Christopher Nolan to Mentor New Superman Movie? (http://www.superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=9058)
QuoteIn possibly one of the biggest superhero movie shockers since the last one--when was the Spider-Man reboot, three weeks ago?--Deadline Hollywood is now reporting that The Dark Knight and Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan has been assigned the potentially thankless task of being the latest filmmaker assigned by Warner Bros. to try to save the "Superman" franchise, in this case in a mentoring capacity to figure out the best way to proceed.
Wow, they really like him.
ok this can work out either of 2 ways
1 the bad an grim dark "realistic" superman which is moronic
2 the good a worlds finest movie
This better not delay a third Batman movie too badly.
Quote from: bredon7777 on February 10, 2010, 02:13:52 PM
This better not delay a third Batman movie too badly.
Seeing as they are waiting on it to approve any more major films, i would think not. But who knows.
Man, if only DC would employ the animator who did the Marvel Ultimate Alliance cutscenes & the Iron Man adventures videos from the marvelkids page...looks like the same developer...they could make the most incredible movie. For that matter, Marvel should do the same. Unclear why they don't. Can't be that much more expensive than a live-action film.
I'd rather they asked Bruce Timm.
Quote from: bredon7777 on February 10, 2010, 02:13:52 PM
This better not delay a third Batman movie too badly.
I'm willing to bet he is getting a fat paycheck to look over some storyboards and talk to starstruck crew over lunch. Should help, Batman is the only trully succesful property they have right now. Also reboots are not bad, the Punisher and Hulk ones did not waste a minute on origins.
Quote from: freegentile on February 10, 2010, 05:31:55 PM
Man, if only DC would employ the animator who did the Marvel Ultimate Alliance cutscenes & the Iron Man adventures videos from the marvelkids page...looks like the same developer...they could make the most incredible movie. For that matter, Marvel should do the same. Unclear why they don't. Can't be that much more expensive than a live-action film.
I wouldn't necessarily bet on that. Animation can be very expensive, especially if done right, and they still need to pay voice actors. It can also take a long time to do. Of course a live-action film would still have tons of SFX and CGI. It's a pile of cash no matter which way you do it.
I'm not sure what Hollywood would do that wouldn't seem like a retread of the Donner films. Kryptonite? Done it. Lex Luthor? Check. Lost powers? Yep. Superman clone? Uh-huh. Leftover Kryptonians? Check. Messy relationship with Lois Lane? Every stinking time.
I still think they need to get Kevin Anderson in there to write it. The same elements will be there, but I think he can do something inventive with them.
I'm just hoping he brings back that giant mechanical spider thing that was floating around for awhile, that sounded awesome.
Quote from: Gremlin on February 10, 2010, 09:43:53 PM
I'm just hoping he brings back that giant mechanical spider thing that was floating around for awhile, that sounded awesome.
Ha! That made my day.
What I want, what I've always wanted from a Superman film, is Darkseid. See, the way I envision it, you'd start off with Supes facing some fairly earthly threats in the first movie, and gradually introduce more and more 4th World elements in subsequent films, before "BAM!" Justice League fighting off Apokolips invasion. Of course, they've already botched any kind of nice progression with their Superman Returns snorer. I'd like to see Brainiac show up as a villain, and then maybe Kalibak, Kanto, and Intergang. That could lead up to a JLA flick. It's the next best thing to the Martian invasion. The only problem is it sorta' doesn't leave you too many places to go because of just how awesome it is. :D
Also:
Quote from: the_ultimate_evil on February 10, 2010, 01:27:53 PM
ok this can work out either of 2 ways
1 the bad an grim dark "realistic" superman which is moronic
2 the good a worlds finest movie
They've already been talking about number two, there. Remember "Superman will be an angry god"? Perhaps, despite that tone being Nolan's forte, he'll tell them how incredibly stupid it is.
The first step in any new Superman movie is to utterly ignore Superman Returns. Just pretend it never happened. Then, when writing the next film, summarily reject any plot threads that include 1) Superman as a deadbeat who got Lois pregnant and then ran off for five years; 2) stalker Superman; 3) villains trying to cash in on real estate scams; 4) any bipolar villain who is half campy cornball and half utterly cold mass murderer; 5) Clark as an incompetent reporter; 6) any Superman progeny, superpowered or otherwise. There are lots of other things, but those should be mandatory.
