Superman Reboot Writers Workshop

[GreenKToo]

I suppose your right, it seems that some of us are so desperate (me included) for a powerful villain/fight, that we tend to forget that ploy in the 90's, and wish for it all over again.

The "Death of Superman" plot was excitable and marketable in the 90's to go along with the arc in the comics but it has no place on screen at this point. The idea has run it's course, it was the hip story to tackle more than a decade ago but Returns canceled out that plotline with Superman almost dying twice. There is no way WB would touch upon that type of plotpoint again in a Superman movie, because it would be redundant. They have already had complaints of the redunacy of Returns, people complaing there was to much Donner influence and what not.

 

[Justice Bringer]

Hey J B!



I'm interested to hear what action scenes you propose?).

The first battle between them begins in the city leading out to the highway outside the city. Think of the Freeway Battle in Matrix Reloaded with Doomsday jumping on cars and tossing them around like toys as Superman tries to save civilians. Explosions all over.

The chase leads to Jason's school on the outskirts of the city as the beast Doomsday is after Jason, Superman follows to save his son.

I'll go into more detail about this one and the next sequence a bit later on, I'm thinking of scripting a few scenes. Basically Doomsday has the upper hand in all the bloody fighing but Superman prevails against him in the end.

The flip side to that is Brainiac should not be capable of being defeated from purely physical damage.

He can be defeated but not destroyed. Brainiac still exists in the end (the core of Brainiac). Luthor is on a quest to find him in the end (similar to JLU Season 3).

So Brainiac is just an alien in your movie?.

He appears as a human and eventually evolves into a Donner Crystal-like Robotic form in the final battle as he engages Superman.

...yeah that "real world feel of SR" worked a charm.

Yes it did. Lets get something straight. I'm not trying to retcon SR with some kind of 'comic book' movie of a completely different style. I'm trying to respect Singer's Superman world and move it forward. Of the same token, I can't see Nolan's Batman taking on a robotic army either. I'm still trying to ground an unrealistic character in as much reality as possible.

It was mentioned but the subject was never dealt with, more brushed under the carpet.

Your opinion on how it was executed but regardless it was done. Time to move on.

Its not the same thing, we are actually killing him. Hes not off on some space holiday or a bit sickly in hospital..Why did she go through those emotions when he wasn't dead.

Another absense of Superman will just bring about the same feelings in everyone all over again. Its so pointless.

They were a lot better received by fans than some movies. .

Thats your opinion. I can't take your suggestions seriously over what would make a better sequel if you arent a fan of the first film. You've got to respect it, be on the same track as it and then move forward. It has to flow.

Nevertheless you've managed it. t: .

Enough writers at DC have even referred to him as simply a plot device. I'm sure Showtime could tell you more. Doomsday is a deus Ex Machina. The writers of JLU even realized this but obviously in my version, hes not going to be able to talk...like in the cartoon (thats just too lame).

If they were worried about depressing people they wouldn't have made Superman Returns! .

Ya, I cant take you seriously anymore after that. Go find another thread to whine about SR. We're done here.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hey GreenKToo!

Upper Krust: I love this, it would set up the 3rd film brilliantly.

The last scene of the movie has Superman "waking up" in Hell (Apokalips).

Your welcome!

I thought it was quite a novel way of getting Superman to Apokalips.

Even having Darkseid off camera say "Welcome to Apokalips" would really leave audiences guessing what was coming next and those fans who know what Apokalips is would be chomping at the bit.

As for the movie itself, I was thinking there would be two distinct storylines. One being Superman on Apokalips.

The other being Cyborg on Earth posing as Superman. I always thought it would be nice to show what would really happen if Superman wanted to take over the Earth. This time Lex and the US Military would be trying to stop Cyborg. We could also introduce elements of the 'Rise of the Supermen' saga with Steel and the Eradicator.

While on Apokalips, Superman, after realising he cannot escape would be forced to fight for his freedom in a sort of War World capacity (except on Apokalips). He might face Kalibak but not kill him, then ("the champion") Validus and finally Darkseid himself. He needs to defeat Darkseid to win the Mother Box so he can return home.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hey J B!

Firstly I apologise for SR bashing it was out of place in this thread. While I was disappointed with Superman Returns, I'm through complaining. I'd rather discuss what you, me and others would like to see in a sequel.

So if you still want to continue the discussion reply to this post. If not I'll just assume you can't look past my previous transgressions and I'll stay away - no hard feelings.

The first battle between them begins in the city leading out to the highway outside the city. Think of the Freeway Battle in Matrix Reloaded with Doomsday jumping on cars and tossing them around like toys as Superman tries to save civilians. Explosions all over.

