2006 Movie News Archives

Superman Returns

February 23, 2006: WB Planning “Superman Returns” Sequel

Variety reports that Warner Bros. Pictures is already planning the next installments to "Batman Begins" and "Superman Returns", with respective helmers Christopher Nolan and Bryan Singer in line to return.

While neither director's deal is closed; the studio has options on "Batman Begins" star Christian Bale and "Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh.

"Batman" and "Superman" sequels could make their debut in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

"Superman" update, which has been in the works for the better part of a decade, is already considered one of the more costly pics in Hollywood history, although Warner Bros.' exposure is dramatically lessened by Legendary's involvement.

Factoring in tax breaks offered in Australia -- where "Superman Returns" was shot -- studio execs have unofficially put the production budget at $185 million. Without those breaks of about 12%, budget is easily north of $200 million. And it's not clear how much previous commitments have cost the studio.

Warner execs are high on Singer's pic, which returns the comicbook hero to the bigscreen after more than 20 years. Traditionally, Superman has enjoyed wider appeal than the grittier Batman.

One idea being tossed about is for Singer to direct a "Superman" sequel soon after he finishes with Warner's remake of sci-fi thriller "Logan's Run," which he's also expected to direct.

"Logan's Run" is tentatively skedded to begin shooting this fall in Vancouver. If Singer did pact to direct the "Superman" sequel, that pic could be shot in Vancouver as well.



2006 Movie News

Listed below are all the Movie News items archived for 2006 organized into various categories:

“Superman Returns” Movie News:

Christopher Reeve Movie News: Hollywoodland (George Reeves) Movie News: Direct-to-DVD Animated Movie News: Other Movie News:

Back to the News Archive Contents page.

Back to the Latest News page.