I bought Routh as Superman; I had no problem with him being cast. The problem with Superman Returns is that it was a relatively dull rehash of Superman the Movie (albeit with a few good moments - that jetliner rescue was absolutely outstanding). A second problem (not as significant as the first, though) was that the Super-suit was lousy; it gave Routh the appearance of having a stretched-out frame and therefore failed to show that his physique is actually superior to Reeve's.
So, would there be a problem re-casting Routh as Superman? Not in terms of how he'd perform, I don't think. But there would be a problem in that general film-goers would see him advertised in the role and would erroneously assume the film is a sequel to Returns. That could be a strong negative factor in promoting the new movie. For that reason - and not cuz I have anything against Routh - I'd prefer they give the role to someone else.
Ideally I'd like to see Tom Welling as Supe. I know people are really divided on him, but (a) he's earned his stripes investing himself in the character for nearly a decade now, (b) his age and appearance are perfect, (c) the movie could give a nod to Smallville just by the odd flashback or passing mention of other characters (e.g., Chloe) - without actually requiring film-goes to be familiar with the show in order to comprehend and enjoy the movie. And (d) the best reason of all, Welling has managed to capture perfectly that "Ah, shucks" good-guy-you'd-trust-with-your-life tone in how he plays Clark.
Secondarily, I'd also cast Erica Durance as Lois Lane. At first I actually didn't like her, but now I think she's grown into the role and improved as an actor, so that I now buy her as Lois. Surround her and Welling with a top-notch cast and make the plot thrilling, and it would be a hit film, no question. Fans of Smallville would enjoy it on a different level, but viewers not familiar with Smallville would enjoy it no less as an "independent" Superman film, provided the screenplay is well constructed.
So, would there be a problem re-casting Routh as Superman? Not in terms of how he'd perform, I don't think. But there would be a problem in that general film-goers would see him advertised in the role and would erroneously assume the film is a sequel to Returns. That could be a strong negative factor in promoting the new movie. For that reason - and not cuz I have anything against Routh - I'd prefer they give the role to someone else.
Ideally I'd like to see Tom Welling as Supe. I know people are really divided on him, but (a) he's earned his stripes investing himself in the character for nearly a decade now, (b) his age and appearance are perfect, (c) the movie could give a nod to Smallville just by the odd flashback or passing mention of other characters (e.g., Chloe) - without actually requiring film-goes to be familiar with the show in order to comprehend and enjoy the movie. And (d) the best reason of all, Welling has managed to capture perfectly that "Ah, shucks" good-guy-you'd-trust-with-your-life tone in how he plays Clark.
Secondarily, I'd also cast Erica Durance as Lois Lane. At first I actually didn't like her, but now I think she's grown into the role and improved as an actor, so that I now buy her as Lois. Surround her and Welling with a top-notch cast and make the plot thrilling, and it would be a hit film, no question. Fans of Smallville would enjoy it on a different level, but viewers not familiar with Smallville would enjoy it no less as an "independent" Superman film, provided the screenplay is well constructed.
Work proxy and all that.