I think they could do well with a good Brainiac story and there is huge potential in developing Darseid as a recognizable Superman baddy, though I would prefer they hold off on that until they have shown they can make a decent movie before addressing such an epic story. Heck, I would even like to see a good Luthor story (they would do well to read Elliot S! Maggin's Superman fiction (http://theages.superman.nu/Novels/) to see how to do it), though I understand they would never do two movies in a row with Luthor as the villain, even if they were ignoring Superman Returns.
BTW, I don't have much feel for Hollywood budgeting, but I am almost certain that the budget for a live-action Superman movie would be way, way higher than for an animated feature. Not really even the same ball park. (And, that isn't to disparage the animated features in the least, because I have enjoyed them immensely.)
Quote from: stumpy on February 11, 2010, 01:05:43 AM
BTW, I don't have much feel for Hollywood budgeting, but I am almost certain that the budget for a live-action Superman movie would be way, way higher than for an animated feature. Not really even the same ball park. (And, that isn't to disparage the animated features in the least, because I have enjoyed them immensely.)
That may be why they tend to be so much more exciting and well thought out. They're below most of the execs radar.
Quote from: BentonGrey on February 10, 2010, 11:00:59 PM
What I want, what I've always wanted from a Superman film, is Darkseid. See, the way I envision it, you'd start off with Supes facing some fairly earthly threats in the first movie, and gradually introduce more and more 4th World elements in subsequent films, before "BAM!" Justice League fighting off Apokolips invasion. Of course, they've already botched any kind of nice progression with their Superman Returns snorer. I'd like to see Brainiac show up as a villain, and then maybe Kalibak, Kanto, and Intergang. That could lead up to a JLA flick. It's the next best thing to the Martian invasion. The only problem is it sorta' doesn't leave you too many places to go because of just how awesome it is. :D
Sounds cooler than mortal comprehension if done right. I would like to see the TAS version of Brainiac myself because it makes it so personal.
Quote from: steamteck on February 11, 2010, 02:50:58 AM
Quote from: BentonGrey on February 10, 2010, 11:00:59 PM
What I want, what I've always wanted from a Superman film, is Darkseid. See, the way I envision it, you'd start off with Supes facing some fairly earthly threats in the first movie, and gradually introduce more and more 4th World elements in subsequent films, before "BAM!" Justice League fighting off Apokolips invasion. Of course, they've already botched any kind of nice progression with their Superman Returns snorer. I'd like to see Brainiac show up as a villain, and then maybe Kalibak, Kanto, and Intergang. That could lead up to a JLA flick. It's the next best thing to the Martian invasion. The only problem is it sorta' doesn't leave you too many places to go because of just how awesome it is. :D
Sounds cooler than mortal comprehension if done right. I would like to see the TAS version of Brainiac myself because it makes it so personal.
EXACTLY!
Sir Bentonian is right on. I remember that shortly after the movie made its run in the theaters, Singer or someone in this camp had circulated a possible movie poster that said, "a virus is coming" & it was an all black background w/ what looked like the Returns-style "S" in a green kryptonite look & the words below it...I suppose that was indicating the villain would be Braniac. I'm sure he could do a good job w/ it, but Returns was just too mish-mashed. Had some really really awesome moments, but super-lacking in the action & awesome department.
Louis Leterrier is Hot for Superman (http://www.cinemaspy.com/article.php?id=4022)
Quote"After 'Hulk,' I was meeting different people and they said they were thinking of doing Superman," he explained. "I was never asked to do it. I just love those universes and grew up reading Superman."
Quote from: Midnite on February 12, 2010, 06:54:20 PM
Louis Leterrier is Hot for Superman (http://www.cinemaspy.com/article.php?id=4022)
Quote"After 'Hulk,' I was meeting different people and they said they were thinking of doing Superman," he explained. "I was never asked to do it. I just love those universes and grew up reading Superman."
That would work for me.
Yeah, after Hulk he's built up a pretty big boatload of good will on my part.
Quote from: stumpy on February 11, 2010, 01:05:43 AM
The first step in any new Superman movie is to utterly ignore Superman Returns. Just pretend it never happened. Then, when writing the next film, summarily reject any plot threads that include 1) Superman as a deadbeat who got Lois pregnant and then ran off for five years; 2) stalker Superman; 3) villains trying to cash in on real estate scams; 4) any bipolar villain who is half campy cornball and half utterly cold mass murderer; 5) Clark as an incompetent reporter; 6) any Superman progeny, superpowered or otherwise. There are lots of other things, but those should be mandatory.
Agree wholeheartedly with everything but 5. If played right, bumbling Clark can bring some needed light relief or even comedy to the franchise. He doesn't need to be Mr.Bean, but it was one of the things that Christopher Reeve did seem to play well. And the incompetent/cowardly/bungling alter-ego is such an archetypal component of heroic fiction I'd be loathe to see it lost.
