't show how messed up the world is. He was just chasing after Lex and his goons. There were reports about how he flies around and helps all over the world, but we never see the desperation or the actual need for help.

The next movie should open up Metropolis and present a world more conflicted. The world could be darker, but Superman shouldn't be. His goodness is the contrast. He can definitely have more characterization and talk more. He could be more brooding and thoughtful, but don't make him clam up. Someone like Superman wouldn't be as quiet or reserved as Singer's Superman. He's the kind of hero who would give public speeches. WB just needs to be careful not to make Superman so dark that he seems flawed.

[Coleman Reese]

Yes it was. Although these are all just early and vague comments from Robinov, they do worry me quite a bit.

Remember this anyone....

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/thetaoofjoe2/tim-burton-superman.jpg

Make fun of this concept art all you want but it does look like a superhero with gravitas. Unlike the first released pic of Routh.

[Superark]

TIH? Even though it didn't do well... TIH gives WB every reason to believe a reboot can work in this day and age.


That's the problem, it didn't do well in theaters, so it doesn't give reason why a reboot can work.

Studios care about money!

[Ita-KalEl]

If they do a reboot or not, I don't think it should be based off TIH...how did that really "work". It made about 3 million more domestically then Hulk which was considered a failure?

And far less overseas...

[Apollo]

^ clark kent would have looked hilarious in burtons take...

"hey kent you look a little pale, you ok...and what the? are those screws sticking out of your neck!?"

[Showtime]

Dude, I have no idea what you are talking about. :huh: I always wanted a reboot. Ask anyone who posts here. I want a movie that completely severs all ties to the Donner/Singer film. I want a restart, new origin, no Singer and a brighter bolder Superman. The only circumstance where I preferred a Singer sequel was when I thought the choice for 2010 would be between Singer's SR2 or Miller's JLA. I hated the sound of Miller's JLA even more than Singer's SR2, LOL.

FT, I can back up this statement. He was always for a reboot.

I was thinking of that as well, good point.

Just interesting to note I guess.

[FlawlessVictory]

FT, I can back up this statement. He was always for a reboot.

Thanks Show.

[Apollo]

wait, is that concept art of Superman? or Bizzaro?

[Lucidious]

I'm all for superheroes being deeper. Superman Returns attempted to do it, but failed since the characters never really confronted and dealt with the issues they were given. The events in the movie over shadowed all the personal issues as if they never mattered in the first place.

It would be great to have a movie where we can get more into Superman's mentality, where he can justify that he isn't just an ideal boyscout. A Superman movie should make people feel like they can aspire to his standards instead of Superman being completely alone. That's where I imagine a "dark" take to be instrumental. Superman Returns didn't show how messed up the world is. He was just chasing after Lex and his goons. There were reports about how he flies around and helps all over the world, but we never see the desperation or the actual need for help.

The next movie should open up Metropolis and present a world more conflicted. The world could be darker, but Superman shouldn't be. His goodness is the contrast. He can definitely have more characterization and talk more. He could be more brooding and thoughtful, but don't make him clam up. Someone like Superman wouldn't be as quiet or reserved as Singer's Superman. He's the kind of hero who would be give public speeches. WB just needs to be careful not to make Superman so dark that he seems flawed.

Well said.

[Coleman Reese]

wait, is that concept art of Superman? or Bizzaro?

Its concept art from Burton's aborted Superman Lives film from the late 90s.

[StylishHokie21]

Great news!

[Superark]

Make fun of this concept art all you want but it does look like a superhero with gravitas. Unlike the first released pic of Routh.

That is not Superman, plain and simple

[Ita-KalEl]

I hope to see, at least for this time, all the superman fans united.

[Jochimus]

Make fun of this concept art all you want but it does look like a superhero with gravitas. Unlike the first released pic of Routh.

A superhero with gravitas? Maybe, in Burton World.
Superman? Hell no.

[Coleman Reese]

That is not Superman, plain and simple

It looks to be when Superman gains powers from Eradicator which bonds with him to form a suit b/c the sun is blocked. At least that's how it went in the script. Something like that.

[storyteller]

If they do a reboot or not, I don't think it should be based off TIH...how did that really "work". It made about 3 million more domestically then Hulk which was considered a failure?

Its also possible that the whole concept of the Hulk may not actually work for a movie series. Not everything can be a blockbuster success. Also the best comic book stories are ones that take advantage of the history of the heroes. Kingdom come is a terrific story and would be awesome to see on screen but the book is filled with history that non comic book readers wouldn't get.

If they bring singer and his crew back, then why not say sequel.
But alas the wb really is lacking on getting comic book movies. The sad fact that it took so long for superman to get made after Reeves is pretty well sad.

