Okay, people: I’ve got a HUGE scoop here regarding the NOW dead Superman vs. Batman project. It was announced last week that Wolfgang Peterson had decided to take on another project and left this one in the dust. He is now set to direct Troy (a movie about the Trojan War). What happened? Well, Warner Brothers had just read the draft of a script by J.J. Abrams (Alias, Felicity, Joy Ride) – and after checking out the gargantuan 200-page draft – they were floored. It’s apparently SO good they pushed aside the Superman vs. Batman project for a Superman movie. AND WB wants to begin filming AS SOON as they find an actor for the lead.
The problem now is finding the right director: McG (Charlies Angel) had originally been set to direct, but he “ain’ready” and will be leaving the project (thank god, too – I really don’t think he’s right for this) – here are the choices for director:
Director of Panic Room, Fight Club and Seven: David Fincher.
Director of The Insider, Manhunter and Ali: Michael Mann.
Director of The X-Files: Fight the Future and this summer's Reign of Fire: Rob Bowman.
Director of Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Ocean's 11 and this winter's Solaris: Steven Soderbergh.
My personal pick? Rob Bowman. Even though, Michael Mann could surely depict a “Alex Ross” type of atmosphere. The other two, I really don’t think would make good picks. But who am I? Anywhoos, there it is: discuss amongst yourselves. :-)
I think I just wet myself at the idea of Fincher directing a JJ Abrams script. Yummy. I think they could do a great job directly a deliciously dark Superman movie. No more of this light hearted Superman crap. Give me a flawed Superman, and a truly evil villian, even if it’s not Lex Luther.
Pat,where did you snag that list of directors? Interesting list, but I don’t know why Fincher is in the running at all, doesn’t have have MI:3 starting up pretty soon if not already? But I agree with you, out of the list my pick would be Bowman. I think he’s got enormous potential and only needs the right vehicle to show it. Michael Mann is an interesting choice, but I’ve alwasy felt he was overrated and Steven Soderbergh has an incredible talent for making a 50 million dollar movie look like a student flick. After the archangels sequence in Reign of Fire I’d love to see what Bowman could do with supe.
Fragile: this list is from WB and McG’s personal choices, believe it or not. And yeah, Bowman has oodles of potential. And this could be the project where hits paydirt. I really liked The X-Files movie and had alot of fun with Reign.
And yeah, a lightly darker version of Superman would be tremendous. I've been watching Smallville lately - have any of you caught this series? Very good. The guy who plays a young Lex Luthor is absolutely amazing. I'm digging this series - very good stuff. Anywhoos - as for Fincher and MI:3 - yeah, it's going - it's on Fincher's site as his next project. If it's being filmed right now? I do not know.
""As for the McG situation, he is still involved with the project for the time being, but the one reason he may not direct the movie is because he DOES NOT want to spend six-seven months filming in England and Canada, but this is a financial decision for Warners, and so what can the Studio do? Replace the director that is what. The names Steven Soderberg, Michael Mann, Rob Bowman et al have all been DISCUSSED, but no decision has yet been made. You can also add to those names the names of Stephen Sommers, Stephen Hopkins, Kevin Reynolds and Robert Rodriguez."
Also, the actor at the TOP of the list to be Superman: Brendan Fraser. And the title WB is listing this as: Superman: The Man of Steel. Also, they want Richard Donner (director of the 1979 movie and the sequel), as Executive Producer.
Lots of other stuff regarding this possible flick. However, this here is not confirmed. Patricia :-)
Richard Donner? I can get behind that one. He’s done good stuff in Hollywood. Now they just need to make sure that Patrick Warburton plays Cal-El, AKA Superman.
Quick trivia Patricia...What 70's TV series did Mr. Donner use to get his feet wet in the director's chair?
Ah, Demo, we loves a good trivia. Let me think: He’s done what - two, three 70’s series? Six Million Dollar Man, Streets of San Francisco…and another one that excapes me. How I know this? Cuz, I watched them shows ALL the time. Basically he’s done ALOT of TV stuff. If I’m correct, he’s also done Gilligans Island - now, if it was the entire series or just a ep, I couldn’t tell ya.
And how I know this? Well, I remember a interview with him - and some of this stuff was mentioned. Oh, and Demo, what movie did he direct RIGHT before Superman?
BTW: The above answers came up after many, many minutes starring at a blank wall. Wow, put a knott in my brain....
Setting:In Patricia and Ko's living room. (Parrots babbling incessantly in the background)
Patricia is holding up a bottle of Mike's Hard Lemonade toward the sky, a grimmace is visibly apparent on her face: "And a mighty beeg toast to Demo - for showing the T-Mag forum that I've never, ever watched a ep of 'Tha Banana Splits Adventure hour'! And thereby stumping me.....*grumble, grumble* *gulp*
I’m also bothered that they aren’t doing B vs. S, but I have the funny feeling that Brenden Fraser can pull off a decent Superman. Except in this version, instead of Kryptonite, Superman’s weakness is an encino man script.
Variety will be reporting today that another name has been added to the list of directors: Brett Rantner (Rush Hour). And that it does indeed look like McG will NOT be doing this. WB is getting antsy - they want this project to move forward! And quickly!
Also: just saw a trailer for the "Broadway musical hit turned big screen musical": Chicago. Wow - man, Catherine Zeta Jones is a beautiful lady AND she's got pipes! And so does Renee Zellweger!
Added news: Both Matrix sequels have officially completed production in Australia.