Why is it so confusing? Isn’t the actor who played Johnny Storm (Human Torch) in the Fantastic Four also playing Capt. America? But Routh would be playing the SAME role. No confusion at all. And if they’re starting over the story, so what? Routh as Supes, all the way!

I am going to dream for the that I be able to have AND kiss keeps the dawn Nao I am going to awake Nao I am
going to wake up AND know that was I am my dream

In the street I expect voce pass Who knows, in his look I am going to be Would Be like I imagined to have? I
want to know…

I go, I go love you Dreaming about you AND kiss keeps the dawn…

I go love keeps you the dawn

- Matt

As much as I respect his work, Christopher Nolan as producer does NOT guarantee a “perfect” Superman. He was asked to produce a new Superman because the execs at Warner want him to deliver another “Dark Knight”. That’s fine. I have no problem with that because they care about money first-and-foremost, but you have to wonder why he is producing and not directing himself (maybe he doesn’t know enough about Superman mythology or he wants to distance himself in case it’s a failure in fan’s eyes? Just speculating…). Zack Snyder was chosen as director but was admittedly NOT first on the list to direct (Google it & read the articles for yourselves. he was chosen because of a deadline on producing a Superman film.). While he is credited as director for adapating “300″ and “Watchmen” to the screen, people must remember he mostly translated was were essentially graphic novels-as-storyboards to film. It wasn’t like he did anything particularly extraordinary, with no disrespect intended towards him.

Look, if the film is a success, more power to them, but financial success is not always the mark of a great film. I hope it’s a great film. But just remember there are many crappy films that have earned big box office. I just don’t buy the notion that anyone tied to ‘Superman Returns’ coming back for a reboot will contribute in any way to it’s failure, least of all Brandon Routh, who was the best thing in the film and appreciated by fans. In fact, his return and Christopher Nolan’s name attached to the film would mean the best of both worlds.

I won’t argue that “Superman Returns” had several missteps (lack of a new, strong villian and some fist-pumping action, the kid, etc.), but it’s a shame he wasn’t given a shot at redeeming himself with a better follow-up. he reintroduce Superman with a good actor & I bet he would’ve delivered an SR 2 full of action & character by going all “Wrath of Khan” on it, as he said he would’ve. Having said that, I don’t particular care who directs it. All I would like to see is Brandon Routh back. He is a likable actor and has done some good work. Now that he is a few years older, I bet he can really unleash his acting chops with a good script. Why on earth can’t they just deliver an action-packed reboot film and bring back Brandon Routh?

Furthermore, these constant reboots are getting annoying, too. Hulk was rebooted in ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and while many fans loved it, it faired no better in the box office than the Ang Lee ‘Hulk’. The fanboys will have something new to bitch about when Batman is rebooted in another 5 years or so and someone new is cast as “The Joker”. Pardon me for getting a little upset, but Brandon Routh bashing is just not cool because the guy was really looking forward to doing a sequel & so were many of us who thought he was great in the role. He would’ve kicked serious butt.

I am convinced.

He was a good Superman hampered by a bad movie, from the director on down to the costume designers and make up people let him down.

That said, I DID enjoy Brandon Routh as Superman and would gladly welcome him back in a proper Superman film. Even in the films and TV spots he’s been in, the man exudes the gentle farmboy Clark side, and the charming confidence of Superman.

Bring Routh Back.

Many fans began wetting themselves when it was announced that Christopher Nolan would “mentor” the next SUPERMAN film. Nolan clearly “gets” Batman. Not the Batman of the comics who battles super-powered villains, but a “realistic” Batman who goes after mobsters and freakish (but very human) thieves and maniacs. I remain unconvinced that Nolan has the right sensibility or vision for a SUPERMAN film. If he’s just there to assign writers and search for a director, that’s enough for me.

It’s already clear that most fans like Routh enough as Superman. Thus it is very difficult to make a good case for replacing him, when the primary complaints about SR concern its story. For Jerry and others, it all boils down to the “reboot rule” that I mentioned above. All other considerations are slave to that master.

The Anti-Routh Rebooters should be careful what they wish for. There’s absolutely no guarantee that his possible replacement will be better in any way. Actor Matthew Bomer recently commented on the time when he was in the running for the role. In 2003 the studio was developing a Superman film with Bret Ratner as director. Bomer was the frontrunner to be Superman, despite being around 5’10″ and 160 lbs. Soon, Bryan Singer replaced Ratner and Bomer was dismissed. Say what you will about SR, but at least we were spared the endless kvetching from fans about the lead actor’s height and weight.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If producing a SUPERMAN film is so difficult, then it makes perfect sense to avoid unnecessary problems like searching for a new actor. The studio can overcome all their challenges by producing a “soft reboot” that brings back all the main actors but ignores the story details from SR. Changes in production design, art direction and even clothing design will “sell” the concept that this is a new start.

