Superman Movie News And Updates

Dan Harris on the New Superman Movie
Source: CTV
September 25, 2004

In David Giammarco's Photo Blog at CTV, he mentions he talked to Dan Harris (X2: X-Men United) about writing the new Superman movie.

But Dan Harris assured me that this new Superman film will not be some crazy reworking of the legend as had been rumored. He said it will be similar in tone to the first two "Superman" films and will basically "pick up" where "Superman 2" left off (the best of the series, I might add!!) He hinted that even Terrence Stamp, who played General Zod so terrifyingly well in the first two "Superman" films, "figures" into this new "Superman" film...he was being coy, but it looks like he's got some big surprises in store for the much-anticipated "Superman" film.

The Blog also mentions that shooting starts in a few months.

More on Ghost Rider & Superman Going Down Under
Source: Variety
September 26, 2004

Variety has published a new article which talks about how film production is heating up again Down Under. They mention both Ghost Rider and Superman that will shoot in Australia:

Oz execs cite several catalysts, including the opening last March of the Central City Studios in Melbourne, which will house "Ghost Rider," the Columbia pic starring Nicolas Cage, helmed by Mark Steven Johnson.

Warners has tentatively booked the Fox Studios in Sydney for its epic "Superman." Director Bryan Singer and a contingent of WB execs visited the studios two weeks ago, and the shoot -- reportedly stretching to 120 days -- is expected to start early next year.

Stay tuned for more on both of these projects.

Are we still expecting to see James Caviezel as Supes?

Originally posted by Mr Zero
Are we still expecting to see James Caviezel as Supes?

Yup but nothing official yet. They always like to play around with the fans before announcing anything.

Amazing News!!!

Singer, Harris, and Dougherty Talk Superman
Source: Washington Square News
October 1, 2004

Washington Square News reports that Superman director Bryan Singer and screenwriters Dan Harris and Mike Dougherty talked about the upcoming Superman movie at NYU last week. Here's a clip from the article:

"We're going to cast an unknown," declared Singer, who signed on to direct the new film earlier this year. Dan Harris and NYU alum Mike Dougherty, the duo that co-wrote the screenplay for Singer's "X2," are in the process of penning the script.

"It doesn't require a star to go see it. It's Superman - it's its own brand - and..." He trailed off. How does one rationalize rejecting a star?

"Known actors bring baggage, in a way," Harris said. "Sort of distracts you from who [Superman] really is."

The crew plans on moving to Sydney in November and will begin shooting in March.

Hit the link above for the full article! Meanwhile, Smallville star Tom Welling tells the New Zealand Herald that he'll stick to the small screen:

"It would be something to consider but I don't even let myself think about it. It's too big an idea," he smiles.

I'M AN UNKNOWN ACTOR CURRENTLY TAKING IMPROV AND ACTING CLASSES IN
NYC'S PEOPLE'S IMPROV THEATER. MY GOAL IS FOR THE CASTING AGENTS TO COME TO THE THEATER TO CHECK IT OUT. FORWARD THIS MESSAGE AND YOU MAY BE SEEING THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN 2006.

SINCERELY,

JORGE MARDEL
INTERN LIGHT/SOUND

SEARCH FOR THE PIT ON THE INTERNET AND IMPROV YOUR LIFE

Originally posted by JMARDEL
I'M AN UNKNOWN ACTOR CURRENTLY TAKING IMPROV AND ACTING CLASSES IN
NYC'S PEOPLE'S IMPROV THEATER. MY GOAL IS FOR THE CASTING AGENTS TO COME TO THE THEATER TO CHECK IT OUT. FORWARD THIS MESSAGE AND YOU MAY BE SEEING THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE IN 2006.

SINCERELY,

JORGE MARDEL
INTERN LIGHT/SOUND

SEARCH FOR THE PIT ON THE INTERNET AND IMPROV YOUR LIFE

What????

October 3, 2004: More from Singer on Superman
Washington Square News published an indepth article about the coming of the new Superman movie, which includes quotes from Bryan Singer, Dan Harris and Mike Dougherty in regards to how they plans to tackle various aspects of the film. Here are a few excerpts from the article...

The undetermined name behind the lead role is a curious decision, considering that everyone from Nicolas Cage ("white trash Superman," scoffed Harris) to James Caviezel had been in talks to play the part. Singer, whose use of Kevin Spacey in "The Usual Suspects" brought the then-little-known actor an eventual Academy Award, is confidant about his decision.

"It doesn't require a star to go see it. It's Superman - it's its own brand - and..." He trailed off. How does one rationalize rejecting a star?

"Known actors bring baggage, in a way," Harris said. "Sort of distracts you from who [Superman] really is."

And how is that elusive script, by the way?

"The script is... astonishing! Right?" Singer turned to his faithful writers and received a double nod. "We toured the Daily News the other day," he added excitedly. "[A lot of] 'Superman' takes place at the Daily Planet, so we wanted to see that."

Such research seems relatively light compared to the work at hand Down Under.

