Superman Returns

] On October 30, "Variety" reported that studio placed the cost at $209 million after factoring in tax rebates and incentives. [cite news | author = Pamela McClintock | title = Singer's zinger: another 'Superman' | publisher = Variety | date = 2006-10-30 | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117952909.html?categoryid=1350&cs=1&query=Superman+Returns | accessdate = 2007-02-02]

Filming

Shooting of "Superman Returns" began during February 2005 in Australia, on locations that included a farm outside of the regional town of Gunnedah in North West NSW and Newcastle and Sydney. Much of the filming took place in the city centre of Sydney, mostly in the York St area and near Wynyard Station as well as many other areas in Sydney.The part where Lois picks her son up from school was shot in Sydney Boys High School Other scenes were shot in various parts of the United States. The film was shot entirely on high-definition video using Panavision Genesis cameras. Singer said the first cut of the movie was 2 hours and 45 minutes. [cite news | author = Heather Newgen | title = Superman Returns Director Bryan Singer | publisher = SuperHeroHype | date = 2006-06-16 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/featuresnews.php?id=4381 | accessdate=2007-02-19]

Visual effects

Using footage from the original "Superman" film as a reference point, Marlon Brando was re-created using computer technology. [http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=23646] In addition to the footage, photography was also scanned using a cyberscan and a lumispheric scan to re-create Brando's appearance. [cite web | url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Insider/?cmsGuid=%7B04240ECC-5A76-4102-A32E-F29E5DA9E27E%7D | title=Bryan Singer on The Triangle, X-Men and Superman | publisher=tvguide.com | author=Anthony Layser | accessdate=2006-07-20] In June 2006, Rhythm and Hues, the studio that created the special effect, released a video detailing the process.Fact|date=January 2008 The video is available on the 2-Disc special edition DVD release of the film, but different music plays and the video ends with credits.

The opening credits for "Superman Returns" are presented in a deliberate recreation of the style used for "Superman", again to the accompaniment of John Williams' theme music. [cite web|first=Christy|last=Lemire|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/06/23/entertainment/e130933D27.DTL|title=At the Movies: 'Superman Returns'|accessdate=2008-07-24|date=2006-06-23|work=San Francisco Chronicle] However, the new graphics differ in several respects. They are of a duller shade of blue (changing to red for Brandon Routh's and Kate Bosworth's credits) and lack the 'soaring' sound effect that accompanies their predecessors. They are also designed using a taller typeface, and some letters are visibly conjoined into ligatures. In addition, whereas the originals change direction (zooming away from the viewer after the appearance of the 'S' symbol), the new ones consistently travel towards the audience. Because of the number of co-production credits that precede it, the 'S' symbol arrives slightly later on screen. The camera flies through space at breakneck speed throughout the entire sequence, following the path of Superman's return to Earth from Krypton. (In the 1978 film the opposite journey was depicted.) The sequence for "Superman Returns" was designed by Kyle Cooper.

At least a couple of scenes suggest past media interpretations of the "Superman" character. In one scene in downtown Metropolis, Superman holds a car over his head with the hood pointed downward at about 45 degrees, similar to the cover of the first "Action Comics" issue in 1938. The scene where Superman saves an out-of-control airplane and gently sets it down in a setting impossible to fly out of (a baseball stadium) echoes a scene from one of the Fleischer "Superman" cartoons, in which Superman sets a large, 8-engine airplane down in the middle of a city street, with the wings extending down side streets.

Brandon Routh, who actually has brown eyes, had to wear blue contact lenses to re-create Superman's blue eyes.

Promotion

Warner Brothers promoted "Superman Returns" very heavily prior to its cinematic release. During production, Singer released a series of 'video diaries' on the internet at [http://www.bluetights.net/ BlueTights.net] , giving almost unprecedented up-to-date insight into the behind-the-scenes work being done on what would normally be a very secretive production. However, after 27 installments, the video diaries stopped for a while shortly before the teaser trailer debuted. On November 17, 2005, Warner Bros. released the teaser trailer, [cite web | url=http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/supermanreturns/trailer1 | title=Superman Returns : Trailer 1 | publisher=Apple | work=Apple Quicktime Trailers | accessdate=2006-07-20] containing John Williams' music and Marlon Brando's dialogue from "Superman". The main theatrical trailer premiered online on May 2, 2006. [cite web | url=http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/supermanreturns/ | title=Superman Returns | publisher=Apple|work=Apple Quicktime Trailers|accessdate=2006-07-20] It appeared in theatres on May 5, 2006, along with prints of '. On May 19, 2006 with UK prints of "The Da Vinci Code", the studio released the film's international trailer. A second full version was issued with some prints of ' on May 26, 2006. A third trailer appeared on the film's new official website in June, 2006. [cite web | url=http://supermanreturns.warnerbros.com | title=Superman Returns | publisher=Warner Bros. | accessdate=2006-06-20] It also appeared online before the new site came on in the end of May.

