WB/DC: It's All Part Of The Plan

[Cool Monty]

Where's Jamie with a smart-ass photo when ya need one?

What idiot thinks Valkyrie's box-office success actually mattered to the status of the next Superman film? Oh yeah...

Not a photo, but damn did that get a chuckle out of me.

Nightwing, Showtime knows what he is talking about. You're only making yourself look dumb now, dude. If he says one thing and you don't think it's true and say as much, then fine, that's the opinion you're entitled to. But don't make these drawn out debates trying to change the SR facts that Show already knows are true.

 

[Nightwing1983]

Even if Valkyrie had made 100 gazillions of dollars. That wouldn't change the status of the Superman franchise.

We're not talking about the "status of the franchise," we're talking about whether or not they want to do a reboot or a sequel, and if so, whether they want it to have Singer as the director.

I certainly hope they reboot, but it's not like Superman Returns did so badly that there was no hope that they would make a sequel. Not only that, but it can be looked at as either a first film or a sequel, so from their standpoint, they might think, "well, we're not making a sequel just to that film, but earlier and more successful films."

Which is why even if Singer's out, we aren't out of the woods yet.

 

[gillberg2k1]

We're not talking about the "status of the franchise," we're talking about whether or not they want to do a reboot or a sequel, and if so, whether they want it to have Singer as the director.

I certainly hope they reboot, but it's not like Superman Returns did so badly that there was no hope that they would make a sequel. Not only that, but it can be looked at as either a first film or a sequel, so from their standpoint, they might think, "well, we're not making a sequel just to that film, but earlier and more successful films."

Which is why even if Singer's out, we aren't out of the woods yet.

Listen, they made a decision a long time ago that they wanted to explore other options, including rebooting the whole thing, which is what will happen.

Singer was hired originally based on his success with the X-Men franchise, as well as his body of work. WB essentially did what they did with Christopher Nolan on Batman Begins, which did exactly what they were needing to do for that franchise. They ultimately gave Singer the freedom to do what he wanted creatively, which just so happened to be a direction that a lot of the mainstream audience didn't respond to. That sparked the push for the next film to be more action oriented, to include a super villain, etc. in hopes to create some sort of film franchise out of that initial investment. After all, as you've said, Returns wasn't a flop by any means. It just didn't have the impact/response that they were expecting/needing.

The more and more time that passes, the more and more sense it makes to reboot the whole thing with a fresh new vision, especially because of how much Returns was rooted in the Donner universe and storyline. A fresh take on the character is something new, something fresh, and ultimately something that we haven't seen yet. The potential there is unbelievable especially with the success of Batman, Bond, and now Star Trek. WB knows this, and I KNOW for a fact that they aren't just brushing Superman aside. They can't. It's too big of a property.

The real issue is finding someone they are comfortable with and can trust to not bury this franchise and create the Superman film that the studio needs as an important flagship of their stable. This means quality, this means big buzz, this means big numbers at the box office, and of course, the ultimate goal of the studio...this means a franchise they can continue to ride on for 10+ years down the road. The benefit of this? After Batman finishes up around 2012, WB can then look to a hyped up, rebooted Superman to carry the weight and spotlight that Batman has had. This is of course, assuming they find the right guy in time.

Singer is out. The possibilities and the potential is just too great.

 

[Nightwing1983]

The real issue is finding someone they are comfortable with and can trust to not bury this franchise and create the Superman film that the studio needs as an important flagship of their stable. This means quality, this means big buzz, this means big numbers at the box office, and of course, the ultimate goal of the studio...this means a franchise they can continue to ride on for 10+ years down the road. The benefit of this? After Batman finishes up around 2012, WB can then look to a hyped up, rebooted Superman to carry the weight and spotlight that Batman has had. This is of course, assuming they find the right guy in time.

Singer is out. The possibilities and the potential is just too great.

Y'know, I don't really care about buzz and box office. Sure it'd be nice if they made billions and made a bunch of films; but I don't care if they can't even get one right.

