With the recent news straight from Brandon Routh himself that he has no contract for another Superman film and no idea what is going on with the franchise, we can officially declare Singerman is dead. Not in a coma, not on life support, but flatlined....dead.
Not that we, the realist fans, didn't already know this. I mean Emi and I have been saying it for over 2 years now. So, where does that leave us on the Save Superman Campaign checklist:
1. Robinov needs to announce a reboot - check
2. Singer needs to admit he has no contract for a second Superman film - check
3. Routh needs to admit he has no contract for second Superman film - check
Well I think that about does it. Any comments from the apologists who float in and out?
Now for the new checklist....
Suggestions??
Here's a thought: one good part about having a website forum vs. an open blog was the ability to ban tools like TMTroll.
ReplyDeleteFor when wb does get superman back on the plate. I do hope they find the best suited people to take over the reigns. We need someone who can take the various source materials, and past incarnations of the character and find the right balance of what the fans enjoyed out of each of those takes. Make a new composited version of the character and find the best villains, actors and market it the best it can. I do hope they can get things going in the near future. But with all the problems they have between the execs in charge i still believe its likely going to be another long wait. Hopefully they can do it within 5-7 yrs and not take over 10+ yrs.
ReplyDeleteMy primary Checklist:
ReplyDelete- An overall GOOD Superman story
- Tom Welling
nuff said
My checklist
ReplyDelete1. Director
2. Writers
3. Actors
All have to respect the source material and also inject some fresh ideas.
Who died and made TMW Man God?
ReplyDeleteWhat a bore
"Being Superman is a superpower in itself." TMW Man
ReplyDeleteDo you have to study to become that pretentious?
Just when you think it's safe to come back to the blog...
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try this one final time....
ReplyDeleteTMW Man, I've tried explaining numerous times in the past that you are living in a fantasy land. We know what you think about Superman. We know your opinion on what WB should do. You've told us a million times. But what you continue to not see is nobody feels the same way as you do. By making your repeated assumptions and statements, telling us we're all wrong and living in the past, and how the DCU and all it contains should be ignored for the film, you are alienating people and causing even more disdain and anger than Singer and Routh have. Let it go.
The majority of fans want to see the stories they read come to life FROM THE PAGE. They want to see Darkseid, Doomsday, Metallo, Brainiac, Parasite, Bizarro, Lobo, etc. The majority of fans would love to see the JLA together just as they are gearing up for Avengers and helped Fox make a fortune with X-Men even though it was a mediocre franchise at best. It made tons of cash.
You need to understand that no matter how much it pains you, the majority of people want more action and less story. Look at Transformers. Bad story, poor writing, big plot holes, TONS of explosives, and is only $100mil away from the first film's worldwide box office total after just 12 days. Superman is an ACTION hero. His powers means he needs to be fighting enemies and beings that no one on Earth could fight. Superman will only succeed with today's generation if it is an explosive CGI heavy film that just doesn't slow down from beginning to end. That's just how it is.
Now deal with it and please move on....
Good grief. It's like listening to a sermon from some sort of Evangelist Preacher!
ReplyDelete"PLEASE spare this website the NON-suggestions, you know, the dead-in-the-water stuff that’s never going to happen.
ReplyDelete1. SMALLVILLE going to the big screen after a 9-year TV run to minimum ratings on a minor league cable channel. Yeah, we know you love it, but like the other TV shows that interpreted the Man of Steel with much better success, it’s time to move past both the series and its Clark Kent." TMW Preacher Man
Talk about blinkered. You'd have to say there is interest in Welling becoming Superman in some way. You're blind to the obvious fact that he actually hasn't played "Superman" as yet. And what other TV incarnation ran for 9 years and counting? You might also be interested to learn that Smallville is STILL a big seller on DVD and that it is STILL one of the 10 most downloaded shows annually.
TMW Man, you talk some absolute drivel and your theories are full of holes. Stick to playing with your toys junior
"Yes, Superman is indeed an ACTION hero! But what action has anybody seen on the screen for the last 30 years?" TMWPreacher Man
ReplyDeleteOh....no shit Sherlock!
That's what everyone's complaining about, you genius. Your ideas about Superman would keep people out of cinemas like Singerman did.
Ryan, TWM Tool is a troll. Back when this place was a web forum, he came on here talking up Smallville as an example of what to do in order to give the character an arc, blah blah blah.
ReplyDeleteNow that everyone's excited about the possibility of a Smallville movie (of some kind) he's back to tell us we're wrong again, Superman needs to grow with the times, blah blah blah.
He talks a lot and says jackshit.
Oh boy........
ReplyDeleteActually, we'll have a new Batman by then as Bale no longer wants to play the character. Nolan jumped ship and the only reason Bale will be in a third Batman film is contractual obligations. That is IF they make a third without Nolan.
ReplyDeleteBut much like how Star Trek transitioned from tv to big screen upon its cancelation, it seems more and more likely that Smallville will do the same. Much to your dismay of course.
TMW Man...
ReplyDeleteYou're not hearing me. WB does see Smallville as a viable possibility for a film franchise. It's not fantasy. It's reality. Whether you or I like it is completely irrelevant.
It has maintained the #1 spot on CW for 8 years. It has amazingly high dvd sales considering it's age. WB has looked at all options. I've got pretty good sources that say a Smallville movie is a front runner in having a Superman film franchise. That's not to say it will absolutely happen, but YOU are the one who is having trouble grasping reality and facts. Not any of us. Starting something new with something already working is stupid. Jump out of 1938 and into 2009 where money rules the world.
If Steve is right, the SV option is on the table and apparently your opinion doesn't count for shit.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wouldn't have it any other way.
