SUPERMAN REBOOT - Who's your choice to direct?

It's no great secret that Warner Bros. are forever trying to get another Superman movie going.  Buoyed by the success of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies, and the all round general explosion of comic book movies, they seem determined to get the 'Original Superhero'(tm) to the front and centre.  Superman Returns (2006) was supposed to be the triumphant return.  But die hard fans were left disappointed by a lack of action, a jealous and soul searching hero as well as the idea to give Superman and Lois Lane a son.

Now I'm no Superman expert.  In fact, I've read very few of the comics due to the fact I'm much more of a Batman fan.  Batman is somewhat based on reality.  The idea of a dark avenger, with limitless resources and uber-smarts, has always seemed more plausible to me than an alien landing from outer space proving to be the saviour of humanity.  But I quite enjoyed Superman Returns.  It was not the bomb that was widely reported.  In fact, it made in excess of $300 million dollars worldwide.  Warner Bros. though were expecting Titanic or Lord of the Rings type numbers and it was back to the drawing board.

Fast forward a few years and one exceptionally awesome Dark Knight movie later, and suddenly its all go again.  Warner Bros. officially announced that they have turned to Christopher Nolan to 'godfather' (a term Nolan himself dislikes) a new Superman movie.  He and David Goyer (storywriter of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) have come up with a story, and a new direction for the Man of Steel.  Nolan is also responsible for handpicking a Director to oversee production on a new Superman movie.

Nolan has remained tight lipped as to potential choices, but has ruled himself out due to his responsibilities to the Batman franchise.  He has been too busy promoting a personal little movie called Inception, maybe you've seen it?  But in the last few days, a list of potential directors has emerged.  This is by no means official, but let's look at the names.

1) Tony Scott.

Accomplished, veteran action director.  Tony Scott has directed such flashy classics as Top Gun, True Romance, Man on Fire and without a doubt his best work, The Last Boy Scout.  There's no doubt his action pedigree, but for me this would not be a good choice.  For one, his movies have always taken place in reality.  He has showed no science fiction leanings, nor an interest in comic book movies.  I think his quick editing, flash cuts would seriously undermine the action as well, and his movies are about as deep as a puddle.  However, there is no doubt it would be entertaining as a spectacle, and would probably be more fun that Bryan Singer's versions.  Can't help but think that his brother might be a better choice............

2) Matt Reeves.

Or Mr. Cloverfield to you and me.  Look, I'm not going to bag on Cloverfield.  It was a victim of maybe having too good an advertising plan, of being a bit too clever for itself in the run up to its release.  It's mysterious trailer before Transformers, JJ Abrams involvement and was only referred to as 1-18-08 right up until it hit movie theatres.  But I have watched it several times and have never failed to be entertained.  He is currently working on Let Me In, a totally unnecessary American remake of one of the best foreign movies of the last few years, Let The Right One In.  Until that hits, I don't think Cloverfield would be a strong enough reason to hand over a multi-million dollar franchise to him, and therefore think he is one of the least likely contenders.

3) Jonathan Liebesman

Another relative unknown, Liebesman has been responsible for The Killing Room, and the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  His upcoming Battle: Los Angeles shows a lot of promise, and he has already been earmarked for the Clash of the Titans follow up.  I must admit, that Chainsaw Massacre aside, I have very little experience with his style and storytelling abilities.  Massacre was good for what it was, and while it didn't match the intensity and grittiness of the original, it never disgraced itself either.  In that sense, at least he shows that he has respect for whatever source material is available.  But I think with his commitment to Clash 2 already in place, and Warners hoping to get moving on the Superman reboot, that he will be an unlikely choice.

4) Duncan Jones.

I'm a big fan of Moon.  I think that finding originality in Science Fiction is so difficult these days.  From Lovecraft to Philip K. Dick, from Aliens to Halo, almost every base has been covered.  But with Moon, it was a film I couldn't readily equate to any other.  Pushed, the movie it would remind of most would be The Shining, in terms of the loneliness, the dread and building atmosphere.  He is currently working on another Sci-fi project called Source Code, due for release next year. Clearly, this is a genre he is comfortable in, and therefore seems like he would be a good choice.  He has tons of experience directing commercials and has hand picked his film projects, rather than just direct anything to get experience. The advance word on Source Code is extremely positive, and this may be what tips favour in his direction.  Out of the contenders mentioned, this would be my choice.

5) Zack Snyder.

And so we come to the love him or hate him selection of the contenders.  I'm a fan.  I think the Dawn of the Dead update was a template that any up and coming director should follow when it comes to updating a classic (though personally I'd like to see Hollywood leave the classics of yesteryear alone, but let's face it, that's not gonna happen).  300 was then a good follow up, if not the be all and end all that some proclaimed it to be.  Snyder was then the man to finally tackle Watchmen, and last ten minutes aside, I think did a wonderful job.  I'm not a strict fanboy and therefore changing the ending isn't what irked me.  It was changing it to one that didn't make sense.  If Dr Manhattan was a weapon that the US were hiding behind, and he disappeared, do you not think rival countries would be rubbing their hands together that the US would be in a weakened state?  I don't think the world would have united like they did when a giant space octopus was brought to earth.  But anyway I digress.  Snyder's upcoming film Sucker Punch looks batshit crazy, and endlessly inventive.  But what the hell is it all about? Maybe the execs at Warner Bros. have liked what they have seen?  I think of all the directors mention, Snyder is the most likely.  His movies are fun, gorgeous to look at and he has a comic book history with 300 and Watchmen.  I would not be disappointed if he got the nod.

So there you have it.  But you never know, Nolan is a master in misdirection and perhaps none of these names are being considered.  It's been rumoured that there will be a couple of massive announcements in the coming weeks, regarding the future of the Batman and Superman movies.  And while I'm excited about Superman, as long as Nolan commits to Batman 3 (or Gotham City as its rumoured title goes), then I'll be happier than a nymphomaniac in a brothel.

One things for sure though, whoever takes the reins, will have the weight of the world's expectation on their shoulders...........



Who would you guys choose?  Or are there any other Directors you think should be considered?  Please just don't say Kevin Smith......

Until next time.........