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THIS! IS! KRYPTON!

By TK | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (51)

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So. Zack Snyder.

Interesting.

Honestly, he wasn’t at the top of my wish list, but as I learned a long time ago, you can wish in one hand…

Zack Snyder is absolutely brilliant when it comes to visual style He’s got a keen eye for the genre, he’s great at stunning effects. His body of work, be it Watchmen or 300, consists of some incredible visuals. Unfortunately, his movies also feel kind of hollow I know there are a number of you who loved Watchmen — in fact, I was routinely derided for leaving it off of my list of Best Comic Book Movies Of The Aughts. Yeah, well, I left it off because I was totally unmoved by it. Visually it was a feast. It also felt totally empty and bereft of any kind of… I dunno… soul. I’ve watched it a second and third time, and it actually gets dumber with each successive viewing. Clearly, your mileage may vary Clearly, you’re also idiots.

Anyway, it’s a done deal, according to Deadline. Snyder’s last effort, the cumbersomely titled Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole was apparently similarly impressive yet dull, and while the trailers for his next film, Sucker Punch, look like an orgy of eye candy, nothing has led me to think he’s managed to learn how to tell an engaging story yet. So the news regarding him getting the Superman gig doesn’t exactly inspire me with confidence.

It’s a bitch of a property, I realize that. A lot of people absolutely adore the character. A lot of other people think he’s boring as shit. Snyder will no doubt make a boffo action movie out of it, and will hopefully come up with a new villain beyond Lex Luthor. That one’s been officially played out. Sure, bring back Spacey in the role and an ancillary villain, but we need something more than that. I love the Brainiac idea. Hell, use Doomsday if you really want to fuck shit up. But Superman needs a foe, someone to actually fight, instead of just another “weakened by Kryptonite, woe is me” story. Because between “Smallville” and Superman Returns, that trope has officially lost its luster.

So in that sense, Snyder may work. He may bring the desperately needed action to the franchise, because while I enjoyed Returns, it was a little on the slow side, and to get people into the character, it’s going to need a bit more action. And that is something that Snyder does quite well (just lay off the fucking slow-motion, for the love of Darkseid). Get a decent writer — and having Christopher Nolan as the overseer adds a little more potential to that part — and mix in some good action pieces, and we might have ourselves a movie.

Might.

UPDATE!

According to Slashfilm and THR, the villain for the film has also been set.

I’m actually quite pleased with this one. General Zod is a fantastic character, both in Donner’s Superman II as well as in the comics. Most importantly, he’s a legitimate physical threat to Superman, so it answers my concerns mentioned above. Get ready for some serious destruction, folks, because I’m guessing Snyder will have them beat the hell out of each other and take down everything around them. As long as he doesn’t just try to recreate Superman II’s story, that is. Casting will be interesting for Zod — Terrence Stamp’s portrayal is pretty damn iconic, so it’s a big pair of shoes to fill.









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Comments

Hey, at least it ain't Ratner...

Posted by: Elmo Tee at October 4, 2010 7:21 PM

Controversial but correct opinion: Kevin Spacey was boring as shit in Superman Returns. If they use Lex he needs a recast more than Superman does.

Posted by: hector at October 4, 2010 7:21 PM

I'm fully behind what hector said.
Spacey hasn't been good since the New Radicals were still relevant.
And Lex Luthor does feel played out.
Why do I bother commenting when it's all things that have already been said?
This is why I love pajiba.

Posted by: penelope at October 4, 2010 7:27 PM

Of course they'll recast Spacey. They will recast them all, and if the formula doesnt work, So what?! We'll hit the reset button and do it all over again...

I wish they (as in Hollywood, the power f*ckers that be) would do it right the first time. Seriously, what would a Superman or even Hulk box set even look like right now? Piecey and nonsensical. ugh.

Posted by: Melissa C. at October 4, 2010 7:29 PM

YES. This is awesome.

Posted by: Joshua at October 4, 2010 7:31 PM

Yay another slow motion sex scene.

I'm pretty much ok with him as a director except for those slow motion unintentionally hilarious sex scenes.

Can you not hear the giggling in the audience, Snyder?

Posted by: twig at October 4, 2010 7:33 PM

Twig, that scene in Watchmen was hot. You crazy.

Posted by: superasente at October 4, 2010 7:39 PM

We're totally on different pages when it comes to Watchmen, but you may be on to something with Snyder's potential for Superman. Originally, I thought he'd just make a Rock 'n' Roll Superman, meaning a movie filled with heavy metal and slo-mo but with Supes instead of Spartans. However, I think you're right, that if he can tone down some of his more heinous Snyder-isms, he could turn out a sufficiently awesome Man of Steel. Especially if they attempt a Doomsday story.