TMW Man said "You, nor anyone else on any other website, have never offered even vague rumors of a SUPERMAN movie based on SMALLVILLE."
ReplyDeleteHave you not been reading recent reports? Did you miss the cell phone photo of the Smallville (Metropolis) poster being set up for SDCC that disappeared very rapidly? Reaction at SDCC is what WB will be looking at as well as ratings in it's new time slot on Friday nights. WB gave up on a "new" Superman. They stopped hearing pitches. They stopped looking for writers. If Smallville doesn't go big screen, it will be 5 to 10 years before we get another film and it will be made by someone other than WB.
And just because anyone is able to post, doesn't mean I can't delete posts if people start fighting.
ReplyDeleteI really hope the Smallville movie happens. :D
ReplyDelete"Have you not been reading recent reports? Did you miss the cell phone photo of the Smallville (Metropolis) poster being set up for SDCC that disappeared very rapidly?"
ReplyDeleteI sure did! Cripes, tell me more. Where was the pic posted?
My own reservations about this bad boy are starting to evaporate!
Actually, it would not just be ratings that they would look at. IF they do the TV movie they would then immediately put it on DVD, like Battlestar Galactica has done. If the DVD sales and rentals figures are really good, beyond what normal TV movie DVD sales are usually, then it would show them that there is a desire to see this on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteMy only problem with Smallville transitioning to the big screen is Erica Durance. While she is pretty, I'm not a fan of her Lois Lane. I think they would have to upgrade the actress. I'm not sure if Erica could carry the role in a big budget film.
"A reboot means going back to the very beginning when Superman appeared and astonished the world.
ReplyDeletePlease understand that I believe that in the 21st Century, Superman must do so yet again."
Wow. Welcome to Non Sequiturville, population: you.
You bitch and moan about this segment of the fanbase or that one, you whine and cry that Superman should be brought into the 21st century and your best idea for that is by... going back to 1938?!
Ah yes, but you're not just any Golden Age fanboy. No no, your big contribution to the mythos is making Superman into an absolute freaking idiot. In your little La-La Land, Superman, y'know the guy with SUPER HEARING, doesn't realize the entire world knows he's Clark Kent.
I can just imagine your Stupidman foiling a bank robbery. The crooks all take turns shushing each other when they're about to slip and call him Clark. "Hey, robbing banks is fine and dandy. But telling that idiot we know his secret identity? That's just WRONG."
You just gotta love TMW's Metropolis, home of the kindest, most warmhearted criminals in the entire world. They may steal purses from old ladies but they're not about to hurt Stupidman's feelings. Cuz, y'know, that'd just be poor taste.
We could all say the same thing to you. Get over yourself. You made your point months ago. Nobody cares about your ideas and nobody likes them. Go somewhere else and pettle your fan fiction.
ReplyDeleteSeriously Steve, enough of this guy. He's a troll and you are allowing him to keep posting. I know it drives up your hit count, but is it worth it?
And Byrne is the one who has a better grasp on things.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is Kryptonian, but he was raised as Clark Kent from Kansas. He chooses to become Superman. That is his disguise.
Also, you have the major problem of taking the term "reboot" too literally. Robinov said "reintroduce" not "reinvent". Huge difference there.
Myself and just about every other person with contacts in Hollywood will tell you that WB is NOT going to go against the clear majority of fans a second time. You, I'm sure, will ultimately end up unhappy when the new film is announced because it will be nothing like what believe it should be and will have so many of the elements you "preach" against.
TMW Man...
ReplyDeleteI've tried over and over to tell you that you are wrong and have no clue what WB is thinking or wanting. I've spoken to people at WB. Repeatedly to the point they have gotten annoyed at me more than once.
So with this, I say goodbye. I'm done and so is everone else.
Steve
ReplyDeleteI know this must have been hard but you did the right thing. He was annoying everyone here and he would not listen to reason.
Warner Bros. and DC Comics Win Superman Case
ReplyDeleteSource:Variety July 8, 2009
Variety reports that Warner Bros. and DC Comics have won a favorable ruling in the suit filed by the heirs of "Superman" co-creator Jerome Siegel. Here are some excerpts from the ruling:
In a decision announced Wednesday, U.S. Judge District Court Judge Stephen G. Larson found that the license fees the studio paid to corporate sibling DC Comics didn't represent "sweetheart" deals as they weren't below fair market value. That means the heirs will be able seek profits only from DC Comics -- which earned $13.6 million from Warner Bros. for the 2006 release of "Superman Returns" -- rather than from Warner Bros. as well.
The judge, who conducted a 10-day bench trial, also noted that Warner Bros. chairman Alan Horn had testified that he hopes to make another "Superman" movie but added that the property wasn't under development at the studio, that no script had been written and that the earliest another "Superman" pic could be released would be in 2012.
Toberoff also asserted in a written statement that the Siegel heirs and the heirs of co-creator Joe Shuster will own the entire Superman copyright in 2013.
"The Court pointedly ruled that if Warner Bros. does not start production on another Superman film by 2011, the Siegels will be able to sue to recover their damages," Toberoff added.
I say do the TV or dtdvd movie on Christmas 2010 and then start production on a theatrical movie in 2011. All with Tom Welling as Superman. They will have to finally understand this is the only way to compete with Marvel and do a great and lucrative movie. Give us a Superman we can believe in !
ReplyDeleteSince the court ruling I would guess the WB will be wiping their coporate hands of anything Superman...
ReplyDelete"Since the court ruling I would guess the WB will be wiping their coporate hands of anything Superman..."
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean? If anything, I would think this offers the perfect excuse for a SV movie (TV movie or whatever else).
Ausiello Has said his sources at WB deny Metropolis and say it's the work of a drunk fan. But he does say the S symbol will be all over season 9 including on Clark's chest. Is still think the movie will happen but the news about the symbol on the show are great.
