How would you make the next "Superman" movie?

[Captaindemotion]

Much as I like SR, it's clear that there isn't the public love for it so as to warrant a sequel; few people are saying 'I can't wait to see what happens between Superman, Lois, Jason and Clark.'

I would retain Routh there. I still maintain he was a perfect successor to the great Christopher Reeve. And in keeping him, I'd get in WB's good books by not spending a zillion dollars on the hunt for a new Supes! So ine would be about a 90% reboot.

I don't think audiences would be confused by him in a movie that wasn't a sequel to SR. General audiences think a lot less about this sort of thing than we geeks do. By the time this came out, SR would be way in the back of their minds, not least of all cos of the lukewarm response many had to it. Audiences deal with re-casting all the time, they could deal with reboots to Punisher and Hulk a mere few years after the previous entries, they could cope with Judi Dench staying on as M in a James Bond movie. It's not like Routh is a household name anyway - they'd just see Superman onscreen. I'm sure a lot of people didn't notice the difference between Eric Bana and Ed Norton or even between Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan. So do you think they'll waste much time thinking about Routh and the continuity implications of him staying on? Doubt it.

I don't think I'd keep any of the rest of the cast though. Kate Bosworth had no pizzazz as Lois and lacked chemistry with Routh. Give me someone more feisty. Langella and Huntingdon were fine but replaceable.

I wouldn't do another origin story. To return to an analogy I used in another thread, I'd take the Goldeneye approach to relaunch rather than the Casino Royale one. Assume the audience knows who Superman is, just as Goldeneye did with James Bond, rather than showing how he came to be Superman, as CR did. We'd never seen Bond's origins onscreen before, so I understand why CR took that route, but we have seen Superman's, both in Superman The Movie and Smallville, so why do it again? A comic montage like they've done with the Spider-man movies would suffice, at most flashbacks like Burton's Batman.

Just as Goldeneye started off with the audience safe in the knowledge that James Bond was a legendary, slightly dinosaurish spy who loved woman and a drink, this movie would start off with the assumption that they know he's the Man of Steel, last son of Krypton, alter ego of Clark Kent etc. At most, a few lines of exposition could establish the relationship with Lois etc. I wouldn't shake up the formula with a son and return from space - just classic Superman ticking all the boxes you want - again, just like Goldeneye did.

No Lex as the villain in this movie - I'd even drop in a few lines about him being missing, presumed dead. We had a thoughtful, sensitive and romantic Superman in SR - time for an action packed movie. A TWOK rather than a TMP, an Incredible Hulk rather than Ang Lee's version. Give TMOS a villain as powerful as he is - Brainiac, Doomsday Bizarro or the like. Lots of action, fighting and money shots. And no need to compromise on character and drama as a result - Iron Man, Spider-man and LOTR showed that you can have loads of action and SFX without any need to compromise on character and emotion. Put Lois, Metropolis and all Superman loves in peril. Put TMOS through the wringer. And don't get Michael Bay to direct!

Finally, I'd take a leaf from Marvel's books. At the end of the credits, a shot of a dark room, a sinister sounding voice. And from his dialogue, we realise that he's been manipulating and guiding the 'big bad' all along, pulling the strings. We don't get to see him till the very end and even then it'd only be a fleeting glance - think Vader's head in ESB. This head wouldn't be scarred, but it would be bald. Yes, Lex is back.

Even then, I would use Lex only sparingly in a sequel and I wouldn't have him anything like the Hackman/ Spacey version. He'd be meaner, nastier, more sadistic, less funny and not interested in land. Merely power and destroying Superman (not necessarily in that order). Not sure who I'd cast but I'd want to go along the lines that Marvel have gone - Dafoe, McKellen, Rourke, Roth etc. Someone indie-ish and talented as hell. Someone like Ed Harris, John Malkovich or even Jon Voight, though not necessarily any of them - probably someone less famous.

 

[CorporalClegg]

I don't think I'm against a retelling of the origin if it played a part in the bigger picture as opposed to just getting Kal'El to Earth.