Warner Bros rolled out an immense list of tie in products and companies which included General Mills, Burger King, Duracell, Pepsi, Doritos, Papa John's, 7-Eleven, and Colgate. [ cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20071028162338/http://promomagazine.com/mag/marketing_superman_soars_mm/|title=Superman Soars With Over $280 MM in Tie-Ins|publisher=Promo Magazine|date=2006-06-01|accessdate=2007-10-28] and Warner Bros advertised the movie on the Red Bull Racing Formula One cars for the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix; David Coulthard managed to get the team's first podium that day as well. On the podium, Coulthard also wore a Superman cape in celebration of his achievement. [cite web | url=http://www.formula1.com/race/news/4436/757.html| title=Coulthard is Red Bull's superman | publisher=Formula One Official Website|accessdate=2006-10-04] NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon also sported the "Man of Steel" look by promoting the movie on his #24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the 2006 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway.Along similar lines, Troy Bayliss appeared in promotional 'Superman' leathers and sported a cape on the podium following a win and a 2nd place at the 2006 Brands Hatch Superbike World Championship round on his way to winning that year's championship. [cite web | url=http://www.ducati.com/racing/home_news_popup_racing.jhtml?newsId=30584| title=SUPERMAN BAYLISS TAKES DUCATI'S 25OTH WORLD SUPERBIKE WIN AT BRANDS HATCH | publisher=Ducati.com|accessdate=2007-09-08] On May 11, 2006 Warner Bros began a campaign of nine different television commercials, and released eleven clips of "Superman Returns" through various websites midway through June. The iTunes Music Store also released an exclusive premiere scene, and was first made available on June 20, 2006. [cite web | url=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=161063320&s=143441 | title=Superman Returns | publisher=Apple | accessdate=2006-07-20]

"", a documentary covering the history of the Superman franchise, was released just prior to the film. Along with input from Bryan Singer, the documentary contains commentary from other past and present actors, directors, writers, artists, and fans, and was narrated by Kevin Spacey.

Release

"Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience" was released simultaneously in 111 IMAX format theatres worldwide, which (in some theaters) included approximately 26 minutes of specially converted 3D material. It is the first Hollywood live-action film to be released in this combined format. [ cite web | url =http://www.movieweb.com/news/82/12882.php|publisher=Movieweb.com|title=20 Minutes of "Superman Returns" Converted to 3D for IMAX|date=2006-05-26|accessdate=2007-10-28] [ cite web|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/news/2006.06.14-n_Superman.shtml|title=Superman Returns in 3D|last=Ankeney|first=Jay|date=2006-06-14|publisher=TV Technology|accessdate=2007-10-28]

The DVD release of "Superman Returns" was released on November 28, 2006. There are three versions available: a single-disc version, a 2-disc Special Edition, and an exclusive 3-Disc version available only through Circuit City. The third disc features the documentary "The Science of Superman."

The single-disc edition has no extra features, while the 2-disc edition has over 3 hours of bonus material, including deleted scenes and a behind-the-scenes documentary titled "Requiem for Krypton:" Making Superman Returns, created by Ludovico Technique. [cite web | url = http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=2647 | title = "Superman Returns" DVDs Announced | accessdate= 2006-09-22|work = Superman Homepage] [cite web | url = http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=2676 | title = "Superman Returns" DVD News | accessdate= 2006-09-22|work = Superman Homepage] "Requiem for Krypton", which accounts for nearly all of the three hours of bonus features (thereby making it actually longer than the film being profiled), ends with a blooper reel from the film, including outtakes from scenes not in the theatrical release of the film, culminating in a rare outtake featuring Marlon Brando.

Also released on that day was the 14-disc "Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition". Alongside the four original Christopher Reeve films, it features ' as well as ' and other documentaries. The Region 1 release of the "Ultimate Collection" set contains a 14th disc consisting of Singer's Internet video blog entries. All of those features were released individually the same day, as was "Supergirl".