But didn't you say you didn't want the clone fight because it was too like Matrix Reloaded...now you want to pay homage to the Freeway Battle scene. t:

The chase leads to Jason's school on the outskirts of the city as the beast Doomsday is after Jason, Superman follows to save his son.

I'll go into more detail about this one and the next sequence a bit later on, I'm thinking of scripting a few scenes. Basically Doomsday has the upper hand in all the bloody fighing but Superman prevails against him in the end.

What always helps me is to break a movie down into 10 minute segments and then in one sentence try and explain what you want to happen in that space of time (not necessarily action scenes). Once you have that as a starting point you can then flesh things out further.

He appears as a human and eventually evolves into a Donner Crystal-like Robotic form in the final battle as he engages Superman.

Now thats quite cool, I like that idea. I wonder even if he could be liquid crystal. I just have this mental image of Brainiac getting hit by Superman and directly behind the blow his body would erupt like crystalline shards rising out of the snow/water.

Yes it did. Lets get something straight. I'm not trying to retcon SR with some kind of 'comic book' movie of a completely different style. I'm trying to respect Singer's Superman world and move it forward.

I agree that any sequel must try and stay as true to Singer's vision as possible for the sake of continuity.

Of the same token, I can't see Nolan's Batman taking on a robotic army either. I'm still trying to ground an unrealistic character in as much reality as possible.

I don't agree with your example. Superman is an inherantly fantastical being and his 'world' epitomises that. Whereas Batman is simply a man and his villains are primarily insane humans with no supernatural abilities.

So I think, not only can Superman get away with much more, but at the same time, you should push that envelope.

Enough writers at DC have even referred to him as simply a plot device. I'm sure Showtime could tell you more. Doomsday is a deus Ex Machina. The writers of JLU even realized this but obviously in my version, hes not going to be able to talk...like in the cartoon (thats just too lame).

I agree with you to an extent and I wouldn't have him talk either.

But I remember reading something from Kurt Busiek not so long ago on a messageboard, where he mentioned if something (the reference was to a supervillain) is only really good at one thing then it should be the best at that thing.

Doomsday is really only good at one thing, killing Superman, and you are going to take that away from him.

 

[Justice Bringer]

Sorry for being so condescending.

Anyway if its any consolation, I used to be on the 'Doomsday kills Superman' bandwagon too but I just think this story fits better with SR.

Not just that, I dont want Jason to be further traumatized by losing Supes like this. Its kinda heartless.

 

[Excel]

This is a continuity. clip number 2-


RICHARD
Come on honey we need to get inside-

-more explosion sounds-

Jimmy turns around and sees Superman begin walking toward the ledge-

JIMMY(stopping)
Hey where’s he going!?

White and Richard stop, than continue-Lois tries to break free of Richard grip-

RICHARD
Where are you going?

Lois rips her arm out of his grip-

RICHARD
Not to him-

she runs across the roof-

RICHARD
Lois-

White grabs him and gets him inside-Jimmy watches, and stop’s Richard from going after her

Superman rises onto the ledge, preparing for take off as Lois runs to him

Richard knows he has to let her go, and goes inside after Jimmy and White as slow, quiet, dramatic music plays-we see Richard stop at the door; waiting for her-

Lois runs after Superman, who hasn’t noticed her.

LOIS
Wait-wait-Superman wait-

Superman turns around to face her-

LOIS
Superman don’t go please Superman don’t go-

SUPERMAN
I have to-they will kill millions-

Lois begins to cry

LOIS
I know, Superman I know who you are, I don’t care-

Superman looks down at her-

LOIS(sobbing)
Superman you can’t-they’ll kill you! You saw what happened when you tried; please don’t go-

BEAT

LOIS
You will die.

Superman looks deeply into her eyes, and utters the story of his life.

SUPERMAN
I have to try.

This hits Lois, and she for once, understands.

Lois is determined-

LOIS
Please Superman! I’m begging you-

BEAT

LOIS
I love you Superman-I’ve always loved you.

Superman face looks about explode-these are the words he’s been waiting to hear you-

LOIS
Even when you were gone I never stopped; it never ended.

Lois smiles through her tears as the sun encompasses Superman

LOIS(crying happily)
I’m yours Superman, I’m yours. I’ve always been.

She’s on the ledge and hugs him-he holds her away, the incredible sunset behind them-

SUPERMAN
I love you too, Lois.

Her eyes are full of joy-

SUPERMAN
Your going to raise a great son.

She gets it-hes GOING ANYWAY-

SUPERMAN
But I have to go.

He kisses her deeply, passionately,and holds her away. He sets her down on the steps, and the two gaze into eachothers eyes one final time.

SUPERMAN(smiling)
Good bye, Lois Lane.

He takes off spectaculary, fast as lightening, straight to the sky-slicing through clouds-Lois’s gazes up after him, in tears.

