The search is over. Christopher Nolan, David Goyer, and the studio, have chosen who will direct the highly anticipated Superman reboot. The winner = Director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch.
Zack Snyder has been chosen to direct the new Superman movie, which Christopher Nolan is producing for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Negotiations began earlier today.
Snyder, who directed “300” and “Watchmen,” had been on the list of helmers ensconced in meetings with Nolan and Warners execs, who in recent weeks have talked to Darren Aronofsky, Ben Affleck, Matt Reeves and Tony Scott.
Nolan, who revived Batman, teamed up with David Goyer for a new a way to revive the last son of Krypton. Goyer is writing the script, which is rumored to have, like “Superman Returns,” a Richard Donner Superman connection. In the movie’s case, it’s a villain connection: General Zod.
Nolan is producing with his wife and producing partner Emma Thomas, along with Charles Roven, and Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder’s wife and partner.
Because Nolan was godfathering “Superman,” it initially was though that any filmmaker coming on baord would be someone who would be more of a mentee in a mentor-style relationship. Snyder, however, brings not only box-office clout but also, like Nolan, a reputation for being a visionary.
Snyder, who told Heat Vision that he was “psyched” about the gig, played down potential class differences.
“In the initial meetings, he’s been super amzaingly smart and also amazingly kind, filmmaker-to-filmmaker,” he said of Nolan. “I have great respect for him. The process has been amazing so far, and it looks like nothing but pluses.”
Snyder first met with Nolan about a month ago, and while he didn’t do any dog-and-pony show, “I definitely expressed my love for the character and interest in seeing him treated right.”
Added Snyder: “The character deserves to be loved. It’s his time”
The director said he and the movie’s makers would work on the script a little bit before jumping to the next stage.
“We’re moving quick,” he said.
UPDATE: Deadline has spoken with the director who has now not only confirmed the news, but has said that he will start working on it as soon as post-production on Sucker Punch is completed. He also dropped this quote, expressing his feelings about the character:
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 and Chris 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.”Can’t tell you how freaking excited/pumped up I am about this selection. I was rooting for this guy. This has the potential of becoming truly a great Superman film. You’ve got Nolan and Goyer writing the story. Nolan supervising and also producing the film. And with them, you’ve got Zack Snyder, with his insanely awesome visuals, directing? Damn. Also, Gernal Zod will be involved in this? Damn! Can’t wait, Can’t wait! Superman is gonna rock!
What do you guys think of this news? Are you as pumped up as I am?
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This IS quick, since it wasn’t originally supposed to be released until 2013…and now it has to be in production by next year. Hopefully Snyder brings some awesome action to the film.
Zack Snyder was right about one thing totally different from watchmen similar to batman’s world. BUT I AM DEFINITELY NOT GOIN 2 WATCH THIS. I NEVER UNDERSTOOD WATCHMEN NEITHER I UNDERSTOOD THE STORY NOR WHAT THE DIALOGUE MEANT. AS AN AUDIENCE I AM IRRITATED BY ZACK SNYDER AND THE MATRIX DIRECTOR
AWESOME!!!
So glad to hear he got the gig. I love Zack Snyder’s movies, even liked his Dawn of the Dead remake. Haven’t seen his Owl movie yet, but plan too soon.
To me he’s proven he’s got what it takes to do comic book movies, with 300 and Watchmen turning out so great. He has the right passion, drive, and imagination.
I can’t wait to see his version of Superman. I can see it being epic, some what dark, powerful and full of action, but with a very deep and memorable story/feel to it.
I like idea of bringing Zod back, he was very cool to me as a kid in part 2. But I kind of hope to see something more in way of a villain(s) as well.
Dying to see how this all turns out.
If they aren’t using Routh I’m disappointed in that.
This will be a brilliant movie. From what has been written on the net. I assume in a post 9/11 world Zod will be portrayed as a terrorist like figure kinda like the joker in Dark Knight. Except unlike the joker Zod will have a purpose with his terror, an Alien version of Bin Laden, Zod will of course want world domination and for everyone to kneel before Zod. Different from the Joker who was anarchist. Chaos for Chaos sakes.