"Superman Returns" was also released on HD DVD (which features standard-def on the disc's opposite side) and Blu-ray Disc. These DVDs also have the bonus features found on the 2-disc edition. The film became the best-selling DVD of 2006 on Amazon.com in both the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc formats. [cite web|url=http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news/2006-news/2006-news-movie.php?topic=2006-news-movie/1226|title=“Superman Returns” Best Selling HD-DVD in 2006|publisher=SupermanHomepage|date=2006-12-26|accessdate=2007-10-28]

It sold around 29.2 Million dvd in 2006, and another 10.2 Million in 2007, now in 2008 it has sold 2.3 Million. Fact|date=September 2008

Reception

"Superman Returns" grossed $200,081,192 in the United States and an estimated $191 million internationally, taking in over $391 million worldwide by the time its theatrical run officially closed on November 2, 2006. It made $21,037,277 from its June 27, 2006 and June 28, 2006 screenings and $52 million in its first weekend. In its second weekend it was beaten at the box office by Disney's "" in the U.S, but kept a fairly steady gross in the UK.Fact|date=May 2008

The movie was well reviewed by many critics, receiving a "Certified Fresh" film ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, with 77% overall approval from critics, and a 73% from the "Cream of the Crop." [cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_returns/ |title=Rotten Tomatoes certified|publisher=RottenTomatoes.com|accessdate=2006-12-30] The film also received a 72% on Metacritic. [cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/supermanreturns |title=Metacritic review|publisher=Metacritic.com|accessdate=2006-12-30]

Many critics gave the film particularly high praise. "Empire" gave the film five stars (out of five), and described it as "the finest popular entertainment since the "Rings" trilogy closed." [cite journal | last=Nathan | first=Ian | year=2006 | month=08 | title=Superman Returns | journal=Empire | pages=28] David Ansen of Newsweek said, "Next to Singer's champagne, most recent superhero adventure movies are barely-sparkling cider." [cite web | url=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13389957/site/newsweek | title='Superman Returns' Soars | author=David Ansen | publisher=Newsweek | date=June 26 2006] Other reviews said that Singer had done the Superman character proud, and that the whole cast had succeeded. [ [http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/stephenSchaefer/?p=63 BostonHerald.com: "Superman": A Magisterial Return] ] [ [http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=7528 Comicbookresources.com: Spoiler-free mini-review] ] Leonard Maltin commented on his website, "Bryan Singer has brought us a brand-new movie that celebrates the traditions of Superman in a movie that somehow still seems fresh. "Superman Returns" is completely absorbing and highly entertaining." [cite web | url=http://www.leonardmaltin.com/picks.htm | author=Leonard Maltin | title=Superman Returns | publisher=leonardmaltin.com ]

In contrast, Roger Ebert's reaction was more negative. Giving it 2 stars out of 4 he stated in his review for the Chicago Sun-Times, "This is a glum, lackluster movie in which even the big effects sequences seem dutiful instead of exhilarating." [ [http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060626/REVIEWS/60606009 Roger Ebert reviews Superman Returns"] ] The "New York Times" labelled the movie "leaden," [cite web | url=http://movies2.nytimes.com/2006/06/27/movies/27supe.html | title = 'Superman Returns' to Save Mankind From Its Sins | work=New York Times | accessdate=2006-06-30] while the "San Francisco Chronicle" observed that "Superman Returns" finds no reason for being, other than that it's summer, and computer graphics have improved since the superhero days of Christopher Reeve." [cite web | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/06/27/DDGTSJJOPK1.DTL&hw=superman+returns&sn=002&sc=666 | title = 'He's Back' | work=San Francisco Chronicles | accessdate= 2006-06-27‏]

"Superman Returns" was nominated for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards and BAFTA, losing both to "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest". Awards won by the film include Best Fantasy Film, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Writing and Best Music at the Saturn Awards, [cite news | author = David S. Cohen | title = 'Superman' tops Saturns | publisher = Variety | date = 2007-05-10 | url = http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117964717.html?nav=news&categoryid=1983&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-05-11] Best Superhero on Spike TV's Scream Awards, [cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-08-2006/0004447325|title= Spike TV Announces SCREAM AWARDS 2006 Winners!!!|publisher=PRNewswire|date=2007-10-08|accessdate=2007-08-12] and Best Male Newcomer at the 2007 Empire Awards for Brandon Routh. [cite news|title=Empire Readers Awards 2007|pages=129|publisher=Empire|date=2007-03-29]

oundtrack

A soundtrack album assembled by composer John Ottman (also one of the film's editors) was released June 27 2006 by Warner Sunset Records / Rhino Entertainment. It contained over 55 minutes of the original score as well as some Enhanced CD multimedia content, including two trailers and a "Behind the Scenes" piece on the recording of the score, which includes the film take on the main titles which is edited on this album with the end credits to create the "Superman March," which does not appear in its entirety in the film.