I'd make it a period piece albeit looking like something designed in the 50s to look futuristic. I'd have gizmos and gadets, robots and rockets, pen and paper reporting and typewriters and everyone wearing hats. I'd make the science completely absurd with things like the Earth being dragged into the Sun or something. I'd have Luthor in there, but the villain would be Braniac, with possibly Metallo turning up.

The outfit would be lifted straight from the comics regardless of how silly some people think it looks.

I'd steer well clear of and Batman Begins/Dark Knight vibe.

I'm totally with you.

I made a similar suggestion years back (right after Returns came out). I went into great detail of style, clothes, architecture, etc. Everyone thought it was stupid. But I think it's the way to go.

I think using the design of the 90s cartoons would make for a nice starting point. Lois she be the old slick, sharp, fast-talking noir type.

I think a World of the Worlds-esque story would fit this style. Maybes something with Darkseid.

 

[RandyS]

The first thing is to write a script that does not contain inapproriate (and unecessary) "homage qoutes" to Donner's film. Ever time that happened in RETURNS it seemed forced, and stupid.

The second thing is hire an actor that can play Superman, not do a Christopher Reeve impersonation.

The third thing is to hire armed guards and give them orders to shoot to kill if Kate Bostwick so much as looks in the studio's direction.

Bring back Teri Hatcher, or failing that, Erica Durance.

Write off Richard White and Lois' kid as a bad dream.

 

[JacksonArcher]

I would retain Routh there. I still maintain he was a perfect successor to the great Christopher Reeve. And in keeping him, I'd get in WB's good books by not spending a zillion dollars on the hunt for a new Supes! So ine would be about a 90% reboot.

I don't think audiences would be confused by him in a movie that wasn't a sequel to SR. General audiences think a lot less about this sort of thing than we geeks do. By the time this came out, SR would be way in the back of their minds, not least of all cos of the lukewarm response many had to it. Audiences deal with re-casting all the time, they could deal with reboots to Punisher and Hulk a mere few years after the previous entries, they could cope with Judi Dench staying on as M in a James Bond movie. It's not like Routh is a household name anyway - they'd just see Superman onscreen. I'm sure a lot of people didn't notice the difference between Eric Bana and Ed Norton or even between Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan. So do you think they'll waste much time thinking about Routh and the continuity implications of him staying on? Doubt it.

I don't think I'd keep any of the rest of the cast though. Kate Bosworth had no pizzazz as Lois and lacked chemistry with Routh. Give me someone more feisty. Langella and Huntingdon were fine but replaceable.

I wouldn't do another origin story. To return to an analogy I used in another thread, I'd take the Goldeneye approach to relaunch rather than the Casino Royale one. Assume the audience knows who Superman is, just as Goldeneye did with James Bond, rather than showing how he came to be Superman, as CR did. We'd never seen Bond's origins onscreen before, so I understand why CR took that route, but we have seen Superman's, both in Superman The Movie and Smallville, so why do it again? A comic montage like they've done with the Spider-man movies would suffice, at most flashbacks like Burton's Batman.

Just as Goldeneye started off with the audience safe in the knowledge that James Bond was a legendary, slightly dinosaurish spy who loved woman and a drink, this movie would start off with the assumption that they know he's the Man of Steel, last son of Krypton, alter ego of Clark Kent etc. At most, a few lines of exposition could establish the relationship with Lois etc. I wouldn't shake up the formula with a son and return from space - just classic Superman ticking all the boxes you want - again, just like Goldeneye did.

I think this is a perfectly valid and reasonable approach as well. To be quite honest, I didn't really like Singer's casting beyond Routh for SR. As you said, Kate Bosworth wasn't quite the feisty female reporter I envisage for Lois Lane. You know, I think someone like Keri Russell could be a really good Lois Lane, someone with a personality and looks to boot.

Frank Langella was just too soft as Perry White. I get that he was the more experienced, less robust version of the character, but that's not what I want or expect from Perry... when Hugh Laurie was originally announced as Perry White, I thought he was a perfect choice! He still is. What about Dustin Hoffman? He's exactly what I imagine in a Perry White.

