Who Should Direct The Next Superman Movie?

[Detective Conan]

Who’s your ideal director for the next Superman movie? I’m firmly in the belief there will be indeed be another solo Superman film eventually be it a soft reboot with Cavil or a hard reboot with another actor so which director do you guys think would be most up to the task of bringing the MOS back to the big screen as a solo franchise? I’m really liking the idea of George Miller but what say you?

 

[Rorschach2012]

JJ, the franchise whisperer is pretty much the only option at this point

 

[STARMAN]

I'm not crazy about George Miller on Superman. Back in 2015 he was asked if he would do MOS 2 and he answered that Superman is potentially very boring and you need to find his inner demons and started referencing Greek Gods and Why Batman is interesting because he's relatable and not perfect like Superman. All the usual stereotypical arguments against Superman that I always find agitating and misguided.

 

[Fincher]

J J Abrams, I guess. Jon Favreau would probably be good, too.

 

[Superchan]

I'm not crazy about George Miller on Superman. Back in 2015 he was asked if he would do MOS 2 and he answered that Superman is potentially very boring and you need to find his inner demons and started referencing Greek Gods and Why Batman is interesting because he's relatable and not perfect like Superman. All the usual stereotypical arguments against Superman that I always find agitating and misguided.

This. We don't need someone like singer who is completely devoid of vision and half**s remakes superman the movie aka Superman returns nor do we need guys like Snyder and Miller above who would turn superman into something they might like but something that the audience would and has (in Snyder's case) rejected.
What is needed is a creator who has passion for the character as it is and wants to bring the best version of that character to life. McQuarrie and Mathew Vaughn would both be great but sadly that ship has sailed and so if JJ is indeed involved I would like him to produce and let a friend of his like Brad Bird direct.

 

[Batmannerism]

Okay. I'm going with Matthew Vaughn, but am totally prepared to change my vote.

I didn't like the new Star Wars films ( too unoriginal and the characters had zero charm or depth) although I did like JJ's Star Trek films - so he's kind of 50/50 in my book.

Darren Aronofsky I think is a bizarre choice.

McQ could really only direct if Tom Cruise played Superman.

I was cheering for Vaughn, but after seeing Kingsman 2, which was rubbish, I'm not so sure.

TBH I think Superman needs a lot more empathy and humour, although more quippy than campy - regardless he's not a brooding hero.

I'm going to go with the Russos - now they're done with Marvel. Their treatment of MCU Captain America elevated the character.

 

[SupermanFan]

JJ Abrams, said for the longest time he should be the man. I honestly don’t think you can judge him on ROTS, that film was an attempt to course correct what TLJ ****ed up. I prefer to judge him on his other works especially his Star Trek reboot which I thought was excellent. He also can’t be judged on the changes to the myths in the Flyby script, he was sanctioned by Jon Peters to make it more like Star Wars. I think there is enough in that script with regards to Superman that even in a script that changes those myths comes across as someone who has a fundamental understanding of Superman.

Matthew Vaughn would be my second choice but he shouldn’t be of charge in casting imo.

 

[Babillygunn]

I’d love to see J.J. of Brad Bird. I could also see someone left field like Antoine Fuqua. The most important thing is that they get someone who understands the character and doesn’t feel the need to be apologetic for the character or to make him dark or edgy.

whoever they get, I would love to see them to use Peter Tomasi as a resource while writing the script (and possibly even write the script). He did the script for the Death of Superman animated movie and it was brilliant. He also has been one of the best Superman writers (along with Tom King) in the past two decades.

 

[STARMAN]

I used to support Vaughn but I don't trust him staying with the project as he's pulled out of a few films and doesn't seem like he has a story if Millar isn't involved. I liked McQuarrie but can't seem him coming back to WB unless as a writer on Henry's behalf. Bird is intriguing and perhaps might consider to helm a big franchise again because of his connection with JJ.

There are some fine directors who I fear would deliver something inward, overly cerebral and inaccessible to large audiences.

At this moment, I'll go with Abrams. He's not perfect by any means but I feel he's the best fit for Superman at this junction in Superman's big screen career. At the very least I think he would give us a film with energy, enthusiasm, and a Superman who embraces being a hero.

 

[SwordOfMorning]

Jeff Nichols
Brad Bird
John Krasinski

JJ Abrams is acceptable because even if it’s a mess he’ll assemble a great cast and it’ll at least make for a good first viewing.