Legacy

Adaptations

DC Comics, Superman's publisher, released four prequel titles throughout June 2006 to tie in with the movie. The four 40-page editions served to explain the backstory to "Superman Returns" and are entitled "Krypton to Earth" (which reintroduces the origin from the 1978 Film, with Jor-El as the main protagonist), "Ma Kent" (in which Martha Kent recalls finding her son, his life growing up, and contemplates if she'll ever see him again), "Lex Luthor" (discussing Lex Luthor's time in jail, how he met Kitty and Gertrude Vanderworth (the old rich woman)) and "Lois Lane" (going over Lois' heartbreaking loss of the Man of Steel, her first meeting with Richard, and the birth of Jason). [cite web|url=http://movies.about.com/od/superman/a/superman031706.htm|title="Superman Returns" Creative Team Unites for a Series of Comic Book Prequels|last=Murray|first=Rebecca|publisher=about.com|date=2006-05-17|accessdate=2007-10-28] These comics were also released later in a bound edition called "Superman Returns The Prequels".

DC Comics also released a comic adaptation of the movie written by Martin Pasko and illustrated by Matt Haley. The story in the adaptation only focuses on the core story, and does not have any mention of the possibility that Jason is the son of Superman. Nevertheless, the comic does include scenes from Superman's journey in Krypton, unreleased scenes shot for the movie. The novelization by Marv Wolfman was published by Warner Books on 1 June, 2006. [cite book | author=Marv Wolfman | title=Superman Returns | id=ISBN 0-446-60652-9 | publisher=Warner|date=2006-06-01|authorlink=Marv Wolfman] The novelization does not link Jason to Superman. Brutus is killed by Lois by pulling a bookcase down onto his head, snapping his neck; however, just like in the movie, Jason finds Superman near-drowning.

Reboot

Premise

Warner Bros. is currently planning to reboot the film series. With the financial and critical success of "The Dark Knight", Warners said of the reboot "Superman" film, "We're going to try to go dark to the extent that the character allows it."cite news | author = Lauren A.E. Schuker | title = Warner Bets on Fewer, Bigger Movies | publisher = The Wall Street Journal | date = 2008-08-22 | url = http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121936107614461929.html?mod=googlenews_wsj | accessdate = 2008-08-22] Legendary Pictures president Thomas Tull said "Superman needs a powerful antagonist, a worthy opponent." Tull also wants to evoke Superman as an "angry God." [cite news | author = Kye Lippold | title = Thomas Tull '92 Discusses His Journey From Hamilton to Hollywood | publisher = Hamilton College | date = 2008-04-21 | url = http://www.hamilton.edu/news/more_news/display.cfm?id=13939 | accessdate=2008-04-22]

Production

"Man of Steel"

In February 2006, Warner Bros. announced a summer 2009 theatrical release date for a sequel to "Superman Returns". Legendary Pictures was to co-finance "Superman: Man of Steel" 50/50 with the studio, with Bryan Singer directing. [cite news|title=Studio Sets "Super" Sequels|publisher=IGN|date= 2006-02-23|url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/690/690806p1.html|accessdate=2008-03-13] Gilbert Adler, Jon Peters, and Singer [cite news | title = "Super" Sequel Set | publisher = IGN | date = 2006-10-30 | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/742/742503p1.html | accessdate=2008-03-13] were set as producers with Chris Lee to executive produce. There were to be multiple villains, with Brainiac and Bizarro under consideration to be used.cite news | author = Fred Topel | title=Brandon Routh and Bryan Singer Tease "Superman Returns" Sequel | publisher=Rotten Tomatoes | date=2006-11-17 | url=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=380217 | accessdate= 2008-06-29] Singer planned to have more action sequences, with the "New Krypton" landmass that was floating in space at the end of "Superman Returns" to be part of the storyline.cite news | author = Scott Chitwood | title = Exclusive: Singer on "Superman" Sequel & DVD | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2006-07-22 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/featuresnews.php?id=4542 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Superman was also going to fight "an enemy with real physical power." [cite news | title = Exclusive: No Zod in "Superman Returns 2"? | publisher = Empire | date = 2007-03-13 | url = http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=20493 | accessdate=2008-03-13]

Singer expressed interest filming some scenes in 3-D film, with post-production to take place in Hawaii. "Man of Steel" would have continued to use same musical themes established by John Williams in "Superman". [cite news | author = Leslie Brokaw | title = The Music Indy Runs On | publisher = Boston Globe | date = 2008-05-18 | url = http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2008/05/17/the_music_indy_runs_on/ | accessdate=2008-05-20] Brandon Routh was planning to return and improve his muscular physique once more. [cite news | author = Fred Topel | title = Brandon Routh Looking For More Fights In "Superman Returns 2" | publisher = Rotten Tomatoes | date = 2006-11-03 | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=376876 | accessdate=2008-03-13] while Kate Bosworth was enthusiastic to return as Lois Lane. [cite news | author = Heather Newgen | title = Superman Returns' Lois Lane, Kate Bosworth | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2006-06-16 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/featuresnews.php?id=4382 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Kevin Spacey was set to portray Lex Luthor, and hoped to complete all of his scenes in a six-week block, as was done for "Superman Returns". [cite news | author = Anne Thompson | title = Spacey set for "Superman" sequel | publisher = Variety | date = 2007-07-10 | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117968333.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Sam Huntington and Frank Langella were to reprise Jimmy Olsen and Perry White because they were contracted for two sequels. [cite news | author = Heather Newgen | title = Huntington Signed for Two "Superman" Sequels | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2006-06-09 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/featuresnews.php?id=4370 | accessdate=2008-03-13] [cite news | author = Edward Douglas | title = Frank Langella on the Return of Perry White | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2007-11-08 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6509 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Tristan Lake Leabu was also to return as Jason White. Parker Posey had offered to reprise Kitty Kowalski (even for a brief cameo appearance). [cite news | title = Posey Wants One More "Superman" Moment | publisher = Rotten Tomatoes | date = 2007-05-09 | url = http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/news/comments/?entryid=419609 | accessdate=2008-06-29]

Singer dropped out of directing films such as "Logan's Run" and "The Mayor on Castro Street" in favor of "Man of Steel". [cite news|author=Michael Fleming; Pamela McClintock|title=Inside Move: "Superman" playing with Singer's sked|publisher=Variety|date= 2006-05-15|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117943242.html?categoryid=13&cs=1|accessdate= 2008-03-13] Warners and Legendary Pictures were disappointed by "Superman Returns"' theatrical box office, and were looking forward to a far lower budget for the sequel. [cite news | author = Pamela McClintock | title = WB mulls "Superman" redux | publisher = Variety | date = 2006-08-13 | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117948368.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate = 2008-03-13] Warner Bros. Pictures President Alan F. Horn explained, "I thought it was a very successful movie, but I think it should have done $500 million worldwide. We should have had perhaps a little more action to satisfy the young male crowd." [cite news | title = Horn Planning "Superman" Sequel for 2009 | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2006-08-18 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/supermannews.php?id=4658 | accessdate=2008-03-13] $175 million was the maximum budget the studio was projecting. [cite news | author = Stephen Galloway | title = Studios are hunting the next big property | publisher = The Hollywood Reporter | date = 2007-07-10 | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3if727c623f03c782b8ad564866c828796 | accessdate=]