Sam Huntington... He was serviceable, like you said, but replaceable. Actually, going back to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, I think he would make a great Jimmy Olsen. Basically, I agree that if Brandon Routh was the only actor kept from SR, I would be okay with it. I was letdown by most of the supporting cast for that movie, besides James Marsden. He was kind of the real heroic figure of that movie, wasn't he?

I think approaching Superman like James Bond is an excellent idea, and one that could add some longevity to the franchise. Maybe in another two or three films Routh steps down and you get someone else. I think people know enough about Superman as a character and mythology -- people know what Krypton is, they know what the Daily Planet is, and that Clark was raised on a farm, that you could just destill all of that and just move forward with the grandoise story. No need to dwell on the basics. They've already been covered.

 

[suarezguy]

Complete reboot; I think a big part of why general audiences liked the new Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men is that they were origin stories (with X-Men, at least it felt new and understandable). Audiences want something that feels new, made for them, so some changes may be needed to be not too traditional, then again you can go too far the other way.
Skip or don't focus too much on the really well known stuff (Krypton and Smallville), but in Metropolis you could treat Perry White and Lois Lane as more serious characters, Kent's journalism seriously, you could show the awe and uneasiness people feel towards Superman. People dislike Burton and even Singer's angst aspect, but having Superman fight other aliens, especially if they're related to Krypton, kind of implies that and could make a good story.

 

[davejames]

The first thing is to write a script that does not contain inapproriate (and unecessary) "homage qoutes" to Donner's film. Ever time that happened in RETURNS it seemed forced, and stupid.

Didn't feel forced to me. I thought they were worked in pretty naturally.

Of course with SR, it seems there are some people are only able to see the homages, while others are focused more on all the new stuff. For me, the radically different tone and style makes the movie feel PLENTY original-- and easily overshadows all the little homages you guys like to fixate on.

 

[Captaindemotion]

I think this is a perfectly valid and reasonable approach as well. To be quite honest, I didn't really like Singer's casting beyond Routh for SR. As you said, Kate Bosworth wasn't quite the feisty female reporter I envisage for Lois Lane. You know, I think someone like Keri Russell could be a really good Lois Lane, someone with a personality and looks to boot.

Yeah, she would be a good choice. I could have imagined Charisma Carpenter around the time of SR but I suspect that she's too old in Hollywood years now and her Playboy shoot might go against her (then again, didn't Margot Kidder do one before S:TM?)

Frank Langella was just too soft as Perry White. I get that he was the more experienced, less robust version of the character, but that's not what I want or expect from Perry... when Hugh Laurie was originally announced as Perry White, I thought he was a perfect choice! He still is. What about Dustin Hoffman? He's exactly what I imagine in a Perry White.

When you think about how abrasive and tough Langella can be in the likes of Frost/Nixon, Dave, not to mention Dracula(!), Singer must take a certain amount of blame for this sort of laid-back performance. I could see Hoffman as Perry though I have to admit I was never sold on the idea of Laurie. I still think of him as Percy in Blackadder or Bertie Wooster, not as House, you see! My perfect Perry White would be a bit like Jason Robards' Ben Bradlee in All The President's Men (another Hoffman connection - not to mention another Nixon one!).

Sam Huntington... He was serviceable, like you said, but replaceable. Actually, going back to Joseph Gordon-Levitt, I think he would make a great Jimmy Olsen. Basically, I agree that if Brandon Routh was the only actor kept from SR, I would be okay with it. I was letdown by most of the supporting cast for that movie, besides James Marsden. He was kind of the real heroic figure of that movie, wasn't he?

Agreed on all counts - I think the idea was that Richard would be a super man, as superheroic a figure as can exist in a real world, not one with super powers. Shame they never sought to give Marsden as meaty a role in X-Men, mind you ...

I think approaching Superman like James Bond is an excellent idea, and one that could add some longevity to the franchise. Maybe in another two or three films Routh steps down and you get someone else. I think people know enough about Superman as a character and mythology -- people know what Krypton is, they know what the Daily Planet is, and that Clark was raised on a farm, that you could just destill all of that and just move forward with the grandoise story. No need to dwell on the basics. They've already been covered.