However, if you mean that despite his shortcomings Clark should still be a competent reporter, I agree. After all, he does work for a major metropolitan newspaper, they would fire a complete putz.
Quote from: tommyboy on February 20, 2010, 12:28:24 PM
Quote from: stumpy on February 11, 2010, 01:05:43 AM
The first step in any new Superman movie is to utterly ignore Superman Returns. Just pretend it never happened. Then, when writing the next film, summarily reject any plot threads that include 1) Superman as a deadbeat who got Lois pregnant and then ran off for five years; 2) stalker Superman; 3) villains trying to cash in on real estate scams; 4) any bipolar villain who is half campy cornball and half utterly cold mass murderer; 5) Clark as an incompetent reporter; 6) any Superman progeny, superpowered or otherwise. There are lots of other things, but those should be mandatory.
Agree wholeheartedly with everything but 5. If played right, bumbling Clark can bring some needed light relief or even comedy to the franchise. He doesn't need to be Mr.Bean, but it was one of the things that Christopher Reeve did seem to play well. And the incompetent/cowardly/bungling alter-ego is such an archetypal component of heroic fiction I'd be loathe to see it lost.
However, if you mean that despite his shortcomings Clark should still be a competent reporter, I agree. After all, he does work for a major metropolitan newspaper, they would fire a complete putz.
Tommy, you hit the nail on the head with that last bit. Clark Kent is NOT an incompetent reporter. I've always had the opinion that this was a mistake that writers (both of the comics and the films) make too often about him. For Clark to hold down a job at what is arguable the DC Comics equivalent of The NY Times or The Chicago Tribune kinda negates that he is going to be that incompetent. I'd say "clumsy" maybe, definitely nerdy and maybe a bit socially inept (I would not call him "up to date" on popular culture) but he is completely able to write an honest journalist article and do good reporting. He's a small town, old fashioned guy in the big city and all the potential awkwardness that might come with that. The only "incompetence" that might linger over his work as a reporter would be the need for him to "go off and be Superman" and that is a perception that others should have of him instead of a fact. It's a similar thing to Peter Parker always getting the good Spiderman pics but no one ever sees him there.
As for Nolan mentoring a Superman reboot. I think Nolan should do more than just Superman in that regard. He should be open to and welcome to advise on any of the big three. If you want a set-up like what Marvel has with the potential Avengers movie and the movies that are building up to it, then go to a guy with not only a proven track record with your properties but who has done work that has generally been well received by critics and fans as a whole (with the exception of a few people here). If only to help coordinate logistics and to get various projects moving. DC should not have to wait for Nolan to get Batman 3 done before moving ahead on a Superman reboot or other films and this is a good way to handle the matter.
Nothing Nolan has done that I've ever seen suggests to me that he'd be anything but terrible with Wonder Woman.
I'm not proposing he directs Wonder Woman. I'm suggesting more of a consulting situation. Like I said, advising.
Consider this:
In the third Batman movie, there could be an offhand reference to this super man in Metropolis. (or some other, and better, foreshadowing. maybe a bit more indirect) Something to establish the world that Nolan has more or less created in Gotham City as part of a larger world. There could even be a subtle (key here is subtle) nod to something in the Wonder Woman universe.
A better avenue for the latter would for some sort of nod in a Superman reboot about a Themyscaran embassy being proposed in Metropolis. It'd be more likely to happen there. You have the nod to Metropolis in the third Bat film and then...
A Wonder Woman film FINALLY gets done. The writer and/or director of the Wonder Woman would have Nolan and whoever directs new Superman reboot available as a consultant. Furthermore, any DC Comics property that was produced in the future could call on Nolan or other creative members of the DC filmverse to make sure things mesh together but are still distinct.
Essentially, it'd be a way for a future writer or director of a DC comics film to utilize work that Nolan has done. He gets paid for it. And if Nolan were to do a fourth Batman film... or for that matter if the third takes that long to do... Nolan could equally utilize something another director or writer has done. BECAUSE IT'S ALL THE SAME UNIVERSE.
It'd be the equivalent of having the character crossover and references with the latest Marvel stuff only a bit more hands on with regards to the people behind the camera.
And just for the record, Talavar, there is not a director working right now who has done anything that suggests to me that they'd be "perfect to helm Wonder Woman". I am including Joss Whedon in that. I personally cringed at the thought of Whedon doing Wonder Woman.
