Director Darren Aronofsky may helm new 'Superman' movie

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Director Darren Aronofsky, best known for his work on gritty independent films such as "The Wrestler" and "Requiem for a Dream," might next be working on America's most famous super hero, Superman.

"Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan, who is producing the planned new big screen version of Superman for the Hollywood studio Warner Bros., has held talks with Aronofsky about directing the movie, sources close to the situation said.

Aronfosky's latest movies, "Black Swan," a dramatic thriller starring Natalie Portman set in the world of ballet, recently had a successful debut at the Toronto Film Festival. The idea would be for Aronofsky to bring his indie auteur sensibility to Superman, much as Nolan has done for Batman with 2008's "The Dark Knight" and 2005's "Batman Begins."

Of course, Aronofsky is just one name among many under consideration to direct a script written by David Goyer, who co-wrote "Batman Begins." Nolan and producing partner Emma Thomas are casting a net wider than Krypton for the job, with Zack Snyder ("300" and "Watchmen"), Matt Reeves ( "Cloverfield" and this Friday's vampire drama "Let Me In") and a number of veteran filmmakers also reportedly in the running.

Aronofsky has famously resisted taking on bigger-budget studio pictures in the past in the interest of retaining creative control. He was attached to a new version of "Robocop" in development at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer that has been put on hold because of that studio's financial difficulties.

The new "Superman" film is considered a reboot after 2005's "Superman Returns," directed by Bryan Singer, proved a commercial and critical disappointment.

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It is a huge challenge to add gravitas to a story involving such a perfect and perfectly silly character. Probably better to go in the other direction (more Iron Man than Dark Knight) with Superman. They tried twice with Hulk, three times with Punisher--some comic book characters just don't lend themselves well to poignant storytelling.

 

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Natalie Portman as Lois Lane in Superman?

an Natalie Portman be your Lois Lane? She might just get that chance in the upcoming Christopher Nolan produced DC Comics sequel.

It was 2006 when Superman Returns flew into theaters. It was directed by Bryan Singer, a man who certainly knows his comic heroes. The film marked the first return to the big screen for the caped crusader since Christopher Reeve’s last portrayal in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. I liked the casting of the man-pretty Brandon Routh in the title role. I hated everything else. Even my beloved Kevin Spacey managed to let me down, though I blame the script, not the actor. Even the title did not work for me. Who does Sup think he is? Batman?

Well, in numerous animated adventures, Bats has saved Superman’s fanny. He may, in a way, be about to do the same thing again. Nolan and Batman are synonymous now that Batman Begins and Dark Knight have become the pinnacle of comic book adaptations. With Nolan producing the next return of Superman, a project tentatively titled The Man of Steel, he has some control over who directs and who will star.

Warner Bros. wants Natalie Portman for Lois Lane. I’m not a fan of seeing the same actor or actress in every comic film, but I think her character in Marvel’s Thor (and even her looks) would differ enough from DC’s feisty reporter so that no one would mind. I think a good actor gets away with a lot from his or her fans. After all, I’ve got no problems watching Ryan Reynolds suit up as Green Lantern and then possibly dawn the mask of Deadpool. Catch our latest news on that project.

The juicy morsel of news here is that Warner Bros. and Nolan may choose to secure a director Portman likes so that her interest in The Man of Steel can be piqued. They may find Portman so worthwhile that they’ll court director Darren Aronofsky, Portman’s recent director in the Academy Award buzz making Black Swan. It is a risk because Aronofsky is not your typical comic book film director.

I’ll tell you why I think he’s a grand choice. First, I find I am often disappointed by directors who claim to be comic book fans but take liberties that they shouldn’t with the existing mythos. Second, Aronofsky’s The Fountain shows a grand sensitivity to science fiction and fantasy. He treated the genre with an artist’s sensibility there. And The Wrestler? That was an amazing film. If Mickey Rourke was not the ultimate tragic hero in that film, then heroes don’t wear capes.

In the end, I wouldn’t worry overly much. It’s Chris Nolan. Superman, you’re safe. Lois, you probably are, too. David Goyer and Jonathan Nolan are writing the script. ‘Nuff said.

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Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Dawn of the Dead) is now expected to direct with the script being written by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) both of whom will also produce.

Pretty much an all-star team.

 

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Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Dawn of the Dead) is now expected to direct with the script being written by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) both of whom will also produce.

Pretty much an all-star team.

Yes.

It’s official: Zack Snyder will direct Superman film [updated]

 

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Yes.

It’s official: Zack Snyder will direct Superman film [updated]

Wonder if there will be some super slow motion fight sequences?

 

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Building a Better Superman: How Zack Snyder Can Forge a New Man of Steel