Jon Hamm For Superman

I never really saw a photo of Jon Hamm till about five minutes ago... and holy crap if he would not be awesome as an older, more seasoned "Alex Ross" type Superman. WOW! Now I know what all the fuss was about when I read the AICN boards months ago...

One of the Coolest Fight Sequences Ever Animated: Superman Versus Doomsday

I love this. The pacing is great, the action intense and the music behind it really, really well done. Based on the comic book from many years ago, Superman battles the one enemy who stands a chance at actually killing him! Listen to that music — you can cut the drama with a knife!

I almost bought this on Blu-Ray a while back since it was half-off at Best Buy but I decided to pass due to budgetary concerns at the time. In any case, if you've never seen this sequence, now's your chance:

Zach Snyder Confirmed to Direct New Superman Film

It's official! Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) will direct the relaunch of Superman under the godfather guidance of Chris Nolan.

As for whether or not we might expect a return of Brandon Routh, here's what Variety is reporting.

What do you think?

Thanks, Eric!

Evil Superman

You're doing it wrong.

L.A. Times Talks To Christopher Nolan About Inception, Batman 3, and... Superman!

If you're wondering about the status of the next Batman flick, or what's going on with Nolan's consultant role with the next Superman movie, this is a great read.

Kid's Detention Slip Is Comedy Gold

Thanks to Comics Alliance for this.

JJ Abrams Says Superman Reboot Would Be "A Blast"

The man responsible for rebooting Mission: Impossible and more recently Star Trek, has gone on the record regarding his interest in a Superman movie reboot. Abrams told MTV that while he has not had any Superman-related discussion whatsoever with Warner Bros, he would be very open to the idea. "You never really know," he says. "Everything happens for a reason."

More when you click here.

The (Alleged) Long-Lost Nicolas Cage "Superman Lives" Photo

It has been well-publicized that at one point way back in the late nineties, Nicolas Cage was working with Tim Burton to re-launch the Superman movie franchise. The "rebirth" was called Superman Lives and based on a screenplay by Kevin Smith. Nic Cage was so gung-ho at the prospect of playing the part of Superman that he reportedly bought like, $18 bazillion dollars worth of Superman comic books so he could study the character.

Fast-forward to 2009. IGN is running this story. Either someone

A) Leaked a shockingly awful photo for all of us to laugh at

OR

B) Photoshopped a shockingly awful photo for all of us to laugh at

No one is sure and for some reason it's driving me crazy. Seriously, as of this moment no one can seem to verify the validity of the shot. Some have called it a fake mash-up of action figure and head shot. Cage looks really tired or maybe he's just stoned. This is so terrible it just can't be real, can it? What do you think?

Here's the (alleged) test shot:

Here's a rather strange clip showing concept art, as well as the Cage test shot:

Here's a hastily-cobbled-together teaser clip created by god knows who:

So really... what do you think? I am dying to hear...

Thanks, IGN

Warner Bros. Casting Call: Next Superman Film To Be "Dark Reboot"

UPDATE 3/2/09: This was just an April Fool's gag, 100% made up.

This is insane! Sources over at All Sci-Fi News are reporting that Warner Bros. is conducting casting calls for the next Superman film. And that Bryan Singer is NOT signed on to direct, as we incorrectly reported a couple of weeks ago.

Even more shocking, sources are telling ASFN that a final rough draft of the script was turned in several weeks ago -- and that the "new" Superman is a reboot and "very dark" in tone -- as in "Chris Nolan Batman" dark.

A source close to the new project told ASFN, "They are looking at what [The Dark Knight] did for them, and when you combine that with the underperformance of Bryan Singer's film in 2006, it was the most sensible direction to take. They are seeing that the positive, 'do-gooder' Superman character just does not work in the current market. They are pulling the trigger."

Did you read that part? They are "pulling the trigger"?? As in "killing the Superman we grew up with"? The "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" Superman we all know and love? Is he gonna carry a 9mm now? WTF??

The source went on to say that nearly every big-name actor in Hollywood has already tried out for the role of Superman, and that producers are leaning toward -- get ready for this one -- 

Michael Clarke Duncan!

(My crappy conceptual Photoshop job)

So there you have it. A dark Superman. Literally and figuratively. If you're still not believing this, don't feel bad -- I couldn't believe it either!

I'll be sure to post every available update as soon as I get it...

Thanks to ASFN!

How Christopher Reeve Went From Wimpyman to Superman

I've been on a Superman kick recently, and I just think this is fascinating.

When Christopher Reeve landed the part of Superman back in the late seventies, he had the look, the acting chops, and the charisma Warner Bros. was looking for. The only thing he needed to work on was his physique. Reeve stood 6 feet, 4 inches tall but weighed about 180 pounds. Not bulky enough. With only a few months until the first day of shooting the first film, Superman The Movie, he needed to train fast and hard. He needed a real pro. Enter Dave Prowse.

Prowse, a champion body builder, played the (physical) role of Darth Vader in the first three Star Wars films, and he was initially hoping to land the Superman role himself. Reeve got it instead. In a bit of irony, Prowse was hired to train Reeve in order to get him as Supermanny as possible in a relatively short period of time.

Christopher Reeve's schedule consisted of running in the morning, followed by two hours of weight lifting and another ninety minutes on the trampoline. In six weeks, he went from 175 pounds to 212 pounds -- pretty impressive!