My sentiments exactly and thank you for the vote of support!. And when you look at how long Bond has lasted, despite a few dodgy movies and the lengthy duration of Moore's questionable casting it's amazing that more franchise makers don't follow its lead.

 

[Admiral2]

The studio could conceivably dump Routh and give the role of Superman to someone totally unexpected--Emile Hirsch, Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Justin Timberlake, for example. Wouldn't that be something? The ensuing controversy would make the 1988 announcement of Michael Keaton as Batman seem like nothing.

No way. Frankly, I'm done with the skinny metrosexuals playing Superman. It's SUPERMAN! The guy ought to look like he could juggle freight trains. If I'm doing this, I'm going down to Muscle Beach, finding the tallest, biggest mofo with blue eyes and black hair I can and finding out if he can act. If he can't, I'll pay somebody to teach him.

 

[Captaindemotion]

^ You know, in one of his less dumb moments, Harry Knowles suggested some years ago, when the Search for Superman seemed never-ending (and threw up endless inappropriate names) that the producers ought to go get some Olympic swimmer or other suitably built athlete, send him to acting lessons, voice coaching, some sort of charm school, etc etc. A sort of male Pygmalion/ My Fair Lady to get him right for the part - perhaps take a year or so doing it.

When you think about it, if the 3 leads of The Matrix could spend 6 months learning martial arts before they shot a scene of the movie, it's not entirely out of the question.

 

[SalvorHardin]

^ You know, in one of his less dumb moments, Harry Knowles suggested some years ago, when the Search for Superman seemed never-ending (and threw up endless inappropriate names) that the producers ought to go get some Olympic swimmer or other suitably built athlete, send him to acting lessons, voice coaching, some sort of charm school, etc etc. A sort of male Pygmalion/ My Fair Lady to get him right for the part - perhaps take a year or so doing it.

When you think about it, if the 3 leads of The Matrix could spend 6 months learning martial arts before they shot a scene of the movie, it's not entirely out of the question.

Or better yet, just find a good actor, with appropriate Superman looks and get him 6 months of gym training ala Gerald Buttler for "300"

Getting buffed has more chances of success than trying to make someone into a good actor.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

But without question, no one from the Returns flick should, well, return. New writers, director and actor.

The studio could conceivably dump Routh and give the role of Superman to someone totally unexpected--Emile Hirsch, Joseph Gordon-Levitt or Justin Timberlake, for example. Wouldn't that be something? The ensuing controversy would make the 1988 announcement of Michael Keaton as Batman seem like nothing.

Be careful what you wish for. And I hope you enjoy your Superman reboot.

LOL ... Sorry, but there's no "fear-factor" approach that is going to change my opinion. I'd much rather see the studio take a risk and fail with someone new than play it safe with Supermannequin Routh.

 

[Admiral James Kirk]

So Alan Horn of Warner Bros. has just handed you the keys to the Superman franchise, and given you a couple of options. You could:

• Continue on from Superman Returns in a sequel with Bryan Singer and his creative team.
• Using the Superman Returns continuity, you find a new director, a new creative team and cast, but retain star Brandon Routh. The term "loose sequel" or "soft reboot" applies here.
• Or, using the mold established by The Incredible Hulk and Punisher: War Zone, you do a complete reboot, with new cast, new crew, new story, and ultimately new Superman.
• You cancel Smallville after its ninth or tenth season and do a spin-off movie starring Tom Welling and the series' cast.
• You go the really idiotic approach and hire Mark Millar.

Which one is it?

For a second there I thought you wanted me to pitch you the story to a sequel. Was all prepared 'til I read your post.

I have three answers:

1. Personal desire: Bryan Singer makes Superman Returns 2. His way.

2. Smart answer: Cash in on popularity of Smallville and cast Tom Welling in the part.

3.Likely answer from Warners: Reboot. Can cast off the percieved stink of Returns by disassociating yourself from it altogether. Of course I don't think a complete reboot helped either the Norton-Hulk or the nuPunisher nor do I really think it would make the next Superman a big hit. It's just a simplistic easy answer that studio execs tend to go for.