I do think they should keep Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman, if only because he was pretty good in Returns and has only gotten better as an actor since then. Everyone else, though: New.

Posted by: RobP at October 4, 2010 7:40 PM

It's hot, superasente, because Malin Ackerman and Patrick Wilson are attractive human specimens that don't mind us ogling their best bits. The choice of Hallelujah makes even Leonard Cohen snort and say, "This fuckin' guy."

Posted by: RobP at October 4, 2010 7:44 PM

I really, REALLY think Duncan Jones should have got this. There will be slo-mo, that should go without saying. Apparently General Zod will be the villian. I for one hope this won't suck but I'm already thinking it will. Horrible casting commence!

Posted by: pruppets at October 4, 2010 7:57 PM

Aw man, can't we cut him some slack? I agree with TK: it is hard to become emotionally invested in his stories, but I think that also has to do with the fact that he doesn't direct his actors. You can see them screaming "give me some direction!" except Butler... that man was all instinct.

I say, give the man some thespians that can show him a thing or two, people who can say "Zack, this is how I'm going to read the line, you're going to film me and then you're going to use my reading because I'm a damn ACTOR". Hopefully, Nolan will pull some of the casting magic he's so good at, stop letting Snyder use unknowns who are unknown BECAUSE they can't act, and then we'll see if his stories become more engaging. I can bet that this will be a bad-ass Supes with some sweet visuals, but he's gotta learn how to cast. Perhaps we need to throw Patrick Wilson into the fray? We know he can play bad guy and a superhero and work with Snyder's directoral style.

Posted by: Claire Allison at October 4, 2010 8:35 PM

"Kneel before Zod!"

{swoon}

We all kneel before Zod, because he makes us weak in the knees. Be still my heart!

Posted by: MM at October 4, 2010 8:47 PM

I really wanted Brainiac and/or Doomsday for this, but still. ZOD!! Hopefully they'll redeem him after Smallville's boring take on him.

I really didn't care for Watchmen or 300, so I'm not stoked that it's Snyder. I'm not totally bummed by the news either, though. I'll keep my fingers crossed for great casting for Superman and Lois.

Posted by: Turtle at October 4, 2010 8:58 PM

Smallville's emo-Zod almost removed my Zod veneration. Almost.

And surprisingly for me to admit, even though I hated Superman Returns pretty much utterly, I'd like Routh to reprise the role. I can't say it was his fault the movie blew, it's not like he was given anything to work with.

-Frob

Posted by: frobme at October 4, 2010 9:04 PM

zzzzzzzzzzz...

Nothing against you, TK, but try as I might I just can't work up a single atom of enthusiasm or anticipation for a Superman project. Superman is fucking boring. Hollywood needs to just quit it.

Posted by: Lefty Mothersbaugh at October 4, 2010 9:19 PM

Everyone knows the only true threat to Superman is Mister Mxyzptlk.

Posted by: Robert at October 4, 2010 9:23 PM

I just went explodey in my pants area.

Posted by: Fredo at October 4, 2010 9:30 PM

Superman sucks cock. Watchmen was awesome.
Superman Returns was a boring piece of shit.
The inclusion of Zod and Snyder in this project makes me think that we can finally get some interesting Superman action going on.
Altho to be honest he is too much of a GIANT PUSSY to ever be interesting.

Posted by: supafly at October 4, 2010 9:44 PM

I thought Routh did a good job in SR, but I don't think he should be cast in Man of Steel. His performance was largely an homage to Christopher Reeve, just as SR was largely an homage to Donner's films. I just don't think it'd fit to include Routh in a new take on Supes.

Posted by: turtle at October 4, 2010 10:11 PM

Alan Rickman as General Zod.

Did I just blow your mind?

I think I did.

Too bad he's 64 years old.

Posted by: D-Day at October 4, 2010 11:10 PM

Zod. Again. Oy.

At this rate we'll eventually see a different Superman plot and villain by, oh say, 3010.

Posted by: John W at October 4, 2010 11:26 PM

Do we really need another Superman movie? Seriously!! It all sounds so boring and unnecessary and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by: mslewis at October 4, 2010 11:38 PM

Is it wrong for me to root for Zod? All hail Zod!

Oh My God!

No that's Zod.

Posted by: logan at October 5, 2010 12:01 AM

I'm feeling kinda hurt here, TK. Watchmen was the sauce, and no mistake.

But anyway - I'd just like to see a decent plot - as everyone else said - that actually says something about Supes that hasn't been said before. Why not turn his 'good' against him in some sort of "my side lied/my motivations were pure but unexamined for prejudice"?

Politics, politics, politics. There's too many versions of 'right', explore how he parses it, or something. Guy has never had a shades-of-grey plot point yet.