Quote from: tommyboy on February 20, 2010, 12:28:24 PMHowever, if you mean that despite his shortcomings Clark should still be a competent reporter, I agree. After all, he does work for a major metropolitan newspaper, they would fire a complete putz.
Bingo! I have no problem with wimpy Clark, timid Clark, or clumsy Clark; they are part the disguise because no one who knows Clark in that light can make the mental leap to him being the supremely powerful, confident, and graceful Superman. The superficial tweaks (glasses, hairstyle, etc.) are the disguise for strangers who have seen both Clark and Superman. The personality tweaks are what keep those people who see Clark and Superman regularly from realizing they are the same person.
But, for the reasons you have mentioned, it isn't believable that Clark is also an incompetent reporter. And that's pretty much the implication when, for instance, he doesn't investigate the very bizarre power outage, which must have had a supernatural explanation and would have caused hundreds of deaths.
The Nolans Directing The Man of Steel & Justice League? (http://www.superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=9111)
Quote from: Midnite on February 27, 2010, 02:02:58 AM
The Nolans Directing The Man of Steel & Justice League? (http://www.superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=9111)
I'm not convinced that C. Nolan will be involved with in anything beyond The Man of Steel. It's not even definite that he is directing it. On the other hand, J. Nolan being involved with the scripts beyond third Batman and a Man of Steel is very likely.
The only way I could see it happening is if Warner Brothers agreed to a distribution deal with Nolan on his non-Superhero films. Another words, "The Dark Knight did incredible at the box office so WB will happily release Inception." It happens all the time. And honestly, it's what I'd do if I were in his position.
The Dark knight approach is way way to dark for Superman or Justice league for me I sure hope that's not where this is going.
I hope they don't put Batman in a Justice League movie. I also hope they don't feel the need to make movies of all the characters first because knowing DC that will never ever happen and they'd reboot it 50 times before it did. I have no confidence in WB to get good superhero movies made at this point.
Quote from: steamteck on February 27, 2010, 06:29:24 PM
The Dark knight approach is way way to dark for Superman or Justice league for me I sure hope that's not where this is going.
Batman is a dark character and always has been. Even in the Justice League, he has always been the "dark brooding one". The closest you got to him being "cheerful" was the characterizations in the 1960s that were largely influenced by both the comics code and the tv series. It only becomes a problem when overdone ala the post Frank Miller stuff in the 1990s. Even some of that was not bad, all things being said.
Quote from: BWPS on February 27, 2010, 06:40:25 PM
I hope they don't put Batman in a Justice League movie. I also hope they don't feel the need to make movies of all the characters first because knowing DC that will never ever happen and they'd reboot it 50 times before it did. I have no confidence in WB to get good superhero movies made at this point.
Sadly, I agree with you BWPS. WB has pretty much driven any excitement for DC movies out of me. They've used up what was once a fairly substantial reservoir of good will on my part.
Quote from: BentonGrey on February 28, 2010, 01:44:29 AM
Quote from: BWPS on February 27, 2010, 06:40:25 PM
I hope they don't put Batman in a Justice League movie. I also hope they don't feel the need to make movies of all the characters first because knowing DC that will never ever happen and they'd reboot it 50 times before it did. I have no confidence in WB to get good superhero movies made at this point.
Sadly, I agree with you BWPS. WB has pretty much driven any excitement for DC movies out of me. They've used up what was once a fairly substantial reservoir of good will on my part.
Benton, you're just angry because WB is not making all their DC movies revolve around Bruce Timm and Aquaman.
Nope, I'm angry because, despite Marvel kicking their backsides for the last several years, there have only been two decent DC movies. Heck, even the mediocre Marvel movies like Ghost Rider were pretty fun. Compare that with...*shudder* Catwoman! Superman was a pretty huge disappointment, and several of their projects have died a quiet death, never seeing the light of day. Yeah, I think Bruce Timm gave us just about the ideal version of many DC characters, but obviously I can enjoy movies (Batman Begins) that have little in common with his "Timmverse."
Quote from: BentonGrey on February 28, 2010, 04:15:35 AM
Nope, I'm angry because, despite Marvel kicking their backsides for the last several years, there have only been two decent DC movies. Heck, even the mediocre Marvel movies like Ghost Rider were pretty fun. Compare that with...*shudder* Catwoman! Superman was a pretty huge disappointment, and several of their projects have died a quiet death, never seeing the light of day. Yeah, I think Bruce Timm gave us just about the ideal version of many DC characters, but obviously I can enjoy movies (Batman Begins) that have little in common with his "Timmverse."