 

[BobJM]

JJ Abrams, said for the longest time he should be the man. I honestly don’t think you can judge him on ROTS, that film was an attempt to course correct what TLJ ****ed up. I prefer to judge him on his other works especially his Star Trek reboot which I thought was excellent. He also can’t be judged on the changes to the myths in the Flyby script, he was sanctioned by Jon Peters to make it more like Star Wars. I think there is enough in that script with regards to Superman that even in a script that changes those myths comes across as someone who has a fundamental understanding of Superman.

Matthew Vaughn would be my second choice but he shouldn’t be of charge in casting imo.

I read the Flyby script during quarantine. It was actually a fun read—would have certainly been something to see on screen. I think JJ’s the right pick.

 

[Batmannerism]

JJ Abrams, said for the longest time he should be the man. I honestly don’t think you can judge him on ROTS, that film was an attempt to course correct what TLJ ****ed up. I prefer to judge him on his other works especially his Star Trek reboot which I thought was excellent. He also can’t be judged on the changes to the myths in the Flyby script, he was sanctioned by Jon Peters to make it more like Star Wars. I think there is enough in that script with regards to Superman that even in a script that changes those myths comes across as someone who has a fundamental understanding of Superman.

Matthew Vaughn would be my second choice but he shouldn’t be of charge in casting imo.

Honestly, I'm not convinced about JJ. What made original Star Wars so engaging was the characters, you really got behind Luke, Han and Leia - hell, Alec Guiness ' Obi Wan is so good that you admire the guy after only a short span of screentime. The amazing special effects and cool aliens and mythology are really just background. Why the prequels don't work is because no one really cares about the characters. Honestly the final trilogy doesn't really do much with developing the new characters.

I liked his Star Trek films, but other than McCoy, his characters aren't really that interesting - the actors make them so.

Where I'm going with this is that a Superman film has to get one thing right above all others....Superman. I'm not sure JJ could do that.

I too wonder about Matthew Vaughn. Kingsman 1 is awesome, Kingsman 2 is rubbish.

I'm still going with the Russos.

 

[The Batman]

Abrams, Vaughn, and MccQuarrie are the only ones on that poll who should be allowed anywhere near Superman.

And even then, in Abrams and Vaughn's cases, they should only direct one film.

 

[SupermanFan]

If JJ wants to produce and bring in Travis Knight to direct I think that would be a combination that would work.

 

[Rorschach2012]

I’m not sure about Vaughn at this point tbh.

 

[VictusMortuus]

Travis Knight
Brad Bird
Joseph Kosinski

 

[Boy Scout]

Travis Knight; JJ Abrams; Matthew Vaughn (as a distant third).

 

[Batmannerism]

Abrams, Vaughn, and MccQuarrie are the only ones on that poll who should be allowed anywhere near Superman.

And even then, in Abrams and Vaughn's cases, they should only direct one film.

What about the Russos ? Not on the poll but surely contenders ?

 

[Superchan]

I read the Flyby script during quarantine. It was actually a fun read—would have certainly been something to see on screen. I think JJ’s the right pick.

Agreed, it had some nice scenes with solid characterization, especially that of Superman's, which is something that's been missing from SR, MOS and Dawn of Just-s**t. At the same time the script was FULL of hockey nonsense that must be avoided in the future.
I wouldn't mind JJ writing but he needs a comic nerd ala Geoff Jones to keep him "honest" so to speak.

.

Where I'm going with this is that a Superman film has to get one thing right above all others....Superman. I'm not sure JJ could do that.

I too wonder about Matthew Vaughn. Kingsman 1 is awesome, Kingsman 2 is rubbish.

I'm still going with the Russos.

After reading Flyby, I know JJ can get Superman right, JJ has a good nose for writing fun, likable characters in fun situations. On the other hand JJ has a tendency to crap the couch when it comes to certain plot and story elements, hence why I said he needs someone there with him to keep him on track.

If JJ wants to produce and bring in Travis Knight to direct I think that would be a combination that would work.

Travis Knight; JJ Abrams; Matthew Vaughn (as a distant third).

Quite a few Travis Knight suggestions, is he the guy who did bumblebee and Kubo? If so then not a bad suggestion fellas.

I’m not sure about Vaughn at this point tbh.

Vaughn is class! He's made 5 wonderful films and he loves superman and wants to do a classic ( his words) Superman on film. However in Hollywood you are your last movie and Vaughn's last film was a hot mess sadly, still I would be doing backflips if I were to hear that Vaughn is making a Superman movie but the chances of that happening are slim to non.

