Reel Facts & Opinions

FACTS: Some quick facts concerning the new SUPERMAN film slated for 2012: Christopher Nolan (BATMAN BEGINS, THE DARK KNIGHT) is producing. The script is being written by David Goyer (he scripted both of Nolan’s Batman films). That much you knew, we’re sure. But here’s the new and wet stuff: Zack Snyder (WATCHMEN, 300)is going to direct, and the main villain will be none other than General Zod.

OPINION. Nolan and Snyder have both helmed superhero films that dip into the dark side of humanity; which feels like a bit of a mismatch for Superman, who has always been like the Jesus Superhero. Maybe the dark stuff will instead go to a real diabolical villain? The possibility of Zod as such villain is a huge step in the right direction. What’s more: a common complaint with the last Supes installment (SUPERMAN RETURNS, 2006), was that the Man of Steel really didn’t fight anyone or anything. People want to see Superman throw a goddamn punch. What’s also up for thought is who will play Superman? Brandon Routh is a lot of people’s favorites; the way he emulated the late Christopher Reeve’s super-mannerisms is alone enough to give him the nod. But here’s the question: SUPERMAN RETURNS (which starred Routh) was an un-official sequel to SUPERMAN I and II. With that said, is Zod being resurrected from the dead (he apparently died in II). If Routh is in this new film, doesn’t that affirm the older films? Or will he be recast and wipe the entire slate clean? Either way, it will be interesting to see who gets cast as Zod, or if he asks anyone to kneel.

What say you?