I am not confident that Warner Bros. will do as I suggest. But I will have a good laugh if, say, someone Joseph Gordon-Levitt is cast as the next Superman. Imagine the outrage from fans who will suddenly remember what was good about Routh. Whatever you do, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

No, don’t worry about it. Talking about these matters in a polite way on the internet? I think we’re setting some kind of record.
I understand what you’re saying about wishful thinking, but I guess what I was saying is – could a Superman movie have been made for less and done as well? I think so. Did the reason it wasn’t made for less have anything to do with Brandon Routh’s performance? I don’t think so.

- Matt

Thanks but no thanks, I’m a realist at heart. Taking a position based on wishful thinking doesn’t change facts.

In reality the movie was made for 250 (Not the 204 that Singer claimed)and that’s not including the millions wasted on false starts.

So the reality is the movie wasn’t successful by any means..(You can imagine it was,but it adds nothing to the argument.)

And while I may be the only voice of reason on this particular blog on this particular subject, that doesn’t put me in the minority by any stretch of the imagination.(Sorry for the pun)..If I were in the minority, you would have already seen the sequel to Superman Returns by now…With Brandon Routh.

I sense I may be getting under your skin so this will be my last post. It isn’t my intention to do that, just to present the logical, factual side of the picture, and why it is.

The one thing we can agree on is Nolan won’t be using Routh in a Superman reboot.

I appreciate your posts. Let’s look at it this way – if Superman Returns had been made for $180m instead of $250m (or even the $204 that Singer states), the $390 it made would have been successful. So I think the problem was more with spending on the film – including all the stuff that came before Singer or Routh ever signed on – than Routh’s performance or physical look.

I agree with you that Nolan probably WILL pick a new Superman. This post was my statement of reasons why I don’t think he should. While most of the voters on this site agree with me, I’ll be surprised if Routh does return. But I’m still rooting for that. Thanks again for contributing.

- Matt

You’re comparing apples to oranges..A Superman film and it’s lack of profit margin has nothing to do with other film projects, partner or not. If Returns had been a success, it would have gotten a sequel, bottom line. Legendary and Warner BOTH lost money on Returns.

“I know there are lots of fans who say, “You can’t bring back the same guy in a reboot!””

And the reason they say that is because THEY’RE THE MAJORITY. They want a new cast.
Warner is NOT going to kick start a Superman reboot at this late date and keep Routh just to please a minority of fanboys…Not going to happen, give it up.

Forget your idolization of Routh and Superman Returns and look at it from the studio’s point of view. (And by the way, a film that made 390 mil world wide at a cost of 250 mil is NOT a resounding success. The movie had to at least double it’s investment to break even. Once again for the slow learners, if the film had performed, there would have been a sequel..Jeff Robinov made that clear.)

As I was saying, from the studio’s vantage a complete reboot that carries nothing with it of Returns, and that means the CAST TOO, is the ONLY way to proceed…Why the Hell do you think it’s taken them THIS LONG to come up with a game plan?

Warner execs quote: “We know what we don’t want to do. But we don’t know what we want to do.”

Snatching Nolan up to oversee the reboot is as close as your going to get to a slap in the face to wake you up to the fact it’s a NEW ball game, new direction, and new cast.

Nolan isn’t foolish enough to re-cast Routh. I can almost see the written interviews now on why he chose whomever it is he’s going to pick for the Superman role, and why he deemed it wise to stay away from the old cast.

You can pine and argue and debate with me over the subject, but it’s wasted effort.

One last time, Warner isn’t looking out for the interests of the minority of fans who are fluttering their eyelids like little girls, hands clasped aside their cheeks, cooing for Brandon Routh.

They’re going to do a complete revamp in hopes of making the mega-bucks from the franchise that they know it’s capable of, and it’ll be with a new cast.

Nolan will see to that.

Don’t be too sure about Warner’s real profit or loss from SR. They have been financing many of their big-budget films with a partner, Legendary Pictures. LP co-financed BATMAN BEGINS, THE DARK KNIGHT, WATCHMEN and others.

That’s all right, I think you disagreed in a non-rude manner! I think Routh in a new costume and different script would signify a reboot and might please people who didn’t like him in Returns. I also think when a movie makes $390 million worldwide and is considered a failure, that’s a strange situation. A LOT of people went to see and liked Superman Returns. However, even more people went to see and liked The Dark Knight, and that’s why WB is going with Nolan, in my view. At least, if nothing else, let’s hope the new film doesn’t rack up $40 plus million in debt before it ever gets going!

- Matt

But just looking at it from a business perspective, it makes no fiscal sense whatsoever to carry ANYTHING over from Superman Returns when the intent is to put as much distance as possible between it and a reboot.

Warner isn’t going to make a stupid decision to recast Routh just to appease the minority fanboys who thought Superman Returns was just the best thing ever, gosh-gee-willickers!

Warner spent 250 million on a film that needed to at least double the investment just to break even..As it is, Returns has left them 150 million in debt…(Not to mention the money invested in false starts.)

Warner wants a Superman film that’ll bury the memory of Superman Returns and actually make some money in the process.

A new cast is the only way to go.