ReplyDeleteI was reading about the court ruling earlier. I am a it confused over all the details over the court ruling. From what i was reading it looks like only dc comics has to pay off the siegels since they gained 50% rights on the character. The other point is wb has to get a superman film project moving by 2011(in full production?). Then the other point it said come 2013 dc looses rights to the heirs? Where does to all take the character of superman? I dont know. I do hope if the heirs do take full rights they just dont shelf it and you know bank off the license of the name/symbol/etc.......
ReplyDeleteBecause it does seem like they have just been after the money the creators should have gotten over the years off the character. We dont know what they feel about the character/ and us fans of the superman characters.
As for the whole film development, i hope they just dont go off to singer again and let him go again just so they can get a project moving instead of trying to start from the bottom up again. I could see they would go to singer and maybe that is maybe resign routh if they cant get something going in a short time. I dont want to see that happen.
I rather they try their best to start over and get the right people on board to the project. But then if dc is losing the rights to the character come 2013 what does it mean for wb doing future solo/wf/jl projects if they can get another film going into production in 2011?
From my post on July 6...
ReplyDelete"WB gave up on a "new" Superman. They stopped hearing pitches. They stopped looking for writers. If Smallville doesn't go big screen, it will be 5 to 10 years before we get another film and it will be made by someone other than WB."
Now from Variety on July 8...
"The judge, who conducted a 10-day bench trial, also noted that Warner Bros. chairman Alan Horn had testified that he hopes to make another "Superman" movie but added that the property wasn't under development at the studio, that no script had been written and that the earliest another "Superman" pic could be released would be in 2012."
Notice...NOT under development. I guess that was another case of my crystal ball that Showtime and Terminal think I have rather than sources.
For anyone who wants to read the court documents, here you go. Its about 30 pages I think.
ReplyDeleteCourt Documents - Siegel
Steve, do you think by what Ausiello has said that Clark is gonna wear the suit on season 9 or will it just be the symbol on his blue shirt ? And anything new on the Metroppolis film ?
ReplyDeleteI think we are gonna find out the answer at SDCC and will teased all season long to keep the viewer count high. That's my prediction.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Metropolis movie, I am told by many people the end of Smallville will be a two hour movie. If it is in fact titled Metropolis as the leaked photo suggested, then we will also know that at SDCC.
I think if they took a good hard look at Smallville as a whole, then stepped back and condensed that into a two-to-two-and-a-half-hour movie, you would have the most kickass Superman movie ever. Cut out Smallville's filler, hit the high points of its mythos, bring back Rosenbaum, and get Welling some method acting lessons... and you'd make $500 million easy.
ReplyDeletehi steve do you think they will put tom welling in the cape or they will go back to batman VS Superman Movie or Justice League film?! i hope so!!
ReplyDeleteWell i got a few questions i wonder about. First we heard all these years about the siegels and somewhat were they feel about superman/wb/dc comics, where does the heir(s) of shuster feel about the character/wb/dc comics? Second even if and that is a big if wb could get a new superman film going by their 2011 deadline what would be the point in doing a new movie if the heirs do have full rights on the license over wb/dc and they dont let dc/wb continue to use the character via licensing it out?
ReplyDeletePersonally it would be nice if things can work out between the heir's and wb/dc comics to leave the 70+ history of superman intact. I would think wouldnt it be a smarter move to leave the character intact where it makes alot of money, and then just charge wb-dc comics a huge fee to retain using it?
i really think the wisest thing to do if Wb isnt stupid! ( who am i kidding?) is for Wb to go back to the Justice league and batman vs Superman scripts and cast tom welling in Both! and make himcameo in Green lantern! those scripts were great! give em a littl polish! and MKAE THEM WB! GET OFF YOUR ASSES!!
ReplyDeleteSteve, you know anything about that Clark Kent cameo in the GL movie? Will there still be a cameo, or will they just mention him and not actually show him?
ReplyDeleteI was absolutely thrilled to hear that Routh's contract expired and that we're finally rid of him from anything superman related. I know the apologists probably spent the better part of that day crying, but that's what happens when they spent to much time in fantasy land and refuse to face reality. I don't know what else to say other than... it was inevitable.
Also I really would like the producers (of any future Superman project) to get rid of the singerman costume....Man I saw the Japanese toyota print ad with Matthew Bomer and that costume is just hideous...If welling wears the costume I hope its the classic suit
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSuperman1938, I think that's a request we're all gonna be granted. Who ever ends up making this new movie is pretty much going to do the complete opposite of what Singer did in his little crappy movie.
ReplyDeleteNo Reeve clone cast as superman.
No crappy ass suit with tiny little S's everywhere.
No lack of action.
Oh and maybe this time get someone that can act, and that actually looks big and powerful instead of weak and skinny.
Believe me, I F'in hate that suit heart and soul, but it wasn't entirely it's fault that it looked as bad as it did. A LOT of the blame goes to that horrific body type Routh has.
If I was to make a drawing of of Welling in that suit using his powerful body type, it would look better, because he can actually fill it out better than Routh can ever hope to do.
Not that I'm making excuses for the suit or anything, I've spent years sharing my disgust for it to anyone that would listen.
In my opinion, Brandon Routh was the only decent thing about Superman Returns. Were it up to me, I'd fire everyone else related to that flick and keep Routh, then start again.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why there's such vitriol directed at him, because he did a fine job as both Clark and Superman. The comments about his body type seem especially bizarre, since his physique was similar to Reeve's with a bit more definition. Perhaps it was the awful suit they stuck him in.