[dark_b]

Heh, wasn´t one of the big complaints on Superman Returns that it was "too dark"?its pretty simple to WB. fans complain that it was to dark. then TDK makes 500 milions domestic. to WB that means a dark superman.

ohhh and by the way. teh article says that in the next 3 years superman and batman. so i dont think that superman will eb in the same year as batman. so 2010.

[Asteroid-Man]

Last time they tried to make a light superhero in red and blue dark we got this:
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t103/elloimbrandon/6gk15rs.gif

Seriously, I'd consider us lucky if we got Burton's Supes. :dry:

[Apollo]

if this is a take on a more realistic approach, Superman needs a better cover than glasses...maybe a mustachaa!?

[batman44]

I think we're taking the "dark" comment way out of line.

[the gael]

Well, many studios have missed the bullseye. Batman begins didn't worked because it was a reboot. Nolan said it. It worked because the beginning of batman and how bruce wayne became batman was never shown on screen.

Of course, because it was the beginning, Nolan introduced a new version of Gotham city ( his own )

If the story was allready told, Nolan would have come with another story, and we wouldn't have had a reboot, but some sort of revamp ( probably in the continuity of the burton movie ), and it would still have been good. ( because nolan is an awesome director )

then we had the reboot on the bond franchise. Casino royale worked for the same reason, but i'm not sure that the bond franchise, which never needed a reboot, won't be damaged in the future due to that.

The Hulk reboot was smart, but it was much more of a revamp that a reboot.

The superman franchise is exactly the kind of franchise that may be seriously damaged by a reboot. Why ? Because the superman origins have been done to death ( superman the movie, smallville, etc... ) It won"t bring anything new. One man tried to bring something new to his origin, JJ Abrahams... And we all know how bad his script was.

Singer had good ideas, but never explored the good ones ( the old lady " legacy " should have brought us the " lexcorp " lex we love, the superman abscence,... ) and gave us some bad ones ( the kids, the goofy lex instead of the threatening one we could have had with spacey )

I still think Routh and spacey were the men of the situation. It will be a shame if they didn't bring them back. No, the true problem was the lois miscasting. Kate Bosworth was so out of character.

you can say WB will be clever and make a revamp that will clear all the bad things of SR, bring some more actions, and keep the good things of SR.

But well, since when WB executive are clever ? Remember Batman and Robin and Catwoman. Their only success is tha batman franchise, and it's only nolan success.

The " Darker " Superman make me fear the worst. Because except some of his villians ( like Darkside ), Superman isn't a dark character at all. Human yes, dark certainly not.

[Coleman Reese]

An all black suit would be SICK. If anyone from WB is reading this, go with an all black suit!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Supermanlivesuit.jpg

[Showtime]

Its also possible that the whole concept of the Hulk may not actually work for a movie series. Not everything can be a blockbuster success. Also the best comic book stories are ones that take advantage of the history of the heroes. Kingdom come is a terrific story and would be awesome to see on screen but the book is filled with history that non comic book readers wouldn't get.



Very good point.

[Ita-KalEl]

So IS the new title "The Dark Superman"?

[SatEL]

Last time they tried to make a light superhero in red and blue dark we got this:
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t103/elloimbrandon/6gk15rs.gif

Seriously, I'd consider us lucky if we got Burton's Supes. :dry:

The spidey fans most cringe everytime they see this, oh dont forget the spider dance.

[GreenKToo]

THAT Superman (burton's) didnt fly either, literally.

[Coleman Reese]

Last time they tried to make a light superhero in red and blue dark we got this:
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t103/elloimbrandon/6gk15rs.gif

Seriously, I'd consider us lucky if we got Burton's Supes. :dry:

This is why you cast an actor who can convey darkness. Otherwise you get the above which is an actor who can't pull of darkness and looks like a doucebag. They need to recast the lead role if they are planning to go dark, plain and simple.

[Ita-KalEl]

http://www.comicscreatorsguild.co.uk/nowreadthis/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/superman-the-dark-side.jpg

[bunk]

An all black suit would be SICK. If anyone from WB is reading this, go with an all black suit!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bc/Supermanlivesuit.jpg

Super heroes do tend to be more appealing when they resemble black licorice...

[Dark Knight]

Lots of luck on this one....it's like they are taking one step forward and three steps back. :huh:

Superman is not a dark brooding character....LOL

[Dark Knight]

This is why you cast an actor who can convey darkness. Otherwise you get the above which is an actor who can't pull of darkness and looks like a doucebag. They need to recast the lead role if they are planning to go dark, plain and simple.



How about Nicholas Cage?? :woot: