Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Hollywood Reporter: Man of Steel entrances comic book fans


SAN DIEGO - Superman is back.

Director Bryan Singer on Saturday gave some 6,500 sci-fi, fantasy and comic book fans first look at footage from "Superman Returns," the latest attempt to revive the DC Comics movie franchise.

"It's one of the largest films Warner Bros. has ever made," Singer told the crowd at the 36th annual Comic-Con International, taking place at the San Diego Convention Center.

The fans gave the early assemblage -- for which Singer flew in from the set in Sydney -- a rousing standing ovation. "This is Comic-Con, and it is 'Superman,"' the director said. "If there was ever a time to make the long flight for a short visit, this was it."

According to producer Chris Lee, Singer hasn't decided whether to post the teaser on the Internet, but the filmmakers will put it up swiftly if a bootleg version is posted. "Superman Returns" is scheduled for release June 30.

The early footage, cut by "Superman" co-writer Dan Harris, emphasized the retro visual style of the film, which Singer shot with new single-chip Genesis digital cameras. It suggested the lead characters' romantic dilemma as Superman/Clark Kent (played by newcomer Brandon Routh) returns to Metropolis after a long absence to find that heartthrob Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is married to the son (James Marsden) of Daily Planet editor Perry White (Frank Langella). Kevin Spacey rejoins his "Usual Suspects" director as Superman nemesis Lex Luthor.

"Kevin has a unique ability to play humor and villainy," Singer said.

Superman fan that I am, I have my reservations. Routh looks rather Adam West-like in the above photo. And the plot point finding Lois married to Perry White's son? What is this, Super-Homewrecker?

1 comment:

Dave White said...

Personally, I think this is a great set up to explore Superman's personality. He goes away for a while only to come back and find out that not only has the world gotten worse without him, but at the same time, no one wants him. You can't hurt Superman physically but you can mentally, and that's something that's really going to challenge him. Though, at the same time, he better lift stuff in this movie.