I'm also interested in what this TMW person has been saying, because the quotes others attribute to him don't come across as completely crazy as he's been characterized. From what little I can see here, it looks like that person has a different take on Superman than the group does. Of course, not being able to see his comments means I can't judge his overall attitude (i.e. if he was combative or insulting), but the slivers which are preserved don't seem totally out of line to me.
Routh is boring and utterly unconvincing in the role.
ReplyDeleteAnd, honestly, I'm sick of people saying "he would've done a better job if he had a better script/director/massuese" whatever. No. He wouldn't. STM had problems. Donner's tone was a little confused at times. He seemed to shoot for serious drama in every scene up through Superman's quick flight through the Fortress. But after that, the goofy stuff barely lets up.
Margot Kidder is uninspiring as Lois. She just didn't hit the right notes in terms of the character's appearance and attitude.
McClure is a serviceable Jimmy but you'll never convince me that there's not a better choice out there.
STM's pacing is a bit uneven. It feels like the third act is broken up into two sections (the break point being Superman's visit to Lois' apartment) rather than being a cohesive act which is itself part of a cohesive whole.
But ya know what? People don't harp too much on those things because Reeve *OWNS* the role. He's funny as Clark and heroic as Superman. He plays his Superman material with a bit of a wry sense of humor while also selling the audience on how dead serious he is about it.
In short, Reeve rose above the material. Granted, the raw ingredients of STM are a helluva lot better and more refined than the raw ingredients of Singerman but the fact remains. If Reeve hadn't brought home the bacon, STM would've been a catastrophe. But Reeve did a phenomenal job and thus the movie is very well regard.
BJ The Bartender was in a similar situation with Singerman. Sure, just about every decision Bryan Singer made with the film was for the worst but Bartender Boy could've captivated audiences with his performance and charisma... if he was capable of delivering such things.
What we learned from Singerman is that he can't. Whatever Routh's strengths as an actor may be (and I have no clue what they might be), they clearly do not lie with the type of charismatic, heroic acting that has been a hallmark of Superman in live action since at least the George Reeves days. Routh is no Chris Reeve. He sure as hell is no George Reeves. Crap, he's not even DEAN CAIN!
As to TMW Tool, he'd been posting crap for months on this site back when it had a forum. Then he got banned... which was null and void when this joint became an open blog. He went right back to shooting his mouth off about how clueless we all are, how we don't understand what it takes to bring the character into the 21st century, how ridiculous/small/penny ante/forgotten/whatever Smallville is, blah blah blah. It got old. Steve did something and the jerk doesn't post here anymore.
I say don't let the door hit you on the way out.
"In my opinion, Brandon Routh was the only decent thing about Superman Returns. Were it up to me, I'd fire everyone else related to that flick and keep Routh, then start again."
ReplyDeleteSo, you enter a place called "Savesuperman", a site dedicated to getting rid of Routh among other things and you start talking about bringing ROUTH back?? What the effin' hell??
Either you're completely clueless, which is a trait often associated with apologists, or you're one of the members of other sites such as SHH or bluetights, cowardly posting under a different user-name just to stir up trouble. The latter would be my guess, because no one, and I do mean no one other than a true apologist would enter this particular thread in which the opening posts clearly says "Death Of Singerman" and yes that includes the removal of Routhie boy as superman, and start talking about bringing Routh back without looking to start something with members who outright despise the idea of him returning.
So again, what the effin' hell?? What the hell did you hope to acheive here?
Oh and dude, comparing Routh to Reeve, be it physically or otherwise is a insult of the highest kind. Reeve was a man, Routh is a boy.
And as far as your little comment about the physiques being similar? HA, Reeve never,ever had the frame of a boy or have womanly hips like Routh does. Reeve looked better without the slightest bit of padding than Routhie boy did with a suit full of padding, and if you don't remember the parts that were padded, let me remind you: Shoulders( as if anyone couldn't tell, pfft) ribcage, forearms, lats and legs.
And he still ends up looking bad.
And as far as your little comment about him being the only decent thing about SR? That's like saying the movie is shit and Routh is just slightly above that. Not much of a compliment, nor a good argument to why he should ever return.
I have nothing personal against the guy, nor do I wish him ill, and ALL the best to him in what ever he does, but Superman...he is not. And I'm glad as hell he's gone. Time for them to actually get someone that can look and ACT like superman,and not do a Reeve impression, and by the looks of it, that's just what they're doing.
Preach on guys!!
ReplyDeleteSo Steve, do you know if anything was pitched to WB that both Alan Horn and Jeff Robinov liked? If so, do you think they were just waiting to see what happened at the court ruling? Do you think we'll get some answeres on what WB decides to do at Comic Con?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking this when i posted a few days ago. If wb/dc were to lose the rights in 2013 with the whole shuster's heir going for the other half of the rights and if they get it. What would be the point for wb to even try to do another movie by their 2011 deadline if they wouldnt be able to get a deal with the families to continue using the character. Since if they did a film in 2011 they wouldnt be able to do any more.
ReplyDeleteI do hope wb/dc dont loose the rights. Though i agree the families as i said before they should get some more money the creators never got when they were alive and all that. But i would think as i said it would be smarter to let wb/dc continue to use the character and just charge them a huge fee to use the character.
I do hope we do get to have another superman film in next few years, hopefully this time wb/dc get it right and hire better actors, the right writers, and right director on board. I want to see a more modern take on the character like corp/poltical lex, new take on the whole clark kent/superman persona and who is the mask and who is the real identity. I said this before and hopefully we can see it happen.
Yeah, but I think that if WB doesn't make that deadline, the families won't want WB having the rights at all because they won't trust WB to make Superman film, especially when they're given a deadline that is reasonable and fair.
ReplyDeletePlus, I don't think WB wants Superman Returns to be the last Superman movie that they made.