What about the Russos ? Not on the poll but surely contenders ?

No Russos for me. One of the them came out recently and gave the same Clichéd line about superman being too difficult to write because he's so powerful. Hard pass.

 

[SupermanFan]

Quite a few Travis Knight suggestions, is he the guy who did bumblebee and Kubo? If so then not a bad suggestion fellas.

Yeah that’s him

 

[batfreakforever]

Zac Snyder should do another Superman with Cavill. Its his and Cavills version so they should be able to finish what they wanted to say with the character.

 

[Batmannerism]

Zac Snyder should do another Superman with Cavill. Its his and Cavills version so they should be able to finish what they wanted to say with the character.

Honestly, who cares what Snyder wants to say about Superman anymore ? If he had anything interesting or entertaining to say he's had three goes at it now. Man of Steel has been the best recieved of those 3 films, and even that got mixed results - worse reviews certainly than Bryan Singer got from Superman Returns ( and that wasn't easy, because the Superman in Superman Returns is pretty lame).
Personally I liked blue collar worker , wearing flannel and sporting a beard Superman, who punched people, but after B v S and JL I have to agree with those who think that it's clearly time for somebody new.

Anyway, if Nolan had the same kind of results with Batman Begins that Snyder got with Superman in Man of Steel, I doubt he'd have been asked back for a second, third much less a fourth go around with the character.

Read the quote I've put below. This guy said it nicely, or at least nicer than I would.

This. We don't need someone like singer who is completely devoid of vision and half**s remakes superman the movie aka Superman returns nor do we need guys like Snyder and Miller above who would turn superman into something they might like but something that the audience would and has (in Snyder's case) rejected.
What is needed is a creator who has passion for the character as it is and wants to bring the best version of that character to life. McQuarrie and Mathew Vaughn would both be great but sadly that ship has sailed and so if JJ is indeed involved I would like him to produce and let a friend of his like Brad Bird direct.

Is Brad Bird up to it ? Surely there must be someone better. I would take Jon Favreau before Bird- I feel like Bird's better with films that are more ensemble driven - I suspect Taika Waititi could make a very enjoyable Superman film too.

 

[SupermanFan]

Honestly, who cares what Snyder wants to say about Superman anymore ? If he had anything interesting or entertaining to say he's had three goes at it now. Man of Steel has been the best recieved of those 3 films, and even that got mixed results - worse reviews certainly than Bryan Singer got from Superman Returns ( and that wasn't easy, because the Superman in Superman Returns is pretty lame).
Personally I liked blue collar worker , wearing flannel and sporting a beard Superman, who punched people, but after B v S and JL I have to agree with those who think that it's clearly time for somebody new.

Anyway, if Nolan had the same kind of results with Batman Begins that Snyder got with Superman in Man of Steel, I doubt he'd have been asked back for a second, third much less a fourth go around with the character.

Read the quote I've put below. This guy said it nicely, or at least nicer than I would.

I agree, I think Superman needs a new voice next time he’s back on the big screen.

 

[thebatfan5194]

Before Rise of Skywalker I would have been full tilt for JJ Abrams to direct, but now I’m not so sure. Coincidentally, two of the modern day reboot franchises he started off strong with (Star Trek and Star Wars) both went off the rails after the first well received film.

I think he could do a good job directing, but maybe he shouldn’t write the script... hard to believe he wouldn’t want full creative ownership of it though given his power in Hollywood.

Brad Bird is another one that crossed my mind but I’m not sure he has a strong enough live action track record. If he could bring the level of emotion and heart of the Iron Giant to Superman I think he would nail it.

Since JJ can be called “Spielberg lite”, why don’t they just go for the big kahuna himself, lol.

Also absolutely NOT to Zack Snyder coming anywhere near Superman again. However you feel about his films, he’s had 3 stabs at the character at this point including his cut of JL. It’s time for some fresh/new creatives behind the character. That’s why I’m not even so sure they should keep Henry Cavill, part of me wants to just move on from the Snyder-era of Superman and get a clean slate. It’s a shame because I think Henry is a good fit with the role and just had bad-luck.

 

[SupermanFan]

But how can JJ be blamed for what happened with Star Wars. Rian Johnson took it over and made a complete mess of things. Then on ROTS JJ was tasked with trying to course correct and as we know Disney took what he did & made changes to the final product anyway.