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FILM & TV
OFFICIAL: SUPERMAN/BATMAN Movie in 2015 - NOLAN Returns, New BATMAN To Be Cast
by Chris Arrant, Newsarama ContributorDate: 20 July 2013 Time: 01:53 PM ET
Batman/Superman logo
CREDIT: @PageToPremiere
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UPDATED: This summer movie audiences met a new Superman. And in 2015, that Superman will meet Batman
In the final moments of Saturday morning's Warner Bros/Legendary panel at Comic-Con, moderator Chris Hardwick had Man of Steel director Zack Snyder and star Henry Cavill on stage. Snyder announced, “It’s official that we are going to make another Superman movie. I’ve poured through the DC universe for a way to tell this thing.”
With that, Man of Steel actor Harry Lennix joined the stage to read what turned out to be the big reveal.
"I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you."
Following that passage from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, the screen behind the stage changed to illuminate a graphic showing the Superman symbol positioned with the Batman logo.
Snyder was careful to say that they weren't adapting Miller's 1986 miniseries, but said the Dark Knight Returns passage will help "tell you something" about the upcoming film.
Quickly following the panel, Warner Bros. sent out a press release that solidified details but also left some mysteries for this Man of Steel follow-up. As far as casting goes, Cavill will be joined by returning castmates Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane; although Lennix appeared at this panel, nothing has been said about his continuing role in the franchise.
Also coming back from the first Man of Steel is the screenwriter David S. Goyer with Snyder co-writing. Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas will be in as executive producers, but also adding Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan from The Dark Knight trilogy.
“I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter," Snyder said in a press release. "Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world."
"Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe," added Diane Nelson, president, DC Entertainment, also in the press release.
Warner Bros. Pictures official twitter account also added this:
Another and since deleted tweet on the offcial account refers to Batman appearing in Man of Steel 2.
"I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you." #Batman to appear in #ManofSteel 2! #SDCC," read the tweet.
Earlier Saturday both the Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex reported that Warners was preparing a Superman/Batman film in 2015 with Cavill, Snyder and Man of Steel and Dark Knight trilogy screenwriter David S. Goyer expected to be attached, and that the film would be independent of a Man of Steel sequel.
Also in THR's story is a report that Warners has further fleshed out their superhero movie schedule with "tentative plans" for a Flash film in 2016 and Justice League film in 2017.
The official press relesase follows:
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyder is bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.”
The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.
Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.
Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”
Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted, “Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”
Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”
The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.
Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”
The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.