And yet, Nolan's success with Batman Begins and with The Dark Knight is the chief reason why WB is now taking their DC properties seriously. They made a mistake (and a costly mistake) with Bryan Singer on Superman Returns. I think they realized that when they got a film that was more like a homage to the Donner movies than anything that they could (or should) have built a new franchise off of. That mistake made them cautious (and rightfully so, in my opinion) on letting Whedon's proposed Wonder Woman movie get off the ground.
At this moment, Green Lantern is in production. Nolan has been asked to have at least a producer role on a "relaunch" of the Superman franchise. (Instead of the homage to the Donner films that Bryan Singer gave them.) As pessimistic and negative as you are about the prospects, they are the best they have been in years and arguably ever.
Marvel was not kicking DC's backsides the last several years until Spiderman and Xmen. Look where those films were made and by who (Sony and Fox). I guarantee you if a company outside of WB had've been able to take a DC property and done a movie, it'd have been done and done well. Well, unless you let Village Roadshow Pictures do it.
The problem with Catwoman is that you had a film that was meant to be a spinoff of Batman Returns. The people involved bailed and the people that came in and replaced the producers who bailed didn't know what they were doing. Had the original movie been made, it would've been a much different and much better movie in all likely hood. (And would've starred Ashley Judd as Catwoman as she was on board to produced and star in it.) The same thing happened with the movie Whiteout (Reese Whitherspoon was on board as a producer and star before stepping out. The script was there and was tweaked for Kate Beckinsdale). And a side note to that, WB let Catwoman be made by a smaller company (if I recall) named Village Roadshow Pictures.
Up until late last year, WB knew they were not able to put their big guns on screen and thus hadn't. Now, they have a guy who seems to be able to get it done with at least the Bat franchise and can help with the rest. The question is going to be rather The Flash or Green Lantern directors will be able to pull through.
Quote from: Mr. Hamrick on February 27, 2010, 07:37:02 PM
Quote from: steamteck on February 27, 2010, 06:29:24 PM
The Dark knight approach is way way to dark for Superman or Justice league for me I sure hope that's not where this is going.
Batman is a dark character and always has been. Even in the Justice League, he has always been the "dark brooding one".
My point is I don't know if Nolan is able or willing to properly deal with a less dark franchise. Superman done even half that dark would miss the point IMO.
Marvel IS kicking their backsides except for Batman though. Spider_Man and Xmen aren't that recent anymore so its been for awhile. There's cautious and then there's timid and clueless. I hope the success of Batman won't ( as it so often ends to do) not teach them the wrong lesson. I am hopeful for GL but disappointed about Wonder Woman and JLA etc. They still have my excitement but it a little more tempered than before.
That's not right. The best episodes of the cartoon are really dark. Like the one where Lois goes to an alternate reality where Supes is teamed up with Luthor. Or the ones where there's like Darkseid and that grandma lady. Or the ones with Mr. Mxyzptlk. Ok, those last ones weren't dark at all, but they were pretty good.
Quote from: BWPS on February 28, 2010, 07:05:37 PM
That's not right. The best episodes of the cartoon are really dark. Like the one where Lois goes to an alternate reality where Supes is teamed up with Luthor. Or the ones where there's like Darkseid and that grandma lady. Or the ones with Mr. Mxyzptlk. Ok, those last ones weren't dark at all, but they were pretty good.
Not compared to the dark Knight were they dark at all . I don't agree they were the best either myself. not bad ones just not the best because they were dark.
You know, Nolan isn't a one trick pony here. I'm quite certain he is capable of writing in a variety of different tones if he wants to.
Quote from: Gremlin on March 01, 2010, 05:47:49 AM
You know, Nolan isn't a one trick pony here. I'm quite certain he is capable of writing in a variety of different tones if he wants to.
I hope but I don't really know. What else has he done?
Quote from: steamteck on March 01, 2010, 11:55:37 AM
Quote from: Gremlin on March 01, 2010, 05:47:49 AM
You know, Nolan isn't a one trick pony here. I'm quite certain he is capable of writing in a variety of different tones if he wants to.
I hope but I don't really know. What else has he done?
:O
Memento and The Prestige. Two amazing movies which would probably be considered "dark".
Insomnia, which I haven't seen but its a murder mystery I think.
He doesn't seem interested in writing light-hearted material at all. But at least people realize how clueless they are at making superhero movies even if Nolan isn't ideal for Superman. But he's pretty much 4-0 for awesome, "dark", movies.