"The plan now is to rent an 8- to10-acre piece of land in Sydney and build the first free-standing back lot in the continent," Singer said. "And probably the largest in the world."

It is not a job to be taken lightly. Singer knows that it is an unquestionable burden to be responsible for the future of Superman.

"I almost had [a panic attack] when I pitched 'Superman' to [producer] Alan Horn," he admitted. "I knew it would happen. I knew Alan liked the pitch ... he said they were going to throw out fifty million dollars from previous expenses. Eleven years of development. I felt it. That they were going to throw it all out.

"I said, 'I want to do 'Superman'...and he just goes, 'Oh. What's your story?' And I just told it... And then he said, 'All right. You want to stay and watch 'King Arthur' at my house with my kids?' And I said, 'No,' because I was about to puke and pass out."

Much of the resonance in the first "Superman" film stemmed from the subtle elements of its design. Singer, a fan himself of the Donner film, recognizes that certain aspects must be preserved in this newest addition. He plans to extract parts of the original score, and the costume will need no major revamping.

"He plans to extract parts of the original score..."

I'm glad they are not using ANY of the previous bat-film stuff for bat-beg, yet I'm deligted to read this - it might mean we get the supes theme ever-so-lightly in the new film. They used it in smallville when reeves was the guest and it just IS superman for me. Rockin!

Originally posted by Mr Zero
"He plans to extract parts of the original score..."

I'm glad they are not using ANY of the previous bat-film stuff for bat-beg, yet I'm deligted to read this - it might mean we get the supes theme ever-so-lightly in the new film. They used it in smallville when reeves was the guest and it just IS superman for me. Rockin!

I agree. Even if the film is terrible at least we will still have a good score.

Bryan Singer Talks About Superman
Source: Ain't-It-Cool-News
October 12, 2004

Ain't-It-Cool-News chatted with Superman director Bryan Singer who reconfirms he's casting an unknown and more. Here's several clips:

Capone: Where do you stand right with casting SUPERMAN? Is it really going to be called SUPERMAN RETURNS?

B.S.: That's strictly a working title. But it is a return story. It puts the first films in a kind of vague history. So what it doesn't do is tread over the 1978 Richard Donner film, it doesn't tread over "Smallville." It elaborates on the existence of Superman in the
world in a history. He's out of the culture and then he returns.

Capone: Will you be using footage from the other films?

B.S.: (Long pause) It's possible. There's an introduction sequence that may or may not involve something like that, but not in the way you might be thinking.

Capone: Is there any truth to the reports that you have a deadline to lock in the main cast or Warner Bros. will step in a do it for you?

B.S.: No, that's absurd. I read that too and think it's just bizarre about James Caviezel, who's a wonderful actor. But, no, I'm committed to casting an unknown.

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=18610

Brandon Routh Cast as Superman?
Source: Latino Review
October 16, 2004

Latino Review claims that unknown actor Brandon Routh has been cast in the title role of Warner Bros.' Superman, to be directed by Bryan Singer:

The man who Singer has picked to play Clark Kent/Superman is none other than a relatively unknown actor by the name of Brandon Routh (Seen here in the photo at the bottom of the post).

Brandon's name has appeared on the web as being a possible contender a few month's ago, but most recently appeared on this Iowa based TV website.

SOURCE: SuperHeroHype!

October 17, 2004

UPDATE!! - We checked with out own independent sources at WB and they confirmed that Brandon Routh is indeed cast as Superman. Our sources added that they don't know when Lois Lane will be cast. They also threw in tidbits that Superman writers Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris were recently spotted on the WB lot going through stacks and stacks of Superman comic books, so it appears that they are going back to the source material for inspiration. Our sources also confirmed that General Zod will be involved in some capacity. More to come!

Singer Talks More About Superman
Source: Merc
October 18, 2004

Scooper 'Merc' has sent these new bits about another Q&A with Superman director Bryan Singer:

I just attended a screening of The Usual Suspects at USC (I am a film student), and after the screening, Bryan Singer was onhand to answer questions; needless to say, he was inandated with them.

First off, he was very nervous about replying to questions about the casting of Superman; however at one point he slipped up, and spoke of how he just finished an awesome test with someone which was shot in 60mm film for Superman. He said that, "if I had cast Superman, I spoke to the actor, and he is very happy about the decision...". He slipped up and revealed that Superman had been cast.

Secondly, he talked about the suit and what it is going to look like. He said it will be very traditional, but that it will take advantage of the things that were learned on Spiderman. He said that spandex tends to remove definition from someone's build, and that they are going to have to shade the costume to add the effect that the actor is more toned than he really is.

He also talked about how and his writing parterns crafted a story which could be compared to Tim Burton's Batman (1989). He said that he is going to have the first two films serve as a sort of vague history, and that this next film will pick up after Superman has been gone for 6 years. He said that the story is going to approach Superman as sort of being a returning Messiah (sp). Singer also had an interesting comment that people in the movie sort of wish that Superman had never existed, because once he disappeared, the world fell into chaos.