ReplyDeleteNothing they heard made them jump and right now they are not hearing any further pitches or ideas. Nor are they seeking writers. Superman has removed from the "in development" list. This isn't speculation. It's fact straight from Alan Horn.
ReplyDeleteYea this is a tough spot they are in. At times i wonder why is superman such a hard character to peg down for live action form. Get some solid writers on board, talk with current/past superman comic writers to get certain details set, get a director that understands who and what the character is, and then like i said before take the best elements that made the character work through all the eras of the character and find a way to balance them all together.
ReplyDeletei do hope they can get a movie, and dont lose the rights. But with the track record that lawyer has it doesnt really look good for wb/dc comics. But we wont know to 2013 when the other heir can go to court how the judge will rule in favor for.
But do you guys think WB will at least try to have a movie out in 2012? I'm sure this court ruling will help motivate them.
ReplyDeleteThey will probably try. But like i said what would be the real point in doing a film if they dont get to still use the rights come 2013. any films after a 2011/2013 date could not happen. Though i would like i said hate for them to just put out some rushed project, or let singer go again just for the hell of it.
ReplyDeleteTrue, but I think the point would be that Superman Returns wouldn't be their last Superman film, lol. And wouldn't the families let WB keep the film rights if they actually get another film out by 2012?
ReplyDeleteSuperman has removed from the "in development" list. This isn't speculation. It's fact straight from Alan Horn.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think this means? Does it mean that they already have something they are going with, or have they given up entirely?
If they had something they were doing it would be "in development". They have nothing outside of Smallville.
ReplyDeleteIt really does suck that they just cant come up with something. To bad there is all the conflicts between everyone invovled on where/what they wanted to do. I do hope SR doesnt end up being the last live action superman film, if wb/dc are to loose the rights and/or cant make a new deal with the families if it comes to that. But we wont know for sure to 2013.
ReplyDelete"It really does suck that they just cant come up with something."
ReplyDeleteThere's a bit more to it than just "coming up" with something. They don't have a vault of Superman scripts into which they can reach any time they feel like making a Superman film.
Even if they did, they don't have a vault of directors into which they can reach any time they feel like making a Superman film.
Even if they did, casting for the film will be a time-consuming challenge since the director and WB would probably want to jettison the Singerman cast in favor of others. For some roles (Jimmy), casting would be relatively easy. For others (Superman, Lois, et al), it would be a lot more challenging. They won't have an easy time with casting.
Even if they did, the shareholders might have something to say about making yet another costly Superman film with nothing to show for it (as we can't expect investors to understand or care about the differences between Singerman and a REAL Superman film).
Hey Colors, give me a shout, can't find your email?
ReplyDeletephil@graphicimagination.net
wow wtf? quentin Tarantino is going to write a 20 page Review about his passionate love for Superman Returns! WTF? its 3 years too late for him!lol http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/05/03/quentin-tarantino-calls-inglourious-basterds-a-masterpiece-writing-epic-review-of-superman-returns/
ReplyDeleteAbout a month late clarklois1. ;)
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know anything about the suposed smallville movie? and if welling will wear the costume????
ReplyDeleteRead the news articles and comments. Steve discusses both in detail.
ReplyDeleteuh duh!ive read all that its been too silent! i want some new info the subject!
ReplyDeletewe probably wont know for sure to the smallville comic con panel coming up soon.
ReplyDelete"uh duh!ive read all that its been too silent! i want some new info the subject!"
ReplyDeleteIs it really that obvious that we all have access to info we're deliberately trying to hide from you?
Oh wait, we don't know anything else, my bad...
I'll give you a new mission Steve. Apparently, Tom is now being rumored to be at ComiCon. IF this is true, and that's a big IF. It lends validity to the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT rumors that are floating.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can see if your source has heard anything about this one.
Man that would be sweet if tom is showing up our atless do a pre taped message for the fans at the panel. And i agree wrighty if he is there it could be for a big reason.
ReplyDeleteAlso i was just over at slash film and they had an article about that whole mark millar stuff that was ongoing for awhile, and they say Matthew Vaughn was the director mark was planning on working with. Would have been interesting if they did pick his idea, but we know they dont know what they want to do with supes at this time.
Hey guys i was just wondering if you all saw this article:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i7c23ccda60974aa212e4b64a53d2e876
I couldnt post the article fully it said to long.
Welling IS rumored to be at SDCC but he was also rumored last year and so on. It's an annual theme that has started to be treated as "the source who cried wolf". This year, however, many believe it is true simply based on the series coming to an end. I'm good at digging up info, but I'm afraid 100% confirmation on this one might just be out of my reach.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know you can't be 100%, I was just hoping you could find out what you could. The poster that started this, is known to be a part of ED's camp and does post legitimate spoilers. She mentioned, very offhandedly, that Tom would be there. The only reason I think she may be telling the truth, as far as she knows it, is because of her closeness to ED.
ReplyDeleteI'll believe it when I see it, though, it would certainly back up the claims that a major announcement is coming. I'll guess we'll know by this time next week anyway..lol
We'll surely know by the end of the week what is going on. I always hear random stuff about him appearing, but I never put much stock into it because he hardly ever shows up. There will be major news coming out of SDCC that will get people buzzing, but I can't say if it has anything to do with Welling or not. I just don't know for sure.
ReplyDeleteYea wasnt the last time he went to any sorta con stuff was back around season 2 or 3? then after that he started to become very private.
ReplyDeleteSo with that article link i posted last night what are all your guys thoughts on that wb/dc news?
Some crazy rumors regarding a leather Superman suit making a debut in the season nine premiere. It's on aintitcool.com on the right side of the page.