Quote from: BWPS on March 01, 2010, 12:10:06 PM
Quote from: steamteck on March 01, 2010, 11:55:37 AM
Quote from: Gremlin on March 01, 2010, 05:47:49 AM
You know, Nolan isn't a one trick pony here. I'm quite certain he is capable of writing in a variety of different tones if he wants to.
I hope but I don't really know. What else has he done?
:O
Memento and The Prestige. Two amazing movies which would probably be considered "dark".
Insomnia, which I haven't seen but its a murder mystery I think.
He doesn't seem interested in writing light-hearted material at all. But at least people realize how clueless they are at making superhero movies even if Nolan isn't ideal for Superman. But he's pretty much 4-0 for awesome, "dark", movies.
I enjoyed the Prestige bu haven't see Memento. I'd still rather see Louis Leterrier on Superman. he isn't clueless.
I just did a little bit of research.
Where does it say that Nolan is directing. Several people seem to have their panties in a wad over him doing a job that he has not hired to do yet. He has been hired in an "advisory" capacity. I've heard his role likened to a producer on the project. If that is the case, he may some degree of advice over who to hire as director and he may be able to advise the director on crew choice and casting. He might even have some suggestion on what villain to put in the script or suggest a creative way to utilize a villain. (Which makes me really hope for Brainiac and General Zod.) However, the vision that goes on to the screen will not be his, it will be the director.
I'd be more concerned about who the front runner is to direct The Flash than I would Nolan being on anything. And I worked for the guy as an extra. The guy is not a bad director, he just seems to be an odd choice given that the two feature films he has done are romantic comedies.
Hate to double post but thought this merited it.
http://www.geekweek.com/2010/09/christopher-nolans-shortlist-of-superman-directors-revealed.html (http://www.geekweek.com/2010/09/christopher-nolans-shortlist-of-superman-directors-revealed.html)
http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/chris-nolan-looking-for-superman-director/ (http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/chris-nolan-looking-for-superman-director/)
These two articles mention the apparent "short list" for the new Superman movie that Nolan is producing.
Tony Scott (UNSTOPPABLE)
Matt Reeves (LET ME IN)
Jonathan Liebesman (BATTLE: LOS ANGELES)
Duncan Jones (SOURCE CODE)
Zack Snyder (SUCKER PUNCH)
I am surprised they mentioned Sucker Punch as Zack Snyder's listing. Granted that it's his new film that is coming soon but the guy is equally known for 300 and The Watchmen. Snyder is arguably the hottest name on the list and the most recognizable to comic fans. However, he may not be the hottest name for long.
Tony Scott? Looking at his pedigree, I would be worried about this choice but I think I see why he is on the list. He's done several action films that have been of relatively decent quality. Let's just not talk about "Domino", ok?
Matt Reeves is in a really interesting position. His new film "Let Me In" is a remake of the film "Let the Right One In". He also directed Cloverfield and is directing the yet to be titled sequel. The biggest thing here is that he is a writer as well as director. He adapted the screenplay of "Let Me In" from the original. I've seen what appears to be a draft of the script and it's not bad.
With regards to Jonathan Liebesman, he must know something no one else does. Granted, this is the guy who is doing the upcoming "Battle: Los Angeles" but is that going to be any good. Even more important, this is the guy who has been tapped by Warner Brothers to helm the sequel to Clash of the Titans. The issue here is his previous movies to his credit are "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" and "Darkness Falls". Do I need to say more?
And last but not least, Duncan Jones is another fairly unknown variable. His only feature to date, Moon, was well received critically and had some award nominations. It was an indy film with a couple of big names driving it. His second feature is the yet to be released source code. He is also a writer.
If I had to pick from that list, my first instinct would be to go with Snyder. Snyder will be faithful to the characters and can undoubtedly handle the scale that would be involved. Furthermore, he is the most recognized name on the list.
Hold up, though. That is if I went with my first instinct. That said, I think Nolan could opt for Matt Reeves due to the success with Cloverfield. I also suspect that "Let Me In" will do well at the box office as well. I'd be happy with Jones, too.
Just no Tony Scott! Please?
oh and I'm just gonna throw this out there. Doug Jones (who voiced The Silver Surfer) as Brainiac. I just want to see a reaction. It occurred to me that he might be really cool to her at least do some voice tests.
I'm psyched that Nolan is involved in some form with Superman, though the rumored dark tone really has me worried. They can set it in a dark world, but the character of Superman should remain light and upbeat. I was thinking that the Nolans debunked the rumor of JLA movie involvment though.