EXT. SKIES ABOVE METROPOLIS-CONTNIUOUS

Superman bounds high-rocketing towards the sun-

 

[Excel]

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=267789

 

[daywalker2007]

these are all great ideas and such buts lets be real here

we are talking about superman made by singer and his pathetic team of losers

singer and his team don't have the "gonads" or "balls" shall we say to think of such a story or idea,

They simply cannot comprehend such ideas in their limited and brainless minds

I mean, with ******ed dumb asses like Dougherty and Harris, who have no writing talent whatsoever, what do you expect?

Get some people with real talent, like the Wachowski's who can take risks and be bold with their innovative film making

We can sit here all we want discussing ways of rectifying the disgrace of superman returns, but its all falling on deaf ears

Do you think morons like Dougherty and harris have ever read a superman comic in their life ? very unlikely. They are more likely to have used the original movie as their point of reference.

They probably don't even know who Supergirl or Super boy are.

Thats how pathetic they are.

I mean, when you have writers like Dougherty and harris who's talent lies in making ****e and rubbish Straight to DVD crap like "urban legend bloody mary" , its hardly time for celebration is it?

if you look at their history,

it consists of the following:

1. Superman Returns (2006) (screenplay) (story)
2. Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005) (V) (written by)
   ... aka Urban Legends 3: Bloody Mary (USA)
3. X2 (2003) (screenplay)
   ... aka X-Men 2 (Singapore: English title) (USA: working title)
   ... aka X-2 (USA: poster title)
   ... aka X-Men 2: X-Men United (USA: promotional title)
   ... aka X2: X-Men United (USA: promotional title)
4. Season's Greetings (1996) (as Mike Dougherty)

And people expect these ******s to make a good superman script ??

Please, there is more chance of Michael Jackson turning Black again than Dougherty and Harris making a good superman script.

Thats how bad they are

Pathetic

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hey J B!

Sorry for being so condescending.

No harm done mate, its sometimes difficult for me to leave my criticisms of SR 'at the door'.

Anyway if its any consolation, I used to be on the 'Doomsday kills Superman' bandwagon too but I just think this story fits better with SR.

Then don't use Doomsday.

Not just that, I dont want Jason to be further traumatized by losing Supes like this. Its kinda heartless.

True heroism IS sacrifice.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hey daywalker!

these are all great ideas and such buts lets be real here

I think you are falling into the same trap I nearly fell for. This thread is for discussion of alternative ideas, not SR bashing, there are plenty of other threads to voice your dissention.

we are talking about superman made by singer and his pathetic team of losers

Singer made $50 million dollars from Superman Returns, I don't believe he was the loser...the fans maybe, but thats another story.

singer and his team don't have the "gonads" or "balls" shall we say to think of such a story or idea,

I don't really think that sort of language is totally appropriate mate, I mean these are meant to be family friendly forums. There could be young kids reading these forums and you are not setting a very good example.

They simply cannot comprehend such ideas in their limited and brainless minds

I mean, with ******ed dumb asses like Dougherty and Harris, who have no writing talent whatsoever, what do you expect?

You know, much as I dislike Superman Returns I always try and make my criticisms constructive rather than mere verbal abuse....and while its anathema to me to defend the movie or the creative team behind it, I really feel your polarized comments are nothing but ad hominem attacks on people not here to defend themselves.

Just because you (and I) disagree with their vision (and I agree it was a flawed vision in my opinion) does not mean these people are talentless, brainless or ******ed.

Get some people with real talent, like the Wachowski's who can take risks and be bold with their innovative film making

Well I enjoyed the Matrix films but I don't see the Wachowski's as infallible. Matrix Reloaded anyone. No doubt when that movie came out there were probably people wrongly abusing the Wachowski's too - such is the nature of the internet.

We can sit here all we want discussing ways of rectifying the disgrace of superman returns, but its all falling on deaf ears

But actually we weren't (but for a few transgressions by my - to my shame) discussing that. We were discussing what we would do with the sequels.

Do you think morons like Dougherty and harris have ever read a superman comic in their life ? very unlikely. They are more likely to have used the original movie as their point of reference.

They probably don't even know who Supergirl or Super boy are.

Thats how pathetic they are.

I mean, when you have writers like Dougherty and harris who's talent lies in making ****e and rubbish Straight to DVD crap like "urban legend bloody mary" , its hardly time for celebration is it?

if you look at their history,

it consists of the following:

1. Superman Returns (2006) (screenplay) (story)
2. Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005) (V) (written by)
   ... aka Urban Legends 3: Bloody Mary (USA)
3. X2 (2003) (screenplay)
   ... aka X-Men 2 (Singapore: English title) (USA: working title)
   ... aka X-2 (USA: poster title)
   ... aka X-Men 2: X-Men United (USA: promotional title)
   ... aka X2: X-Men United (USA: promotional title)
4. Season's Greetings (1996) (as Mike Dougherty)

And people expect these ******s to make a good superman script ??