There's this guy on the imdb.com board who always lectured me about my idea--loose sequel to the first two and then *gasp* a new adventure involving huge battles with Kryptonian AI and themes of whether or not Superman's doing more harm than good--and accused me of "expecting people to want to see it just because it's Superman," and his bright idea was--get this--do a redo of his origin where they went into depth about why he became Superman.

Well, that's real fine; but the first film already did that, and while his point is that it wasn't good enough, he needs to realize that whatever they come up with might not be all that interesting either to some people. This guy cares about box office numbers a lot and thinks the big problem is that people see him as corny (naw, really?) and his solution seems to be more time on the farm.

Instead of "creating a new franchise," (I hate that word, by the way) Warners and their creative element need to assume that whatever movie they make about Superman or any other DC superhero will most likely break even if not die a horrible death. Paradoxically, I think that'll focus them on just making a good movie--and, as if I care, be more conservative on their budget--and this could very well lead to a film people really enjoy.

 

[AgentPat]

Jeeze, Gill, where ya been man?

Nice to see ya among the same ole people and same ole arguments. t:

 

[GreenKToo]

You dont have to be (or know) an insider to see that its highly doubtful Singer will be back. Thats been obvious for a while now.
There is way to much division amongst the fans for WB to bring him back.
They need to hire a uniter for a director, not a divider.

 

[Nightwing1983]

I think we can all agree that B.S. is out. It's just a question of when.

 

[dark_b]

I think we can all agree that B.S. is out. It's just a question of when.

i think he is out already now.

 

[Webhead2006]

You dont have to be (or know) an insider to see that its highly doubtful Singer will be back. Thats been obvious for a while now.
There is way to much division amongst the fans for WB to bring him back.
They need to hire a uniter for a director, not a divider.

That is true man they need to find the best suited director out there that will get fans to back the project and try and mend the break in fans singer's film did. As for who that man/woman may be i have no clue who would be the best option to go with.

 

[GreenKToo]

I have no clue who they'll pick, but a few do come to mind that I think MOST would get behind.
Directors like Jackson, Howard, Verbinski, Spielberg (aint gonna happen), Cameron, or even Bay (yes I said Bay) would make *most* fans, and non-fans alike, excited.

 

[crazy monkey]

My vote would be for Robert Rodriguez. The man's got a strong vision in his head for each project he tackles. Considering his entire filmography I think that he, amongst the buzz-worthy directors working now, can most skillfully blend the the contrasting tones needed in Superman's pallete: light-hearted fun and big, explosive violence; emotional gravitas and an imaginitive sense of wonder.

His would not be a deeply nuanced Superman film, but thats the point. Supes should contrast Batman's franchise. It needs to be big, bright, fast and fun. I think RR could pull it off and I think everyone would leave the theater with a big smile on their face. He's also got big geek points on his side and has extensive experience with digital filmmaking.

 

[Christmas]

Bay would be anathema to Superman. Verbinski, of the names listed above has the best shot. In my head Brad Bird has the perfect attributes to come in now and create something new for Supes and WB.

 

[GreenKToo]

It will prolly end up being someone none of us expected.

 

[Christmas]

the higher ups at wb are going to be leaving their posts soon no? any concrete info on when that will happen and who will be the new people in charge?

i know it bodes badly for routh, but what else it could mean im fuzzy on.

 

[Webhead2006]

I thought it was only horn who is leaving in what a yr or two?

 

[FilmNerdJamie]

Ok, folks. It's not about trying to "unite" the hard-core fanbase because they frankly don't matter. Most of those irate moron fan-boys who claim they'll refuse to see the film if Welling isn't Superman, Routh doesn't return, etc. are full of ****. They'll go see it.

WB, Sony & Co. went out of their way to garner "nerd cred" for Terminator: Salvation and it meant absolutely dick. The film failed at the box-office. And don't give me this "Oh, but the foreign numbers will save it!" excuse. On the other hand, Paramount, Abrams & Co. made it a point to make Star Trek something that played to everyone (i.e. young, old, fans, non-fans, etc.) and they succeeded in spades.

