> BOF SUPERMAN RETURNS HOME > VISIT THE OFFICIAL SUPERMAN RETURNS SITE > WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER > SUPERMAN RETURNS MERCHANDISE The Director and The Star Face The Fans Author: Jett Sunday, February 12, 2006 Brian Singer entered the stage Saturday at Wondercon with what looked like an air uneasiness. The director of the upcoming SUPERMAN RETURNS appeared to be genuinely nervous about standing on a stage in front of hundreds of die hard fan boys and assorted media types. After a hearty round of applause for the 40 year old director, questions began almost at once. One of the first things asked was about the flying sequences that will be seen in SUPERMAN RETURNS. The director said that a variety of methods were used to make Brandon Routh’s Man of Steel soar through the air -- from greenscreen to CGI to cyberscan. Just about every trick in the F/X book. Singer confirmed yet again that he is using parts of the classic “Superman Theme” by composer John Williams, although Williams himself is not involved. However, Singer said that he did approach Williams in regards to doing the music for X-MEN, but the composer wasn’t available at the time due to his job scoring SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. The fact that Williams’ almost iconic music will be used in the new film seemed to make everyone happy as the crowd broke into applause when Singer mentioned it. Not only were there questions about Superman, but Singer’s X-MEN films as well -- specifically about the upcoming X-MEN 3. The director said that he’s “like all of you,” and really wants to like the new X-MEN film. “I don’t think I’ll get invited to the premiere,” he joked, “I’ll probably see it at the theater just like you guys.” Singer went on to say that he’s very fond of Bret Ratner -- who ironically was to helm SUPERMAN before Singer nabbed the job -- and thinks he’ll do a good job. Singer said that he really wanted to do X-MEN 3 and wishes he could do both -- though that wasn’t possible. “The opportunity to do SUPERMAN doesn’t come around everyday,” he told the audience. Singer then said he wanted to show a bit from the film -- basically an extended trailer set to the music from the original SUPERMAN. This was the same footage that was shown last summer at the San Diego Comic Con and again fired the audience up. The clip establishes the fact that Superman has been gone for a while. The people of the Earth have gotten used to a world without Superman -- and so has Lois Lane. I had worried that Kate Bosworth was too young for the role, but she comes off much more mature than her actual age. There are some voiceovers by both Marlon Brando (Jor El) and Susannah York (Lara) and a Kent family picture featuring Glen Ford (Jonathan Kent). While the film looks different from the previous films, it is clearly a sequel to the first two SUPERMAN movies. When asked if this was “Superman III,” the director thought -- for a time -- and said “Yeah, basically.” The preview included a few good shots of Routh as Superman, but more of him as Clark Kent. And the “love triangle” subplot was displayed between Lois, Richard White (James Marsden), and Superman. Example: White asks Lois if she was in love with The S-Man. “Everyone was in love with him,” she replies. “Were YOU,” he responds. Another thing that struck me is how much different -- so to speak -- Routh looks as Clark as opposed to The Man of Steel. I’d say maybe even a bit more than the difference between Chris Reeve’s Clark and Superman. With that said, it was hard to get a complete gauge on that situation because Clark doesn’t speak that much in the clip I saw. After the preview, Singer went on to ask a few more questions and then said that he wanted to bring on someone who had worked on the film with him. And as expected, Brandon Routh -- looking like he had slimmed down just a bit -- walked out on stage to join Singer. As expected, the crowd went nuts. From that time on, the two tag-teamed -- if you will -- responding to questions from the audience. Brian Singer (right) and Brandon Routh (left) at WONDERCON (Picture by Bill Ramey) Both were asked about how Lois would be portrayed in SUPERMAN RETURNS. Singer informed us that “Lois has achieved things…she’s up for a Pulitzer.” And he added that “she’s will be as feisty as always.” Singer continued mentioning that [Lois’ rejection/having moved on with her life] is about the only thing that can hurt him [Superman] besides Kryptonite. Routh added that this situation with Lois is about the only un-moveable obstacle for him -- or something like that. Let me be nice here: A few less than smart (AKA "LTSQ") questions were abound, such as (yet again) why was the “S” so small? Singer’s first remark was along the lines “This is just like San Diego again.” But the director was courteous and explained that they did try different size S-logos, but the one that the ultimately chose looked the best on Brandon. He also added that it is a raised logo to reflect its Kryptonian origin. LTSQ #2 was about the size of Brandon’s cod piece. Really, who gives a damn. But I digress. Routh sort of laughed it off and said basically it was like one a baseball catcher would wear, just made of softer material “…because I’m not supposed to be hit there.” He also joked that it was better to be criticized for it being too big than the other way around! LTSQ #3 involved Brandon being asked about the so called “Superman Curse.” Basically, Routh blew it off and made the very smart point that if one worried about doing things and not doing them because of something bad had happened to someone else, then no one would ever do anything or take any risks. Well said there Routh! Routh was asked about getting the role when some bigger, more high profile “names” had been mentioned for it at one time. Brandon said he had a great sense of pride being “Superman” and was quite honored. Singer chimed in and said that there is a lot of baggage that comes with casting a well known actor for part such as this one (Superman). An unknown can simply “Be” the character (*cough* Casting The Joker *cough*). Singer was asked about potential sequels and said that he “…has a few ideas. But I had ideas for X-MEN 3 too!” As with Christian Bale in the great BATMAN BEGINS, Brandon Routh is playing three characters: Superman, Clark at the Daily Planet, and Clark at the Kent farm. Interesting. So why was Superman gone for so long the guys were asked. Routh said that sometimes people just need to get away to find themselves and Superman is no different than anyone else. “There are things about himself that he didn't know and could only find out by leaving,” the actor said. According to both Routh and Singer, Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor is much darker and more sinister than the one we saw portrayed by the great Gene Hackman. Although he will retain a bit of the humor we’re used to from SUPERMAN I and II. Singer explained that the reason for Lex’s darker nature is the fact that he’s been in prison for a good amount of time. Also, it seems that Lex and Superman do not have much time on screen together, with most of their interaction occurring during the film’s climax. As things came to an end, Routh was asked what was the best thing about being “Superman.” “Having kids recognize me…big kids too,” which this author found quite hilarious. Brandon also mentioned he enjoyed portraying such an important and iconic character. One got the sense that he feels as if it is his turn to carry the torch -- the one that has been passed down from Kirk Alyn, to George Reeves, to Christopher Reeve, to Dean Cain, to Tom Welling, and now to Brandon Routh. “Superman is a lot of things,” said Singer. “From the comic books, to the Fleisher cartoons, to the George Reeves show, and SMALLVILLE.” Brian hopes that SUPERMAN RETURNS captures the essence, the great spirit of the iconic The Man of Steel. And judging by what I saw today, I think they just may have done that. NEXT: Brandon and Brian "Meet The Press" "Jett" is the creator and Editor-in-Chief of BATMAN ON FILM, BATMAN IN COMICS, and ON-FILM.NET © Warner Bros. Pictures