In November 2006, work on the storyline was starting, with an eye to start filming in mid-2007.cite news | author = Michael Tsai | title = Sequel to "Superman Returns" due in 2009 | publisher = The Honolulu Advertiser | date = 2006-11-08 | url = http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Nov/08/br/br0948627351.html | accessdate=2008-03-13] In March 2007, Singer halted "Man of Steel" in favor of "Valkyrie". [cite news | author = Michael Fleming | title = United Artists grabs Singer thriller | publisher = Variety | date = 2007-03-13 | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117961116.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Filming was then set to begin in March 2008, [cite news | title = "Superman" Sequel Eyeing March '08 Start | publisher = Superhero Hype! | date = 2007-03-19 | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5358 | accessdate=2008-03-13] while in April 2007, Singer, Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris were still working on the story, and Peters hoped to have a script by the end of the year. Peters planned pre-production to start in January —February 2008.cite news | author = Ann Donahue | title = Dialogue: Jon Peters | publisher = The Hollywood Reporter | date = 2007-04-30 | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/features/e3if6c28ca5b32761d8ce927f43a0a2aae3 | accessdate=2008-03-13] Singer then announced filming would begin in mid-2008,cite news | author = Frosty | title = Bryan Singer – Exclusive Video Interviews at the 2007 Saturn Awards | publisher = Collider.Com | date = 2007-05-11 | url = http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/4346/tcid/1 | accessdate=2008-03-13] while in October 2007, writers Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris left in favor of other career opportunities. [cite news | author = Marc Graser | title = "Superman" writers won't return | publisher = Variety | date = 2007-10-21 | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974449.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2008-03-13] The release date was then moved to 2010 because of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike. [cite news | author = Stax | title = "JLA" Deadline Looms | publisher = IGN | date = 2008-01-14 | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/845/845293p1.html | accessdate=2008-03-13] In March 2008 Singer said the film was in early development. [cite news | author = Olly Richards | title = Singer Talks "Superman Returns" Sequel | publisher = Empire | date = 2008-03-12 | url = http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=22165 | accessdate=2008-03-14] Routh expected filming to begin in early 2009 for a 2010 release. [cite news | author = Frosty | title = Brandon Routh Exclusive Video Interview - "Lie to Me" | url = http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/7675/tcid/1 | publisher = Collider.com | date = 2008-04-23 | accessdate = 2008-08-04]

Reboot

In June 2008, Mark Millar claimed to have approached Warner Bros. on restarting the franchise, hoping for a 2011 release. A very well-known American action director asked Millar to "team up with him and his producer to make a pitch." Millar clarified his comments, "you have to wait and see if Bryan [Singer] is going to do any more. You can’t just go in there and nick a project off a guy. If Bryan ends up standing back and goes to move on and do something else, we’ll be in there like a shot." [cite news | author = Martin Anderson | title = The Den Of Geek interview: Mark Millar | publisher = DenofGeek.com | date = 2008-07-20 | url = http://www.denofgeek.com/comics/88459/the_den_of_geek_interview_mark_millar.html | accessdate=2008-08-22]

In July 2008, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. were listening to various screenwriters to pitch their solutions for a second installment. Singer was still attached, while busy with post-production on "Valkyrie".cite news | author = Anne Thompson | url = http://weblogs.variety.com/thompsononhollywood/2008/07/snyder-reveals.html?query=legendary | title = "Watchmens Snyder Reveals Secrets; Legendary's Tull Talks "Superman" | publisher = Variety | date = 2008-07-17 | accessdate= 2008-08-12] Comic book writers Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns, Mark Waid and Brad Meltzer also pitched their ideas for a reboot and gave their opinionated views on the film's alleged failure. Morrison stated, "I told them, it’s not that bad. Just treat "Superman Returns" as the Ang Lee "Hulk"." Waid said "The Incredible Hulk" has proven the audience will forgive you and let you redo the franchise." Morrison's idea was similar to his work on "All Star Superman", while Waid's was akin to '.cite news | author = Jennifer Vineyard | title = How To Reboot The Superman Movie Franchise-Comic Writers Chime In | publisher = MTV | date = 2008-08-11 | url = http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/08/11/how-to-reboot-the-superman-movie-franchise-comic-writers-chime-in/ | accessdate=2008-08-22]

In August 2008, Warner Bros. officially decided to reboot the film series. Studio executive Jeff Robinov plans to have the film released either by 2010 or 2011, explaining "Superman Returns" didn't quite work as a film in the way that we wanted it to. It didn't position the character the way he needed to be positioned. Had "Superman" worked in 2006, we would have had a movie for Christmas of this year or 2009. Now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all."

ee also

*Superman (film series)

References

Additional reading

Titan Books also published the movie's screenplay as "Superman Returns: The Complete Shooting Script" (ISBN 1845763327) by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, featuring the full, original screenplay to the film, along with deleted scenes, storyboards and exclusive interviews from the screenwriters and director Bryan Singer.

External links

commons wikinews|Superman returns to theatres
* [http://supermanreturns.warnerbros.com/ Official website] (including trailers)
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Box Office Leaders USA
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date=July 2
year = 2006
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