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Latest Superman movie rumours

Simon Brew


Is Jonathan Nolan directing the new Superman film? And where is Warner Bros looking for an actor to play the new Man Of Steel?

Published on Jul 16, 2010

There were some rumours floating around earlier in the week that Jonathan Nolan - brother of Christopher, co-writer of the likes of The Dark Knight - had been confirmed as the director of the long-awaited Superman reboot. This is the project that Christopher Nolan is overseeing for Warner Bros, having come up with a story for a new Superman movie with David Goyer. Furthermore, rumours were suggesting that Chuck star Zachary Levi was in the running to play the Man of Steel.

Since those rumours surfaced, Moviehole has been doing a bit of digging around, and has been chatting to a "very reliable contact" about the project. It's discovered that Jonathan Nolan (who is working on the script, incidentally) hasn't, as it happens, signed up to direct the new Superman film, but that "it looks like he will get the job".

Moviehole reports that Christopher Nolan is keen for his brother to direct the film, and while there are hoops still to jump through, the most likely outcome by the sounds of it is Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas producing, with Jonathan Nolan directing.

As for the casting, there's definitely no Brandon Routh, which is no surprise, and Zachary Levi wasn't mentioned. However, the article says that the top choice for the role is a "popular TV actor that no one is thinking of, but everyone will be thrilled with if he pulls on the blue tights".

That said, casting still seems some way off, yet Moviehole's source says of the project, "This Superman is neither a reboot or a sequel. It's just a Superman film. The basic elements of the storyline are: BIG action, BIG set-pieces, witty dialogue, playful romance, a light-hearted feelgood mood juxtaposed with derring-do and danger, top-notch cast, epic feel, sci-fi background (sounds a little like Donner, right?) BUT with some sort of huge twist on the legend."

You can read more on the story here, and we'll certainly be keeping you posted.

 

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Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By gbjay1 1 July 16, 2010 08:06:47 AM

As easy, and smooth, well liked and dynamic as the SUPERMAN mythos is, it escapes me as to why Warner Bros. Studio has such a difficult time making a SUPERMAN movie? Problems is, they keep attempting to push soppy-love Soap Opera like storylines, instead of giving us what we want---SUPERMAN kicking some major A**! GBJ

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By gss131 1 July 16, 2010 09:12:00 AM

Agree with gbjay1. We don't need to see how Supes deals with his SuperChubby...we need to see him fighting the likes of Doomsday and foe that are bigger. Deep six Lois and have Superman fight for his life, or better yet have to decide twixt Earth and the rest of the galaxy ie make is epic and not a romcom.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By mattrek 1 July 16, 2010 09:23:50 AM

Why are WB so thick, They already have the perfect cast, (Smallville) who have spent the last 9-10 years perfecting there characters, I don’t blame Routh for the TRAVISTY which was returns, that was all Singers doing, (ass hole) I’ll never forget the anger I felt when I saw that film, I just hope its a complete reboot, there’s no need to do little nods to the Donner films, They were fantastic, let them be, its time to see something new, fresh, a Superman movie for the of the 21st century. Nolen Brothers let us down.

JON HAMM!! The campaign begins!!
Posted By moorish 1 July 16, 2010 10:05:19 AM

"Popular TV actor"... "no one is thinking of"... This is entirely wishful thinking on my part but Don Draper himself would be PERFECT for Supes. I mean LOOK at him - he IS Superman!! And no, I don't think he's too old - be nice to have an actual Super*man* for a change. Jon Hamm, Superman. Let's make it happen!

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By morgothik 1 July 16, 2010 10:24:38 AM

I agree Tom Welling would be awesome. Give him a chance!

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By bobsuncorp 1 July 16, 2010 10:30:58 AM

I don't understand how anyone can even consider Levi as Superman. He is a great actor but he looks completely wrong. He is skinny and Superman is the strongest creature on Earth. Even if he lifted all the weights possible for the next 5 years he could not change his fundamental body shape. This isn't a sleight on Levi, it is just genetics. Routh, Welling, Cain, Reeve, all the actors who have portrayed the Man of Steel have been able to convince their audience that he is, well, a Man Of Steel!

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By Sprocket 1 July 16, 2010 11:27:22 AM

Talk about stirring it up "popular TV actor that no one is thinking of", that could literally be anyone! Can I be the first one to say Dean Cain??? I'll get my cape...