ReplyDeleteThe person claims to have seen the suit and says it looks awesome. He also claims that Tom Welling is going to wear the suit during the Smallville conference. Personally I think this rumor will likely be confirmed as fake but interesting none the less.
um dude its been updated and confirmed as real by aintit cool and wb! TOM WELLING IN COSTUME!! YES!!!
ReplyDeleteCould it be the just the prototype for what will later be the Superman suit we know and love ?
ReplyDeleteThis is fake as hell. Why in the world would Tom agree to MODEL the damn thing at a convention? He hasn't been to a convention in years, and has been reluctant to wear the costume on the show. All of a sudden he is going to decide to MODEL the damn thing?
ReplyDeleteChrist, even Brandon didn't do that and they were trying to promote a multi million dollar movie.
Plus, this exact description of the costume matches a fan manip of Tom in a quasi Justice league costume...A poster at the Homepage posted the link to the picture and for some reason it won't allow me to paste it in here..Look for Stifi's post.
This is bullshit. And, this kind of thing has happened to AICN before people.
I assumed that the suit aspect is true and the bits about the episode title and Welling in the costume were simply inaccurate. K-Site posted the 9x01 title ages ago. As for Welling in the outfit, I wouldn't expect some random dude dragged into a room to check out the SV outfit to be up to date on the SDCC intinerary. I figured the more likely thing (given the subject matter) is that the producers will be armed with photos of Welling in the outfit. Whether he shows up or not, I just can't picture him wearing the outfit to the presentation.
ReplyDeleteYea i agree aspects of these reports are true of a possible suit, and welling possibly being at the con if for example that tv movie/season 9 is the end. But i doubt if their is a suit he would actually wear it. As for that title savior/superman the aicn poster probably misheard or wast right on that. Since we know it is savior.
ReplyDeleteWell it looks like the tom being their rumor is pretty much confirmed true, also ksite has nother bit of info.
ReplyDeleteNEWS POSTED JULY 24, 2009
Tom Welling To Appear At Comic-Con Sunday!
Adding fuel to the rumor fires...Warner Brothers has confirmed that Tom Welling will be with the entire rest of the assembled cast at Sunday's Comic-Con Smallville panel. They have also announced that Tom is now a co-executive producer on the show.
Those of you attending Comic-Con might want to show up VERY early on Sunday to ensure that you get a seat!
Actually guys, I was just told I should immediately jump a plane and get to the SDCC. The update says Welling is a last minute addition to the panel, that we will get at least a "peek" at the suit design, and that something else "big" will be announced as well. It goes on to say that he still will not fly until later in the season. Unfortunately, I can't fly so if any of you are there, send me a quick email and I'll give you my cell number so we can post live updates and pictures.
ReplyDeleteyea with welling actually appearing it does give me pull that the whole suit, possibly tv movie thing are all true. I really wished i could go to the con.
ReplyDeleteSunday can't get here soon enough ! I do hope that the prototype suit is confirmed for the beginning of the season and the established classic suit will be used in the end of the series. Most of all I'm hoping that the movie thing is confirmed. Hopefully this will lead to a Tom Welling cameo as Clark in Green Lantern and him being the next big screen Superman. Hopefully Warner Bros. is finally listening to the fans instead of ignoring them with disastrous results.
ReplyDeleteWell, one thing about the rumor is wrong. The first episode of the season is NOT called Superman as someone stated on AICN. It is called Savior. Look for the suit be in line with the members of Smallville's Justice League and not the traditional suit.
ReplyDeletehi save superman so he will not get the cape??
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it will something among the lines of the one in the Superman: Godfall comic book...
ReplyDeletenew news
ReplyDeletehttp://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/07/smallville-season-9-spoilers.html
You never know who you're going to randomly bump into here at Comic-Con. Take last night. I'm innocently munching on a spicy tuna roll at Warner Bros' Asian-themed cocktail reception and who should wander over to say hello but Smallville exec producer Brian Peterson. Good times, right? It gets better. The dude, who's in town for the show's historic Con panel on Sunday, talked my ear off about his blockbuster plans for season 9 and beyond. What follows after the jump are some of the highlights…
* Season 9's theme is "Clark's darkest hour."
* Look for a season-long love triangle with Clark, Lois, and Red-Blue Blur.
* Chloe, still grieving over Jimmy's death, will immerse herself in all things Watchtowerish. Peterson also hinted at some tension for Chlark when she realizes she's no longer content just being his sidekick.
* We'll find out why Clark isn't flying in a scene with him and Jor-El (the returning Terence Stamp) in the season premiere.
* Footage of Brian Austin Green as Metallo will be unveiled at tomorrow's Con panel. As of now, he's on board for two episodes, but Peterson says they're hopeful he'll do more.
* The episode they're currently shooting (either 9.02 or 9.03) focuses on Oliver's downward spiral.
* Battlestar Galactica's Alessandro Juliani will reprise his role as Dr. Emil Hamilton for several episodes this season.
* Story-wise, Peterson is not approaching this season as Smallville's last.
* I saved the best for last: Peterson recently had dinner with Michael Rosenbaum. Interpret as you like.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x522s6_tom-welling-on-last-call-with-carso_shortfilms
ReplyDeleteOld interview...but Tom Welling doesn't dismiss the idea of being Superman
I've told people about that inteview for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Peterson goes, none of what he says is new. With the exception of having dinner with MR.
wow wrighty
ReplyDeleteIt was just info...I knew about the interview but never saw it ..I post it others can view it.
As for the news about season 9 again just passing info.
I know you came a mod at the homopage I mean superman homepage..it doesn't justify dismissing my posts
"With the exception of having dinner with MR."