Quote from: Spe-Dog on September 27, 2010, 04:01:44 AM
I'm psyched that Nolan is involved in some form with Superman, though the rumored dark tone really has me worried. They can set it in a dark world, but the character of Superman should remain light and upbeat. I was thinking that the Nolans debunked the rumor of JLA movie involvment though.
The JLA rumor has been debunked more or less. As for the darker tone, Smallville is darker in tone than both the Donner films and Superman Returns. With that in mind, there is a lot of leeway to be worked with. The closest that the Donner Superman films got to being dark was Superman 3.
I have a feeling Zack Snyder could do a good job of this, if he were to take it on. Watchmen and 300 may seem dark and uber violent, but thats more owing to the source material rather than his directorial habits. He'd be able to find a good balance between a story/character drive and memorable action scenes.
I don't really know Duncan Jones. Cloverfield was interesting and original, but I can't really see it applied to JLA. I guess he could impress me again.
They absolutely need to have some kind of reference to this movie taking place in the same universe as the Green Lantern movie, even if it isn't setting up a JLA movie. As an overweight greasy geeknerd, I eat that stuff up like nobody's business. And I definitely feel like Marvel has been successful with doing those little winkwinknudgenudges.
Quote from: BWPS on September 28, 2010, 08:01:05 PM
They absolutely need to have some kind of reference to this movie taking place in the same universe as the Green Lantern movie, even if it isn't setting up a JLA movie. As an overweight greasy geeknerd, I eat that stuff up like nobody's business. And I definitely feel like Marvel has been successful with doing those little winkwinknudgenudges.
I disagree that anything of that nature is needed. They need to first fix the mess that was Superman Returns. And the man doing that will apparently be... Zack Snyder.
http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEoAHwkMAZ46rx (http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEoAHwkMAZ46rx)
He is apparently getting to it right after he is done with Sucker Punch.
Zack Snyder To Direct "Superman" (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=28665)
Hmmm... I'm concerned with the writing and overall interpretation of the character and universe they go for.
Quote from: Midnite on October 05, 2010, 03:04:06 AM
Zack Snyder To Direct "Superman" (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=28665)
Hmmm... I'm concerned with the writing and overall interpretation of the character and universe they go for.
After reading this:
http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a280279/snyder-reveals-superman-reboot-details.html (http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a280279/snyder-reveals-superman-reboot-details.html)
I am not worried all that much as much as I am curious.
This article though...
http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/ (http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/) has me a bit more worried.
As for the writing... I'm not worried about the writing. The Nolans do quality work.
And as I said earlier, Snyder has proven that he can handle comic book material.
Quote from: Mr. Hamrick on October 05, 2010, 03:26:16 AM
[http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/ (http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/) has me a bit more worried.
As for the writing... I'm not worried about the writing. The Nolans do quality work.
And as I said earlier, Snyder has proven that he can handle comic book material.
Actually Goyer seems to have a hand in the writing also. I'm starting to feel more comfortable. He hasn't dissappointed me as crushingly as the Nolans have. Snyder probably means it won't be ponderous and we may actualy have worthy aversaries for Superman.
General Zod? Ehh, I'd much prefer they use a villain that hasn't been used yet...I'd really like to see Brainiac.
Quote from: steamteck on October 05, 2010, 12:55:13 PM
Quote from: Mr. Hamrick on October 05, 2010, 03:26:16 AM
[http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/ (http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/10/04/lets-cast-the-new-superman-movie/) has me a bit more worried.
As for the writing... I'm not worried about the writing. The Nolans do quality work.
And as I said earlier, Snyder has proven that he can handle comic book material.
Actually Goyer seems to have a hand in the writing also. I'm starting to feel more comfortable. He hasn't dissappointed me as crushingly as the Nolans have. Snyder probably means it won't be ponderous and we may actualy have worthy aversaries for Superman.
I see where the Nolans have been a disappointment on anything. then again... I tend to enjoy their style of work.
Quote from: BentonGrey on October 05, 2010, 03:04:41 PM
General Zod? Ehh, I'd much prefer they use a villain that hasn't been used yet...I'd really like to see Brainiac.
I'd love to see Braniac. And maybe we will. It would be interesting to see Zod and Brainiac in the same movie.
Hmm....well, I would certainly be happy to see that if they could come up with a good story to drive such a meeting (and given their shared Kryptonian history, it shouldn't be too hard).
Having the Nolan's so much as looking at it is like a golden touch. I feel like Christopher Nolan is the greatest filmmaker of all time.