Zod and his gang of Kryptonian terrorist will show up around the time when Clark is figuring out to be Superman. So then Clark shows up as Superman displaying the same abilities as these Alien terrorists. You’ll have a world that might be hesitant to trust him since he is just like these Alien terrorists. So the world will be split especially America with those who tolerate Superman and view him as the savior that he is. And others who lump him in with the other Kryptonians who wreak havoc throughout the world.
Superman will be like a Muslim or a Mexican living in America today. Which also could lead to a Lex Luthor in later films who is a rich industrialist, but he also could own a large media corp like Fox news and be like a Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck figure leading the charge against Superman and the other Kryptonians branding them all as terrorists and illegal immigrants.
Shit!, now I guess I dont have to see it.
:)
I hope it’s gonna be awesome, I love Snyder’s direction style. Too bad Routh’s not in.
All who support this decision should be lynched!!!
Well I was really hoping that this would move forward. So great news. And bonus no Luther in this one. Good to hear. But wait, Zod again? Really!?!
With all of that rich Superman story history to draw on why do we have to be endlessly locked into a cycle of Luther and Zod as the villains?
I think I will take a wait and see on this one.
Yippie!
(in slo motion)
wasn’t that awesome?
Great news on the director’s post but I was not expecting the “Donner” link. Thats troubling amidst the pros on the announcement. I mean they (WB/DC) were claiming for the last year and a half it was set to be a “Reboot” right???? Mixed signals here, but I will wait and see. Zod….? Why not go BIG and have Darkseid as many here and in fandom have suggested????
If you start with Zod, how do you sequel it? Bigger and better.
Save Darkseid for a later chapter.
I thought of that after I hit “Submit”….finally some exciting news. With the team they’ve assembled I don’t think we have to fear about too much s l o — m o ….He treated Watchman with reverence and I’m sure the same mindset will be on board. Just kicked up a few notches!
…or start with Darkseid, continue with Doomsday, and end it with Cyborg? or in the end, put lex returns/revenge…
This is awesome! Two great talents coming together. Wow. Just wow. This makes my week.
Hopefully they have the balls to use Brandon Routh. If they don’t I will consider them gutless cowards.
I’ve heard that they aren’t going to go with Routh. I’m sort of disappointed… but I hope they pick a good Supes.
supposedly they are giving him a screen test. if it hasn’t already happened yet, I wish him the BEST of luck
I am all for giving it to Routh, he wqas great in Superman Returns but the material sucked ass.
well.. we can expect a new superman movie filmed almost entirely in Slo- Mo…
I’d say Nolan/Goyer/Snyder should cast Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman. He looks the part.
General Zod again? “Connection” of the Donner movies? What?!?! I thought Warner Bros. and DC Comics wanted to steer Superman to a different direction with this reboot, because of the lackluster box office performance of Superman Returns (391 million worldwide “only”). And now this news of having those same elements in the previous movies with Zack Snyder at the helm. They ought to scrap those ideas and start something totally new.
Now we can speculate. I suppose with Snyder at the helm now, it could be Zod + ???
this is a huge win for comic fans and the future of comic books
@Kevin C
I could see Gerard Butler as Zod. Kicking some guy from the Ruling Council into a bottemless pit as he yells ‘THIS IS KRYPTON!!’ :)
Not what I was expecting, but I think he was the best choice from the short list of directors.
My biggest question is how much pull will he have on casting Superman and who will he cast? What about Billy Crudup as Superman and Gerard Butler as Zod? I know its off the wall, but can we expect Snyder to bring in some of his own or will it be an unknown or another star of Nolans choosing?
Current mood: Cautiously Optimistic
i really dont want Zod they already did him will i be terribly upset if they do have zod…..no not really but i want them to do newer character
Yes!!! Total sweetness!!!
AWESOME!! Supes is gonna man up for this one! Put Jon Hamm or Brandon Routh on the 300 workout!
HOLY KRYPTONIT CRAP ON A STICK i wanted this to happen but never thought it was going to YES!!!!!
Jon Hamm as Superman. They need to give him whatever he wants
I don’t think Hamm is the best choice. I’m thinking zachary levi with 20 more pounds of muscle.
Jason Ritter… I know- bold prediction out of left field, but some of the best performences come from left field.