ReplyDeleteI think this is pretty major. Sounds like the producers are really trying to amp this season up, especially if they are trying to get MR to come back. That's a major assumption on my part, but unless they have a previous relationship, why else would a tv series producer have lunch with a previous co-star. Also, I don't think Welling being given the co-executive producer title is ego driven. If he's not getting much work, maybe he's finally embraced the role as CK/Superman and with the new title maybe taking control of how the character is portrayed. It also seems that the producers/network are trying to give the series every chance to succeed on Friday nights as well.
Superman1938..I wasn't dismissing your post. Didn't mean for it to come off that way. I was basically just talking about the items he spoke about.
ReplyDeleteNo offense was intended.
From Twitter-tweeter "MellowMarketing"
ReplyDelete"Should have checked e-mails earlier. SMALLVILLE PEOPLE! It's ok for me to talk. Look for a lady named Rosie. Brown hair. Larger build."
"Ironically, they found me anyway because there is also a planned movie on the way called "Metropolis" that may be made for TV"
"And there is a script going around. All black cover. Red lettering. "Friend" thought it could be anything. But there is an "S" watermark"
"It also has a "Christmas 2010" date on it? I guess that would make it the date to film."
"And finally: Ask Rosie about Tom Welling wearing the suit tomorrow. Just trust me. This may answer my hopes: more DC hero serials"
" With this announcement, I highly doubt this is the last season. But, I do think there will be signs of a second show building"
I hope WB is noticing the Welling buz..this may be a good thing for any future Superman
ReplyDeleteLet's try this one more time...having issues posting for some reason...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, WB is helping the buzz spread. I got word about an hour ago that WB has several "spies" pretending to be fans at SDCC walking around and talking to people about Smallville, Superman, and Welling. Something huge is in the works that hasn't leaked out yet and I want to know what it is!!
Cool new news, cant wait to see what actually ends up going down tomorrow at their panel.
ReplyDeleteWow, Steve. The way I interpret this is that the WB may be taking one last look at Welling in consideration for big screen superman.
ReplyDeleteThis whole thing is in many ways unfolding the way I've imagined for a long time now.
I don't know if any of you guys watch LOST or not, but it appears that the Universe seems to be course-correcting the mistake from 2006 in which the wrong movie got made with the wrong superman.
Here's hoping that there is something to all of this and Welling does indeed get to be superman in a big budget movie, and not some small tv movie.
And I would appreciate very much if it wasn't the smallville universe that was brought to the big-screen. It has to be a reboot. Just take the best from smallville: Welling and Rosenbaum.
And also, why would the WB help spread the buzz if they're so keen on keeping smallville and Welling separated from the big-screen superman movies as reported earlier, unless they have bigger plans concerning Welling and possibly smallville.
ReplyDeleteSomething big is happening.
Aw man awesome! I REALLY HOPE ITS WAY MORE THAN JUST A TV MOVIE! I WANT SUPERMAN ON THE BIG SCREEN!! with WELLING!!
ReplyDeletearound an hr and 30mins to go to the start of the comic con panel. I hope we get any season 9 footaged screened online like last yrs con, also hopefully the whole costume/dtv thing will be explained true or false.
ReplyDeleteNot related to anything but has the Apologist Puncher completely fallen off the map here or what? You'd think if anybody would be rubbing all this in on the assbag Apologists, it'd be him.
ReplyDeleteI am so psyched I have been waiting impatiently for news on Smallville. I am gonna be sitting here on this site all day long. Waiting for any tidbit. I wish I were there...TW at comic con how lucky those ppl are who are there. I am soooo jealous
ReplyDeleteI hope that some of the rumors are true.
:)
Live Feed is available from Newsarma for those that want to view it just load it turn on sound & wait for the news to pour in
ReplyDeletehttp://www.newsarama.com/tv/090725-sdcc09-smallville.html
Here it is thus far
10:40
Introducing an "exclusive, made for Comic-Con sneak peek" of season nine footage.
10:41
Superman "S" logo kicks off the footage.
10:42
Clark Kent talking to Chloe about having two separate identities, with Lois at the Daily Planet (these are all quick clips).
10:44
Think those were all clips from previous seasons...now clips showcasing Green Arrow, Black Canary, Aquman, Impulse, Cyborg, Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl and the Legion. Chloe talking about the "Watchtower."
10:44
Words on screen: "KNEEL BEFORE ZOD."
10:44
Callum Blue plays Zod this season.
10:45
Clip of Brian Austin Green as John Corben.
10:45
(aka Metallo)
10:46
Ends with shot of Clark in a costume wtih an "S" logo. Looked dark, but it was a dark setting for the scene. Almost looked black with a black coat, and a dark blue Superman "S" shield.
10:47
Now Jeph Loeb is out, reminding the audience of his time writing on seasons 2, 3 and 4. "I am literally shaking," Loeb says, after seeing the footage.
10:47
Showrunners Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson are out. Loeb asking the show's writers to stand up and get recognized.
10:48
"There are some people here I know you want to see," Loeb says. Now bringing out Callum Blue, who plays Zod.
10:50
"Is there someone else coming?" Loeb asks.
10:51
Nearly everyone is standing, cheering loudly for Tom Welling.
10:51
"Did you guys like that trailer?" Welling asks.
10:52
Welling says "I asked how many people were here, they said 5,000." The maximum occupancy, according to a posted sign, if 1,508. Loeb says they're actually 6,000.
10:53
Welling is talking about his new role as a show producer. Souders says he's been a "great addition" to the producing team.
10:54
"What's going on with you and Clark this year," Loeb asks Durance. "I think you guys are going to be pretty excited this year, all of the things you've been waiting for, you'll see a little of that," she replies. "Lois is dealing with being smitten with Superman. It's going to be a really great season, it's going to be really spicy."