Posted by: replica at October 5, 2010 12:33 AM

There's only like a thousand super hero franchises they could make a movie from, but screw that, let's re-male Superman a-fucking-gain.

Nic Cage as Supes or maybe Steve Buscemi otherwise I'm out.

Posted by: Jiggles at October 5, 2010 1:21 AM

Re-make, re-male? Ah that works either way :*)

Posted by: Jiggles at October 5, 2010 1:23 AM

Not Zod man, I'm barely into the mythology, but I think one of your other choices would work better. I didn't pay attention to Smallville until last season (and only because I work at a CW affiliate), so I don't have the hatred built up over earlier stuff. I'm kinda liking the forced epicness'ish of this final season. They knew it was ending, we know it's ending, so it's kind of adding to the entire feeling, giving the show some punch.

Posted by: e at October 5, 2010 1:38 AM

I thought Watchmen was okay, but Holy Time Lord, the music choices were so goddamn awful. Really ruined the whole experience for me. When Hallelujah played I let out a terrible guffaw I think may have ruined it for everyone. But seriously, Snyder, hire a better music coordinator and it will STRAIGHTEN YOUR SHIT OUT.

Posted by: Clarence Boddicker at October 5, 2010 2:20 AM

What about Gandolfini as Zod?

Posted by: John G. at October 5, 2010 4:58 AM

Haven't read any of your comments yet but I gotta throw in my two cents quickly.

1) Superman is my favorite superhero. Yes, I know the oath and sport a power ring and everything, but the Kid from Krypton still ranks #1 with me, okay? Okay.

2) I loved "Watchmen", and agreed with nearly all of Snyder's choices in the film version.

3) They could do a lot worse. Like Ratner.

4) Adding Zod as the villain opens the door for epic level superbattles. I think a mainstream version of "Superman" needs such action.

5) That is all. I'm still sick and the wife wants to put me back to bed.

Posted by: Green Lantern at October 5, 2010 5:58 AM

Meh - the only Superman I've ever found even halfway interesting is the Lois & Clark Dean Cain version. At least he had a personality.

Not terribly interested in the movies any more, since the more popular Superman is the one you can't relate to at all. Fun.

Whatever. I'll bet they can't find a worse Lois than Kate Bosworth.

Posted by: Grafty at October 5, 2010 7:34 AM

Snyder is capable of making a movie without excessive slow motion and green screens. He did it with "Dawn of the Dead", a movie I think is very underrated. Hopefully he goes that route rather than the empty flash of "300" or "Watchmen". Either way, it sounds like this new Superman movie will be much more action focussed than the introspective "Superman Returns". I liked that movie, but it was frustrating. Some scenes worked brilliantly, others fell flat. Ideas were brought up to be explored and then ignored. Namely the idea of a god on earth and what happens when that god unexpectedly abandons you.

I like Snyder and think he is talented as hell. Hopefully he can temper his more over the top flourishes and nail this.

Posted by: TylerDFC at October 5, 2010 7:48 AM

How bout Zod with a twist? Have you read the "Son of Superman" graphic novel? I think it would work pretty well, putting Supes in difficult and uncomfortable situations, and giving him a new reason to be the good guy. Plus it lets loose a hell of a lot of bad guys from that prison dimension. The Man of Steel carries a lot of guilt in that book. I really think it could work if done right.

Posted by: EJ at October 5, 2010 8:21 AM

Actors to play Zod:

Jeremy Renner
Daniel Day-Lewis (he alone would take this to a whole 'nother level)
Christophe Waltz

In choosing the perfect actor for Zod, Synder can mirror Nolan's process for picking The Joker because he knocked that shit out of the park. Any of these guys would bring something unique and spectacular to the character, so why don't you start there, Zack? (And what kind of goddamn name is "Zack" anyway? Sounds like a shitty bad guy in a 1950's action comic.)

Posted by: Kballs at October 5, 2010 8:48 AM

I get the feeling that most of the hollowness of Snyder's movies comes from the writing.

Posted by: Lucas at October 5, 2010 9:05 AM

I say let's go really far afield for Zod: Idris Elba. Yes, I propose him for every role, but goddammit, he fits here.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at October 5, 2010 9:06 AM

I really like how all these people who don't like Superman are explaining how Superman should be. "You know who I go to when I want to cook the ultimate steak? Vegetarians." "Holy shitballs, son, we need a fresh idea on how to run this city's transit system. Let's go find us a reclusive hermit." "We need somebody to lead our state! Let's vote for this inexperienced tyro who had to go to five colleges to get a journalism degree."

Lesson to all the Supes-hataz: go read All-Star Superman before you make even a single suggestion about what a Superman movie should be like, much less assert that Superman is boring.

Posted by: mightygodking at October 5, 2010 9:38 AM

Red Son was an excellent Superman graphic novel. But it shall not be turned into a movie.