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By elor74 1 July 16, 2010 12:15:16 PM

"popular TV actor that no one is thinking of, but everyone will be thrilled with if he pulls on the blue tights". Maybe they are asking David Tennant to beef up?! Seriously though, Zachary Levi would be an amazing choice!

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By Nocturne 1 July 16, 2010 12:36:45 PM

In all fairness though Christopher Reeve was built very slightly when he auditioned it was only after he trained with Dave Prowse he got the Superman physique we expect to see

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By KWillyvox 1 July 16, 2010 12:54:10 PM

Tom Welling is a real nice guy and knows the role. why not cast welling?

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By Cornjob 1 July 16, 2010 02:41:33 PM

"popular TV actor that no one is thinking of, but everyone will be thrilled with"... Chris O'Dowd is the new Man of Steel?!? Cool.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By Noddle 1 July 16, 2010 03:23:27 PM

I've heard (from Total Film's FB feed) that Chris Columbus was in talks to direct. The feed then got about 50 comments to the effect of: "NO EFFING WAY!" Does nobody realise that A) Tom's 30odd, B) he's spent 10 years in Metropolis already with Smallville, C) his name's been touted round since preproduction on Returns and D) he doesn't actually want to pull on the tights at all? (hence the "no flights no tights" rule on Smallville.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By RikkyB 1 July 16, 2010 04:33:29 PM

Have to agree with most of the comments here. Tom Welling would be perfect. He just looks right. I don't thinks any actor including Chris Reeve looked much like the comic version. Routh appeared way too slight. Welling has the head shape, jaw-line & build plus he's been playing the role for years! I must say that as comic reader, I've been pretty underwhelmed with all the Superman movies to date. Something I can't say about Batman, or most of the various marvel properties.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By edip1976 1 July 16, 2010 04:34:22 PM

I agree - Jon Hamm!

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By geeklouie 1 July 16, 2010 04:35:11 PM

To me, the highlights of the Superman franchise are: Clark Kent realizing and learning how to restrain his power and freakishness as a kid, his bungling adult character...so masterfully played by Reeves, and marveling at his flying and strenth when he combats evil. But I know Lois Lane will be a huge part of the new movie to get the famale audience. A shame.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By theshadowalker 1 July 16, 2010 05:49:51 PM

I'm no fan of "Smallville" (it is, IMO, the most underachieving show on TV; it had the potential to be great, but its producers never seem to aim higher than "just okay"). That said, I'd agree that Tom Welling was a casting coup who deserves a better Superman, and that he'd be a great choice for this movie.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By kittennettik 1 July 16, 2010 07:20:02 PM

It has to be Jared Padalecki. Can't believe no one else has said it on here. I'd even give his onscreen brother a shot. I'm sorry that Brandon Routh isn't coming back though because I thought he was a perfect Superman and the best thing about Superman Returns. To be honest, I'd like it to be anybody but Tom Welling.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By ChrisH 1 July 17, 2010 02:58:49 PM

Completely disagree with mattrek and his uncivil description of Singer; I LOVED Returns - I really felt like I was getting what should have been Superman III and I think Singer did a grand job.

Superman Returns was woefully misconceived
Posted By moorish 1 July 18, 2010 10:52:36 AM

Routh was okay, but aside from the completely naff Lois Lane, the Super Kid was one of the biggest missteps in the history of superhero cinema. Terrible, terrible idea and a mortal wound to the picture and any hopes of franchise resuscitation.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By voetk1@hotmail.com 1 July 18, 2010 10:57:45 AM

I always thought Enver Gjokaj (from Dollhouse) has the potential to play a great superman.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By matthewsouthcott 1 July 18, 2010 01:40:23 PM

Can only think that they would pick Tom Welling, but as an outside pick, get Zachary Quinto to beef up abit and have him. Have to say Superman isn't my favourite is a flawed premise for films, seen once hard to replicate for more than one film. But if anyone can the Nolans can

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By stephenj900 1 July 19, 2010 05:25:16 PM

I've spoke to Rowan Atkinson who plays Mr. Bean & he's told me that it's 100% definate that he's playing the next Superman.

Re: Latest Superman movie rumours
Posted By desandman 1 July 21, 2010 10:10:42 AM

Popular tv actor.... I know, Hugh Laurie will be Superman
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