Singer Talks Superman Returns Sequel Exclusive: Director confirms development
Earlier today, IESB reported that there was a strong rumour that Bryan Singer was working on a sequel to Superman Returns and that Transformers' Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman would be writing the script. Well, we've spoken to Singer and, though we have no news on whether the Orci/Kurtzman story is true, he's confirmed that work's under way on the film that some said would never happen because the first was perceived as a flop.
"That movie made $400 million!" Singer says incredulously. "I don’t know what constitutes under-performing these days...Look, I can understand, I suppose, what some people mean. Perhaps some people went in with the expectation of it being like an X-Men film, and Superman is a tougher character than that. Especially bringing him back. It really goes back to the fact that you can only please some of the people some of the time. But, yes, I’m just getting back with writers after the strike. We’re just in the development phase. I’m starting to develop a sequel...with the intention of directing it."
Singer knows that there was some negative reaction to the fact that the first film focused more on story at the expense of action and is looking to redress that next time.
“The first one was a romantic film and a nostalgic film,” he says. “I’ll be the first person to own up to that without making any apologies for it. I knew it was going to be that from the outset. And now that the characters are established, there’s really an opportunity to up the threat levels...Clearly there’ll be a body count [laughs]. From frame one, it will be unrelenting terror! All those teenage girls who found the movie and mooned over James Marsden or Brandon? Well, I’m going to wake them up!” He may be joking about the unrelenting terror.
We have to say, we actually enjoyed a huge amount about Superman Returns. Brandon Routh made a terrific Superman and Clark Kent and Singer clearly cared about the characters. It was light on action, so it would be great to see a sequel in which we get to actually experience what Supes can really do.
What do you think? Do you want to see Superman return again?
For more of our exclusive interview with Bryan Singer, pick up the next issue of Empire, on sale March 28.
WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO WATCH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have just finished watching this film, yes it is 2009!!!!!
I was put off of watching it because I didnt believe it would be the same. However my son convinced me to get it, It was amazing im buzzing so is he!!! I came straight on line to find out if there would be a sequel and am chuffed to find there is. Understated movie based on expectations from watching superman as a kid.
This film dragged up the same old goosebumps at the duuhh duhh duhhh music lol amazing. Perfect return, the dir... Read More
L: blackduck
L: Mr Underhill
A lot of people seem to be forgetting the fairly disturbing scene in Returns where Superman gets the shit kicked out of him, stabbed and then pushed off a cliff; no pain? Don't know about you but for me it was pretty chilling to see Supes get his comeuppance in such a way, and at the hands of Kumar no less ote]
Actually thought this bit was so weak. Lex goes to all these lengths to get superman to this point and what does he do? He has two random... Read More
L: Mr Underhill
A lot of people seem to be forgetting the fairly disturbing scene in Returns where Superman gets the shit kicked out of him, stabbed and then pushed off a cliff; no pain? Don't know about you but for me it was pretty chilling to see Supes get his comeuppance in such a way, and at the hands of Kumar no less ote]
Actually thought this bit was so weak. Lex goes to all these lengths to get superman to this point and what does he do? He has two random thugs give him ... Read More
Really liked SR and can't wait for the next one. I actually liked the fact that he used his abilities for some argueably selfish and slightly creepy motivations (spying on Lois and the kid, etc) made him a bit more real and less of an annoying boy scout, never bought the idea that someone could have that much power and not get even a little corrupted. Only thing I didn't like was Lexs master plan it was a bit rubbish and if childhood memory serves, it was an idea done better in the action force... Read More
A lot of people seem to be forgetting the fairly disturbing scene in Returns where Superman gets the shit kicked out of him, stabbed and then pushed off a cliff; no pain? Don't know about you but for me it was pretty chilling to see Supes get his comeuppance in such a way, and at the hands of Kumar no less ... Read More
L: Filmfan 2
Absolutely brilliant news!
n Returnsht up there with Begins of the best superhero flicks made (leaving aside any technical arguments about Batman being a superhero). It was a poignant, meditative film exploration of the character of Superman and his place in a modern world.
I've never understood the criticism that this film came in for from some quarters, is really is a titanically good film. I guess there wasn't enough explosions for some peoples taste and they act... Read More
n_smile_pistols.gif]If it's going to feature jason in it again i'm not watching it, and be about his relantionship with lois and it will be like the new adventures of superman all over again which is getting kinda tired now. ... Read More
I cannot wait for a sequal. I think the first film had its flaws, maybe not enough super action, but taken as a whole it was a great film that made me believe a man can fly, again!. Brandon Routh was perfect and, although i thought no one could replace Christopher Reeve he proved me wrong. Bryan Singer did a brilliant job and i feel that returns should be taken as part 1 of a larger story, similar to the X MEN films. How about Superman fighting Zod in the second film but having it end on a c... Read More