I also liked Superman Returns a lot (except Lois - with ZERO sass?!), but the series does need a reboot. I agree with sentiments that Clark needs more personality and muscles than Brandon Routh had. He had those problems with being detached from humanity that people who don't know anything about Superman always bring up along with saying "he's too powerful!" which is ridiculous on many levels. But that's a script problem, and he looked the part and he's cool.
Tom Welling is the best live action Superman ever and he isn't even really Superman. Casting him might be a mistake from a financial viewpoint, though I'd love to see it.
Zack Snyder is to be blamed for most of the Watchmen movie's major problems. I don't think he's incapable of making a good movie, but 300 is the only one he's done yet and that was a straight action movie.
I really hope they don't bother sticking to the comics beyond the origins and main characters. Superman's comic book history is so convoluted and ridiculous, they're better off just making up something new (or going to the animated series). I mean, it is a reboot.
Wow! No offense BWPS but I disagree with almost everything you said. Although with the animated series continuety would certainly make me and Benton happy.
mr Hamrick, I'm one of the few people who loved batman Begins but hated Dark Knight so much it used all good will Batman Begins gave him for me. My wife agrees with me, so I guess we're good for each other .
Quote from: steamteck on October 06, 2010, 03:26:09 AM
Wow! No offense BWPS but I disagree with almost everything you said. Although with the animated series continuety would certainly make me and Benton happy.
mr Hamrick, I'm one of the few people who loved batman Begins but hated Dark Knight so much it used all good will Batman Begins gave him for me. My wife agrees with me, so I guess we're good for each other .
Ditto, although my wife was probably creeped out by Heath Ledger's Joker as much as all of her other problems combined...she has a problem with mouth noises. :P
I do agree that going with Superman: TAS continuity (or some approximation thereof) wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea.
I think it could be a good movie. Watchmen was pretty comic book-y, and I thought Snyder did really well with the task. If they can make a Superman movie worth watching, then I'll be impressed.
Was Singer's Superman movie all dark, mopey and morose? I've only seen a part of it (near the end)...I found myself really turned off by what I saw, though.
For villains: I think they should go for Brainiac too or maybe Metallo? Not that I'm a Superman fan or anything...I just enjoy seeing superhero movies once in a while.
Dana
Quote from: cmdrkoenig67 on October 07, 2010, 01:22:19 AM
Was Singer's Superman movie all dark, mopey and morose? I've only seen a part of it (near the end)...I found myself really turned off by what I saw, though.
For villains: I think they should go for Brainiac too or maybe Metallo? Not that I'm a Superman fan or anything...I just enjoy seeing superhero movies once in a while.
Dana
It was pretty bad. The effects were great but the only good scenes were Kevin Spacey's Luthor scenes. The material at The Daily Planet was beyond awful.
Quote from: Mr. Hamrick on October 07, 2010, 03:39:16 AM
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It was pretty bad. The effects were great but the only good scenes were Kevin Spacey's Luthor scenes. The material at The Daily Planet was beyond awful.
The only really good scene was the plane rescue IMO. The mini gun scene wasn't bad either. As far as drama/ memorable acting the movie was just out of luck. Kevin Spacey did OK with a really poor version of Luthor I suppose. At least he managed to be more menacing and a little less of a buffon than Gene Hackmaneven if he was a pathetic shadow of any real Luthor.
It was really a sequel to the original Superman movies. I liked it, most critics liked it, but I don't think "fans" liked it. I consider it to be in the same situation as Speed Racer (though obviously it wasn't as amazing from a film-making perspective as Speed Racer.), people wanted something (in this case a modern comic book action movie) and got something really different (a really slow but also good return of Christopher Reeves Superman). I would prefer a really good (like Spider-Man 2/Iron Man/X-Men 2/Hellboy 2 or even TDK level good) Superman movie which I hope we get with the reboot. But for what it was, Superman Returns is definitely 4/5 stars.
Eh, I'd give Superman Returns a weak 3 stars (out of five). The plot is a succession of Superman lifting heavier objects, hammy Luthor stinks out loud, and the super-kid is a huge mistake. It's got it's moments, but it's way too mopey, and not dark but angsty, for a Superman film.
I just heard from, of all places, The Petros and Money show...
THAT...
Spoiler
Natalie Portman has agreed to play Lois Lane in the next Superman movie.
Quote from: Shogunn2517 on October 09, 2010, 02:46:22 AM
I just heard from, of all places, The Petros and Money show...
THAT...
Spoiler
Natalie Portman has agreed to play Lois Lane in the next Superman movie.
Doubt that. We'll see.
Spoiler
She is locked in to any sequels done for Thor so I don't see it happening.