Caffeinated Clint
Update : Zack Snyder has confirmed Fleming’s report, telling said scribe ”I’ve been a big fan of the character for a long time, he’s definitely the king of all superheroes, he’s the one. It’s early yet, but I can tell you that what David [Goyer] and Chris [Nolan] have done with the story so far definitely has given me a great insight into a way to make him feel modern. I’ve always felt he was kind of awesome. I’ll finish ‘Sucker Punch’ and get right at it.”
Mike Fleming got the scoop that Zack Snyder, Warner’s current go-to guy for ambitious blockbusters, will direct the 2012 “Superman” reboot. Snyder’s credits include “300”, “Watchmen”, “The Guardians of Ga’Hoole” and “Sucker Punch”. We spoke to Snyder a couple of weeks ago and he mentioned he was working on an “original” project, but never in a million years would we have assumed ‘original’ meant a comic book movie reboot.
Warners likely waited to see how “The Guardians of Ga’Hoole” did at the box office before handing Snyder the keys to the Fortress of Solitude.
A couple of weeks ago we heard that if Darren Aronofsky got the gig, he’d be bringing his “Black Swan” leading lady Natalie Portman with him (she’d play Lois). Aronofsky hasn’t got the gig… that mean Queen Amidala won’t be working for The Daily Planet after all?
Previously…
Here’s what we know so far about the 2012 “Superman” reboot :
– Brandon Routh likely won’t be back to reprise his role as the Man of Steel.
– Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas (the team behind “The Dark Knight”) are producing
– Jonathan Nolan and David Goyer are on scripting duties. Both have also been under consideration to direct the film.
– The title flying around for the film is “The Man of Steel”
– Though Nolan is involved, the film won’t share any link to the “Batman” movies (i.e Batman won’t be appearing in Superman, and vice-versa).
– Jon Hamm is the favourite to play the new (slightly older) Superman – though he’s yet to be contacted about it by Warner Bros.
Deadline just published a list of directors that Nolan and Thomas are talking to about taking the reigns on the “Superman” redo. Surprisingly, Jonah Nolan and David Goyer aren’t on there (assuming WB pooh-poohed the suggestion of either leading the charge on a multi-million dollar blockbuster). Also astonishing that WB would actual consider filmmakers like Tony ‘MTV’ Scott and Jonathan Liebsman!? Having said that, there are some worthy names being considered for the job, including “Watchmen” helmer Zack Snyder and “Moon” helmer Duncan Jones.
Potential “Superman” director #1 :
Tony Scott
A fun director. Nothing more. A precursor to Bay and Ratner, Scott makes visually-stunning fluff – see “Top Gun”, “Days of Thunder”, “Domino”, “Crimson Tide”. The closest he’s probably come to doing something that, in addition to a horde of action sequences also features some ‘tug-at-your-heart-strings’ moments is “Man on Fire” or, to a lesser extent, “True Romance”. Warner Bros want a more action-centric “Superman” movie this time around, so no surprise he’d be on the list, but can’t imagine Nolan going for him.
Potential “Superman” director #2 :
Matt Reeves
Definitely one to watch. Knocked it out of the park with “Cloverfield” and has apparently done a shit-hot job on his “Let the Right One In” remake, “Let Me In”. Some are even saying the redo, starring Chloe Moretz, might be the superior film. Can’t imagine that, but fine, fine praise none-the-less. This is a guy that does seem to know how to make a movie that blends action and character.
Potential “Superman” director #3 :
Jonathan Liebsman
Not convinced Liebsman has much to offer. Haven’t heard anything much about his upcoming “Battle : Los Angeles”, only that some of the early footage looks OK. Going on past efforts, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre : The Beginning”, “Darkness Falls” (What a stinker!) and “The Killing Room”, there’s nothing there to really convince Nolan he’s the right man for the job. He’s likely only on the list because he and WB are new buddies – Liebsman just signed on to helm the (aaargh) “Clash of the Titans” sequel.
Potential “Superman” director #4 :
Duncan Jones
Duncan makes sense. He gave us the amazing “Moon”, an imaginative movie that encompassed action, thrills, drama and a compelling lead character(s), and his newie, “Source Code” is bound to be just as grand – if the amazing script is anything to go by. Jones’ reminds me a lot of Nolan. Started out doing these small but very well-made and exceedingly original endeavors. Is the next step applying his intelligence and apt to a blockbuster like “Superman”!?
Potential “Superman” director #5 :
Zack Snyder
WB loves Snyder. We know that. Personally can’t imagine the director of “Watchmen” helming a “Superman” movie though – if anything, the former was an anti-comic book movie. Still, I know Snyder’s capable of it. Definitely has a vision. But would need some more convincing. Hopefully he’s got a killer pitch. At the “Guardians of Ga’ Hoole’ junket this week Snyder told us that he’s about to work on “an original project” so chances are he’s going to be too busy to even jump aboard something like “Superman” which is going to have to get filming shortly to make it’s 2012 release date.
So, looking back at that list, I guess Duncan Jones is my favourite to take the reigns on “Superman”. Interested to hear who else might be under consideration though.
Nolan is apparently going to submit his choice to WB in the next few weeks.