 

[Admiral_Young]

I too would perfer to see Superman: Man of Steel or whatever Singer and company would end up calling the sequel. Wouldn't mind seeing a Smallville movie either. I did vote complete reboot and here are the elements I would include

- Brandon Routh as Superman/Clark Kent
- Recast of Lois Lane
- Lex Luthor as corporate mongul with a heavy interest in science and astronomy
- Hugh Laurie as Perry White I loved this casting when it was announced and even though I
love Frank Langella I agree his Perry was missing something.
- Sam Hungtingon can stay as Jimmy Olsen, nothing wrong don't fix it!
- A few minute origin set up...it doesn't have to be long even though I would do an entire act if I had
my way.
- Brainiac as the main villian. Not sure yet who to cast as the voice, I'm tentatively thinking Timothy Dalton for some reason. It could just be from the End of Time trailer I saw.
- Lois accepting Clark as the real persona and Superman the mask. I hated this concept in the donner Films
-Bryan Singer as the director, Geoff Johns as the writer, he's written some of the best Supes stories in years and has me buying Superman graphic trades for the first time in years.
-General Zod mentioned and teased for a sequel.

 

[Guy Gardener]

One thing will get bums on seats and one thing alone.

Superman and Wonder Woman making out.

Whether it's to make Lois jealous, or it's a kingdom come story after he death, because of her death it really doesn't matter... Though, I wouldn't mind checking in on Mirror Lois lane from earth III which just so happened to be the delectable Superwoman.

Kerry Russell has been just lovely since she got all growed up.

 

[Admiral2]

^ You know, in one of his less dumb moments, Harry Knowles suggested some years ago, when the Search for Superman seemed never-ending (and threw up endless inappropriate names) that the producers ought to go get some Olympic swimmer or other suitably built athlete, send him to acting lessons, voice coaching, some sort of charm school, etc etc. A sort of male Pygmalion/ My Fair Lady to get him right for the part - perhaps take a year or so doing it.

When you think about it, if the 3 leads of The Matrix could spend 6 months learning martial arts before they shot a scene of the movie, it's not entirely out of the question.

Or better yet, just find a good actor, with appropriate Superman looks and get him 6 months of gym training ala Gerald Buttler for "300"

Getting buffed has more chances of success than trying to make someone into a good actor.

Fine either way, just so long as it ain't somebody with pipe cleaners for arms and legs. Joseph Gordon-Leavitt?? Oy!

 

[Shazam!]

I'm totally with you.

I made a similar suggestion years back (right after Returns came out). I went into great detail of style, clothes, architecture, etc. Everyone thought it was stupid. But I think it's the way to go.

I think using the design of the 90s cartoons would make for a nice starting point. Lois she be the old slick, sharp, fast-talking noir type.

I think a World of the Worlds-esque story would fit this style. Maybes something with Darkseid.

Totally. The animated series was underrated. I've never seen a better Lois than the one in the cartoon. Well, maybe the Fleischer version.

 

[timelord1010]

That's what I've been saying for years: Why make all of these crappy Superman movies when you have great stories just waiting in the comics and animated shows.
I'd love to see a live action Superman/Doomsday or the upcoming animated Superman/Batman story that was lifted from the comics.

Everything from Superman 2 on should never have happened.

 

[Dream]

Everything from Superman 2 on should never have happened.

Mario Puzo the writer of The Godfather wrote the story for Superman: The Movie and Superman II. How could they top that? The next two movies were bound to suck in comparison.

I thought Superman Returns was okay... but it badly needed a superpower fight. Cool fights are amost expected these days in modern superhero movies. The first Superman movie worked with Superman rescuing people since it was the first serious superhero movie but the fights in Superman II are some of the most memorable scenes from all the movies.

 

[Galactus]

Because most people can't separate Superman from Lex Luthor. It is like he has to be there. I mean the man has been there for every single movie! He is more tied to Superman than the Joker is to Batman and that is hard to do.

I just want the next director to dislike the character of Lex greatly so that he never shows up again, period. Superman desires better.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

How'd I do it?

Adapt Tom DeHaven's excellent lit novel, It's Superman.