As long as they make a Superman film that the general public will flock to see, they're good to go.

 

[protocida]

Brad Bird? I like that...

 

[SuperDaniel]

Me too. Iron Giant is a big tribute to Superman and is one of my favorite animated films ever. Same with Incredibles. He knows how to handle fantasy characters.

 

[Christmas]

he definitely does, he writes too. paired up with a dc writer with a encyclopedic knowledge of the superman universe.... I dunno it just seems like the perfect fit imo. He has a masterful quality about him as a director. hack he is not.

the realistic chances of him being approached, i dunno. He has been working hard for a bunch of years on making a live-action film about the great san francisco earthquake (financed by WB/Pixar). There are concerns about the budget which is around 200 million and that's keeping the film from being green-lit. http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/02/11/brad-birds-1906-earthquake-is-getting-smaller/

But imho, i think he's got a healthy respect for entertaining an audience, writing great stories, and making great movies.

if 1906 gets greenlit, i imagine that could be something of a test as to whether his skills as a filmmaker translate to live action. it's a story about how an entire city is destroyed at the turn of the century. I'm certain it would be nerve wracking, and visually resplendent.

he's my "fantasy-choice" or whatever, but I hope somebody who matters at WB has him in mind for Supes. if names like jackson, cameron, spielberg, and then other names like bay, verbinski, and frances lawrence can be proposed here, i have no problem flying the flag for Brad Bird.

 

[BATZARRO WWD]

I'm actually more concerned with who's writing. But other than Mark Milar's( oh yeah, the secret director was Grape Ape. You know, in his mind...) ramblings I ain't heard nothin'.

 

[GreenKToo]

I'd still see it even if Nic Cage were Supes.
I wouldnt exactly be thrilled of course, but I'd see it. I'd by lying if I said I wouldn't.

BUT, IMVHO, it'd be a mistake to hire a director that the fans dislike/hate. That would create Bad buzz from the get go, and a new Supes film will need all the positive buzz it can get.

Of course WB can't and won't please all the fans, thats impossible. Some would gripe even if spielberg himself got it. But, If they could get a marjority of the fans behind them, say 80 or 90%, then I think that would be a success, not to mention the positive buzz created.

Some folks say fans don't matter, but if thats the case then why did directors like nolan, singer, and fav take the time to read the fan boards. If nothing else, fans matter because studios and directors dont want negative buzz surrounding their film(s).

 

[gillberg2k1]

Jeeze, Gill, where ya been man?

Nice to see ya among the same ole people and same ole arguments. t:

It never ends. I thought I'd come back to the Hype and see if the Supes forum had come to terms with reality and/or made up their minds on what they want in a film. Apparently it's just gotten worse.

 

[BestGirl]

I'd still see it even if Nic Cage were Supes.
I wouldnt exactly be thrilled of course, but I'd see it. I'd by lying if I said I wouldn't.

A Nic Cage Superman movie would at least have a certain trainwreck appeal. t:

 

[Dark Knight]

It never ends. I thought I'd come back to the Hype and see if the Supes forum had come to terms with reality and/or made up their minds on what they want in a film. Apparently it's just gotten worse.

It has....

:facepalm

 

[El Payaso]

I'd still see it even if Nic Cage were Supes.
I wouldnt exactly be thrilled of course, but I'd see it. I'd by lying if I said I wouldn't.

BUT, IMVHO, it'd be a mistake to hire a director that the fans dislike/hate. That would create Bad buzz from the get go, and a new Supes film will need all the positive buzz it can get.

Of course WB can't and won't please all the fans, thats impossible. Some would gripe even if spielberg himself got it. But, If they could get a marjority of the fans behind them, say 80 or 90%, then I think that would be a success, not to mention the positive buzz created.

Some folks say fans don't matter, but if thats the case then why did directors like nolan, singer, and fav take the time to read the fan boards. If nothing else, fans matter because studios and directors dont want negative buzz surrounding their film(s).

The Incredible Hulk tells me fans don't always make a difference. Big hype, good opinions from them, poor numbers.