Please, there is more chance of Michael Jackson turning Black again than Dougherty and Harris making a good superman script.

Thats how bad they are

Pathetic

I'm sorry but your extended diatribe of baloney fell apart as soon as you listed X-Men 2...which, in most peoples opinions was actually a pretty good movie.

I think you are in the wrong thread.

My advice to you would be twofold.

1. Stop using such harsh language.
2. Read the thread title in future before posting.

Have a good day.

 

[superbaby]

But it is hardly just L&C, its SV, its 'Lex Luthor Man of Steel' - one of the best mini-series in recent years. The portrayal of Lex in LLMOS is the best I have ever seen.

It is being done in live-action and the books.

Zane - just a suggestion. Take your pick. I really think it works better making Lex youngish and vital physically.

But a multi-dimensiuonal and intriguing Lex is going to appeal a lot more than the over-the-top caricature we got in SR IMO.

never make lex luthor a physical threat to superman.
.
.
.
wait a second.... singer just did it... damn. sucks.

 

[redcaped]

Who's real in SR?

 

[Ceb-Man]

It doesn't need to follow. People disappear in tv shows. There are some characters just written out no explanation.
Just write the kid out or just restart.
Begining of SR sequel... hmm I had a strange dream, I left earth and came back and Lois had our child. Ha! Just kiddin'
The Kid is my main problem... just write him out. Add more action too!

 

[DavidTyler]

And this would actually take advantage of the much disliked superson.

Imagine in the sequel that the kid experiences rapid aging and becomes a young adult by mid the next movie. As the film progresses, he becomes more powerful and exhibits abilities other than that of his father Superman.

During the course of the movie an event caused by a supervillain (preferrably Brainiac) becomes the source of world-wide cataclysm, opening a huge visually stunning time storm in the sky. It creates massive devastation everywhere and the world is losing.

Superson sacrifices himself to the time storm in the act of combating it. When all clears, time has reversed to the point where he never existed and no one remembers him - not even Lois. And Supes never left to pursue his phantom lost home. Lois never got involved with Richard.

Just an odd idea that popped into my head.

 

[I_Hate_U_All]

That's prettymuch the story from Star trek the search for spock

 

[Showtime]

Isn't the the son growing rapidly into a man from an incarnation of a pre-Returns script? I forget who the author is, but it was a rather obscure re-write I believe. The baby that Lois had actually turned into Superman?

 

[Angeloz]

It also happened in "V". The rapid ageing of a half-human half-alien child. Probably also elsewhere including Soap Operas.

Angeloz

 

[Showtime]

Got bored at The Planet?

 

[Antonello Blueberry]

Got bored at The Planet?

he's here to hear your plans for the Superman sequel, as you are one of the Wachowsky bros.

 

[Angeloz]

No but I'll admit I was reluctant to come here due to the fighting. However I thought I should register just in case someone else did in my username.

Angeloz

 

[Showtime]

he's here to hear your plans for the Superman sequel, as you are one of the Wachowsky bros.

I legitimately was laughing out loud when I read that.

 

[Showtime]

No but I'll admit I was reluctant to come here due to the fighting. However I thought I should register just in case someone else did in my username.

Angeloz

I don't know how much fighting there really is, but your opinions are welcome here.

 

[Angeloz]

he's here to hear your plans for the Superman sequel, as you are one of the Wachowsky bros.

LOL. Though I'm a she. I understand that mistake however.

I don't know how much fighting there really is, but your opinions are welcome here.

Thank you very much.

Angeloz

 

[Showtime]

I didn't realize you were a she because of your username? What is with the Angeloz name then?

 

[WormyT]

And this would actually take advantage of the much disliked superson.

Imagine in the sequel that the kid experiences rapid aging and becomes a young adult by mid the next movie. As the film progresses, he becomes more powerful and exhibits abilities other than that of his father Superman.

During the course of the movie an event caused by a supervillain (preferrably Brainiac) becomes the source of world-wide cataclysm, opening a huge visually stunning time storm in the sky. It creates massive devastation everywhere and the world is losing.

Superson sacrifices himself to the time storm in the act of combating it. When all clears, time has reversed to the point where he never existed and no one remembers him - not even Lois. And Supes never left to pursue his phantom lost home. Lois never got involved with Richard.

Just an odd idea that popped into my head.

Yeah very Star Trek3.
Not bad. I don't think thats what would fix it though. Nothing short of a whole new direction will do the trick.
Also I think people want less storm/earthquake/tornado action that we've already seen and more Super fighting and traveling to other planets. Generally the stuff we haven't had yet.

Hey! JLU season 2 out today.