In addition to an arduous training program, Chris was put on a strict diet: he ate steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day!

Things Bryan Singer Must Do To Make "Superman: Man of Steel" Kick Ass

OPEN LETTER TO BRYAN SINGER:

Dear Mr. Singer,

Superman Returns was not a terrible film, but it wasn't the thrill ride many fans hoped for. I hate to say it, but it's your own fault; after all, you are a great director and we expect great things from you. Anything less and you know we're all going to bitch.

I understand you are directing the sequel. I'm pretty excited by this news, especially in light of your awesome quote... something along the lines of, "I am going to go all Wrath of Khan on it!"

I humbly and respectfully offer the following morsels of advice, in no particular order, as they might relate to the production of your upcoming Superman: Man of Steel.

The Script Must Be "Wrath of Khan" Good

Based on your promise, of course. We need good dialog, a riveting plot, a genuine threat to Superman, and massive, all-encompassing drama. Leave us an Empire Strikes Back cliffhanger ending and you will have scored a home run.

The Villain Must Be More Powerful Than Superman

Not AS powerful... MORE powerful! This means no Lex Luthor, and no hokey real estate plans. With the exception of two things -- Kryptonite and magic -- Superman is pretty much indestructible here on earth. Why not bring someone in who can do some real damage? I say go for broke -- send in Doomsday or maybe Darkseid! Remember, MORE powerful. This is non-negotiable.

Superman Must Do "Supermanny" Things

We've seen it all before. Lots of superheroes can lift heavy objects. But Superman is the strongest mo-fo on earth. So here's what I expect: I want Superman to rip a skyscraper from its foundation and swing it like a baseball bat! Maybe he uses the building to deflect incoming missiles, maybe he swings it to knock a super villain into the next zip code, I don't know. All I know is, Superman must do plenty of "Supermanny" things.

Keep Brandon Routh

Some have complained Brandon Routh of being wooden... that he fell flat during Superman Returns. Personally, I think it was due to the script and the dialog more than anything else. I also think he was distracted with trying to live up to the legendary performance of Christopher Reeve. Brandon definitely had moments where he shined, and I think he's going to shock everyone this time out (as long as he gets a decent script).

Brandon Routh Must Weigh-In at 250 lbs and Be Cut Like a Beeotch

Dave Prowse -- a.k.a. Darth Vader -- did wonders to weight train super-skinny Christopher Reeve for Superman The Movie. But somehow, Brandon Routh did not look quite as massive. Routh stands 6-foot, three inches -- he needs to bulk up big time. In fact, I'd go so far as to say he needs to go MUCH bigger. And cut.

Eliminate "Supertoddler"

The equivalent to "Cousin Oliver" on the final season of The Brady Bunch, Superman's little kid was not an effective character. Somehow, some way, you have to get rid of him.

Get a New Lois Lane

Kate Bosworth was extremely average in Superman Returns, although I will admit the script did not do her many favors. Just do what Nolan did with his Batman sequel: get a new main squeeze.

Keep the Kick-Ass John Williams Score

Listen to it next time: "Da-da-da-dat, da-DAAA, da-da-da-DAAAAAA!" It's true what they say; you can actually HEAR it say "SUPER-MANNNN!"

Stop Trying to Out-Donner "The Donner"

Because it cannot be done. Bryan, you're a fan of Richard Donner's first film, just like I am, just like millions of us are... but you have to put your stamp on this one. Go with your unique vision rather than pay homage to someone else's.

Don't Get Too Vicious

I totally understand why you wanted to have a bunch of bad guys beat the living tar out of Superman the first time around ('cause we all know the "dark" thing sells these days), but the stabbing part was really heavy. No little kid wants to see Superman get his ass stabbed! I'm a grown man who loves tons of violence, and even I didn't like that scene! This time, please don't go so dark... go ahead and put Superman in deadly situations -- have him get pounded into the ground like a tent stake, bury him under eighty tons of rubble, etc -- but don't get depressing with it.

Shoot Your Wad at the END of the Film

Most would agree: the jet liner sequence in Superman Returns was stunning/thrilling/fantastic! Sadly, it was also your biggest bit of fireworks, and you shot them off one-third of the way into the film. We got a giant black rock for the finale.

In closing, I hope you might consider these bits of advice, Mr. Singer, and I thank you for your time.

Signed,

Mr. Fun

Bryan Singer Will Direct "Superman: Man Of Steel"

Woah, some hot movie news right here, courtesy of Den Of Geek...

Despite some apprehension on the part of Warner Bros. (Superman Returns was not received well by critics or fans), Singer has the gig for a sequel. Several months ago, the director went on record promising that if he were offered the sequel, he would be going all "Wrath of Khan" on it. Now that's what I wanna hear! Reportedly, Brandon Routh will be reprising his role also.

I don't have a problem with Bryan Singer, I just hope he and/or the writing team come up with a way to ditch the annoying "Supertoddler." Oh, and hopefully they'll have Superman doing more Supermanny things this time, like punching some dude's fool head off or ripping a skyscraper from its foundation and using it as a ball bat.

In fact... you know what? I'm going to post my thoughts on what I expect to see in this sequel, later today, so stop back...

Thanks to Denofgeek.com