Posted by: supafly at October 5, 2010 10:07 AM

Watchmen was pretty good, but I don't think Snyder brought anything at all to it besides visual style, it was basically an exact translation of the comic to screen. And none of the changes he made were good. This will probably just be ok, since Snyder's never made an actually great film, and after Returns, Superman needs better than ok.

Posted by: Steph at October 5, 2010 10:11 AM

It'd be cool if they went with the Brainiac-as-Kryptonian-A.I. approach, and have it as a tool of Zod's. Superman could then take it after defeating Zod ("Kryptonian technology? Sweet!"), with a post-credits zing showing Brainiac going all Skynet self-aware, thereby setting Brainiac up as the big bad in the next movie.

Oh, and Tracer Bullet, Elba as Zod is inspired!

Posted by: Bates at October 5, 2010 10:29 AM

I foresee that this incarnation of Superman vs. Zod will be awesome visually and it will have soul simply because of the involvement of Christopher Nolan. It will make money, and there will be a sequel...

Can you imagine the big screen treatment of Superman vs. Doomsday? The visuals of Snyder, the writing of Nolan... just as long as they keep the dreaded "3D" off of it, it should be box office gold.

Posted by: Kris at October 5, 2010 11:13 AM

fuck zod we dont another movie about zod
There are so many antagonists they keep choosing zod and luthor fuck them

Posted by: greg at October 5, 2010 11:50 AM

Unfortunately, his movies also feel kind of hollow I know there are a number of you who loved Watchmen

Clearly, your mileage may vary Clearly, you’re also idiots.

...says the guy who left out two periods in a single paragraph.

Not sayin', just sayin'.

Posted by: Seany D at October 5, 2010 11:53 AM

Wow, you got him on type-o's! Good one!

Anyway, pedantic asshattery aside, my vote still goes to Doomsday.

Posted by: The Other Agent Johnson at October 5, 2010 11:56 AM

Hmmm, not Red Son or Son of Superman, but Superman: Last Son. Read about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman:_Last_Son

Posted by: EJ at October 5, 2010 12:17 PM

It isn't stated well in that synopsis, but Lois' desire for a child in this novella speak to Superman, and like in Superman 2, he considers what like would be like for him as a father to "Chris." It crushes him when he must let his adopted son return to the Phantom Zone with Zod and Ursa. The Superman as a human dynamic is the most engaging- I think we could do without all the unknown Phantom Zone villains, and probably Luthor's cronies as well, and just stick to Zod, Ursa, and Non as the baddies, although the idea of different varieties of Kryptonite is certainly interesting. Plus, hello! Bizarro!

Posted by: EJ at October 5, 2010 12:30 PM

*happydance*

Posted by: Chickaboom at October 5, 2010 12:38 PM

I read it on the net somewhere and I wholeheartedly agree, Tom Hardy for Zod.

Posted by: kabzsaba at October 5, 2010 3:08 PM

I've always had a place in my heart for Lex Luthor. A bald, weak, middle-aged guy with no superpowers constantly (nearly) thwarting Mr. Invulnerable. It's almost inspiring in its way.

But the only way for anyone to hurt Superman is kryptonite, and after 80 years in the comics and 30 years of movies, it's gotten old, old, old.

It's really a two-dimensional character with one dimensional abilities. He's a rich man's Green Lantern. No optimism for Snyder to make the franchise glow again. He should just go make the Twitter biopic. He's uniquely suited for it.

Posted by: Leftylad at October 5, 2010 3:37 PM

At least we can be sure that Snyder will bring some action to the table with this project. I just wish a villain other than Zod was being featured.

Posted by: Superhero Legacy at October 12, 2010 10:56 PM

We never followed her into that small town for fear of getting 'whupped' by local redneck boys who were probably lined up for their own chance with this gorgeous young girl; the fact that it was less than two weeks after John Lennon's assassination was probably an integral factor in our deciding to just turn around & head back home (timing wasn't our forte' either), and I never missed another movie or TV role she played for the next 30 years.

With those qualifications, I trump you all, and that asshole Rowles who professes to love romcoms but never seems to have heard of 'A Little Romance' (how many actors have made their film debut with Laurence Olivier?)

'Streets of Fire' was, and is, a crappily polished 'Warriors-meets-A-Star-Is-Born' hybrid, and Diane looks absolutely ridiculous trying to match the singer's voice in the bloated soundtrack by Meatloaf's 'Bat out of Hell' producer - it's the one film of hers I haven't been able to sit through more than 3 times.

But her godawful hairstyle in 'Secretariat'? I think my love affair is finally fizzing out, and boy am I exhausted..

Posted by: cosplay costumes at March 3, 2011 10:56 PM