Singer also divulged some really cool stuff about some sequences and some of the riggs that have been constructed. He said that they have created a rigg which has the capability to "fly" the actor at speeds of up to 40 mph a distance as far as 3 football fields!!! It was amazing stuff, and he said that almost all of the major sequences have already been pre-visualized.

I am not sure that he said much, else; but he pretty much confirmed that Routh has been cast.

One last thing I am remembering; he said that he really wanted to have Reeve make a cameo, and that because they are shooting in Australia (this was his idea before Reeve passed away), he was going to try to do something similar to what was done for that SuperBowl commercial a few years ago; using CGI he was going to try to have Reeve make a cameo while walking! Really exciting stuff!

You guys have been starved for information, and I thought this would tide you over!

man wow can't wait?

I know it seems harsh to say but do you think after Chris Reeves Death that the Superman project has finally picked up??

Originally posted by ash007
man wow can't wait?

I know it seems harsh to say but do you think after Chris Reeves Death that the Superman project has finally picked up??

Yeah I can't wait either.

I don't think that after his death the project has finally picked up because it is in the same exact place it was before he died.

Kevin Spacey Rumored for Lex Luthor
Source: Robert Sanchez/IESB.net
October 19, 2004

According to a report on IESB Singer & Spacey may be reteaming for Superman.

The role of Lex Luthor won't go to an unknown, at least not according to Kevin Smith on a recent interview with the NY Post and other reliable sources. Kevin Spacey is Bryan Singers number one choice to become Superman's arch nemesis.

Bryan Singer and Kevin Spacey have been friends ever since the pairing up in the breakout hit The Usual Suspects. Official announcements should be forth coming from Warner Bros. in the next few days.

Virtual Unknown Chosen as the new Man Of Steel: Oct, 20, 2004

Who is Brandon James Routh? Well, right now, he’s just an unknown actor with a few TV guest-starring roles on his resume. But all that is about to change.

Reports, rumours and speculation say that he’s been chosen to play the new Superman in an upcoming movie to be directed by Bryan Singer, that’s being called Superman Returns.

Routh is 25-years-old and his previous acting credits include spots on the soap One Life to Live, Will & Grace, Cold Case and Gilmore Girls.

Word of his casting comes after months and months of speculation about who would take over for Christopher Reeve, who recently passed away. Names of several famous actors, including Jim Caviezel and Josh Hartnett were tossed around in connection to the part. But reports also said those in charge of the picture had their hearts set on getting an unknown to put on the cape. And it sounds like they got their wish with Routh.

Now that comic book fans have finally (purportedly) found out who will play the Man of Steel, new rumours are beginning to float around about the project.

Some say the movie will begin with Superman having been missing for a long time. And at least one website is reporting that The O.C. star Mischa Barton and That ‘70s Show actor Topher Grace are in talks to play Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen.

All the mysteries will be cleared up when the movie is finally released. According to the Internet Movie Database, Superman Returns will be released in 2006.

Brandon Routh Confirmed as Superman!
Source: Variety
October 20, 2004

While Latino Review broke the news last weekend, Variety has confirmed it with their sources.

Though a deal has not yet been inked, relative unknown Brandon Routh is expected to take on the role of Superman for the long-in-the-works feature. Singer and his crew are headed to Australia next month to begin production.

Routh's credits include "One Life to Live," "Gilmore Girls," "Will & Grace" and "Cold Case." He recently wrapped his first feature role in "Deadly," starring opposite "That '70s Show" star Laura Prepon.

Routh, 25, was raised in Norwalk, Iowa, just 100 miles south of Woolstock -- the hometown of TV's original Superman, George Reeves.

Also, 'Vincent' pointed us to the Chicago Sun-Times, which reports that Superman screenwriter Dan Harris revealed more of the film's plot:

As for script secrets, Harris divulged the following: "He'll begin in his late 20s. He lost his powers in 'Superman 2' and now he has the powers back. But something has happened because he's been away for a long time."

"We're taking off from the first two Superman films with Christopher Reeve. We use his history and then move on with big twists and great special effects.

"We're not going to do the origin story again. Our view is if you're over 25 years old, then you've seen the Reeve films and that's Superman to you. If you're under 25, then you watch TV's 'Smallville,' and that's Superman to you."

Stay tuned for more Superman news as it comes in!

The Superman Music & Lois Lane Rumors
Source: Superhero Hype!
October 20, 2004

Ain't-It-Cool-News has an interesting scoop of Bryan Singer briefly mentioning the music that will be used for Superman:

He asked if there was anything else and I presented him with the most important aspect I could think of. "Will you use John Williams music in the movie?" He looked at me dead on and said very boldly, "Yes. Definitely yes."

Also, with Brandon Routh now cast as Supes, attention is turning to who will be playing Lois Lane in the film. Cinescape says the following six actresses are being considered.

Mischa Barton from "The O.C.", Charisma Charpenter from "Angel," Mia Kirshner from "The Crow: City of Angels," Evangeline Lilly from "Lost," Natalie Portman from the "Star Wars" prequels, and Keri Russell from "Felicity"