10:54
Loeb asks Mack "what's it like being Watchtower?" "I love being in control," Mack says.
10:54
Loeb says to Hartley, "Didn't you throw down your bow?" "I like being told what to do," he says.
10:55
Freeman says her first nine months on the show "went like that."
10:55
Blue says he's having "so much fun" and he "loves playing an evil character."
Man that was great that TW showed up there were sooooo many ppl there I hope that showed them that Smallville is still a force to be reconed with on CW...
ReplyDeleteWhat you all are doing is great. I love Superman and want to see the character developed and treated in the way he desrves to be.
ReplyDeleteUntil the lawsuit is settled, however, I don't think WB is going to move on another Superman project.
Rather than pushing for a reboot over a sequel, neither of which are likely to be madebefore the rights run out, I think fans should be pressuring WB to settle the legal mess. Until its resolved it seems hard to see any real movement on another film.
Steve, I just discovered your blog and am enjoying reading all the earlier posts.
ReplyDeleteYou mention in one that you have a script for a reboot of Superman that you'll send if we send you an e-mail request. I can't find your e-mail on the blog.
Your post about Superman's True Kryptonite is right on. This is about corporate greed and yes, there is greed too on the heirs part. Neither side seems to care they are perhaps permanently destroying this iconic character.
I quibble with the third scenrio a bit. That the lawyers want to get involved in making a Superman film instead of WB and that may be why the family is not settling.
The problem with that is if in the end WB retains the foreign rights, ain't no one gonna be making another Superman film. WB then could block the heirs and their lawyers, backers just as the laywers may be trying to block WB now.
The only way IMO that Superman will be on the screen again and continue is with one side or the other getting the full rights.
Otherwise either side will be able to block each other from doing anything with their rights. Making them worthless. Which is the direction it seems to be heading now.
"The only way IMO that Superman will be on the screen again and continue is with one side or the other getting the full rights."
ReplyDeleteThis here's what I posted somewhere else.
------------
If I were the head guy at WB, I'd play mother-effin' hard ball.
I'd announce a trilogy and then make part 1 into the Superman film fans have always wanted to see but never dared dream of.
Then I'd follow it up with a sequel that makes ESB or Godfather II look like Grease 2. I would insist that movie end in a way that will get people absolutely crapping themselves. Perhaps Lex can kill Lois and then use a device that physically sucks the entire city of Metropolis physically into the Phantom Zone and then destroys the only object capable of bringing it back. Meanwhile, Superman, Jimmy, Perry and Brainiac could be thrown back through time by way of a device onboard Brainiac's skull ship and they land on Krypton where Brainiac reveals that Superman is now face to face with Jor-El and Lara... roll credits.
As for movie #3... jacknothing! I'd let WB lose the character and then I'd let the Siegels figure out how they can hope to finish off the trilogy given that they don't own Lex, the Parasite, Brainiac, Metallo, Jimmy, Perry, the Daily Planet, Bizarro, Krypto, the Fortress of Solitude, Jor-El, Lara, Cat Grant, the word "Smallville", the word "Krypton", Jonathan/John/Eben and Martha/Mary/Sarah Kent, basically everything the Siegels don't own. I'd see to it that the trilogy is completely and utterly dependent upon characters and places the Siegels have no ownership of.
If I so much as glanced a gruff newspaper editor, a redheaded photographer or a bald lead villain in the Siegel movie, I'd drag the Siegels into court so fast they'd never know what hit 'em. I'd slap 'em with every lawsuit a judge will permit. Then, because I'm a sentimentalist deep down inside, I'd slap 'em with a bunch of lawsuits that I know a judge will throw out on principle but which the Siegels still have to respond to in some way or another.
See ya in court, turkeys!
I'd also find a way to make sure that the cast and crew are under contract TO WB only. If that can't be done, maybe I'd sign each of 'em to do only two Superman movies so that if the Siegels want to bring those folks back, they'll have to negotiate totally new deals across the board. Good luck with that, y'all!
The Siegels wouldn't have the mojo to reboot the franchise because audiences will want to know how the trilogy ends. But by that same token, the Siegels also won't be able to end the trilogy because they'll have to pay me a fat freaking licensing fee in order to use all the stuff they don't own.
And ya know what? I just might send 'em a note saying "no thanks, those characters aren't for rent at this time. But good luck in your future endeavors, parasites!
love,
- colors"
Colors,
ReplyDeleteAin't gonna happen. It would have been fun to watch unfold though.
I don't know if the Siegal's plan now is to take the rights and partner with another studio - shutting WB out totally.
If that is the advice someone is giving them they'd best think long and hard.
Never is a long time, but I'd almost go so far as to say they will never be able to put together a Superman film.
The potential lawsuit issue from WB alone will keep any studio from aligning with the heirs to make Superman. No one is going to go near that legal mindfield.
If that isn't enough, the film they'd make would be called Superman but can never be the Superman film fans have been waiting for for decades now. The meat and bones, heart and soul won't be there. No Metrpolis, no kryptonite, no Lex, no last son of Krypton. Their Superman won't be able to fly - on his own anyway.
Like that is not the film audiences are waiting for and other studios know it.
Might WB liscense its substantial rights to the heirs and, say, Marvel Studios. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.
The franchise will be split into multiple pieces still after 2013. Siegal family, Shuster family and whatever the lawyers get. Money will be invovled and those groups will themselves be at each others throats and maybe suing one another.
Did I mention, WB will still owns the foreign rights?
The Siegals can take the rights and walk them to all they studios they want but its going to be a futile effort.
Come 2023, the 10th anniversary of the rights going to the heirs, I bet you their Superman will be in a development hell that will make the 90s Superman development hell pale in comparison.
Colors,
ReplyDeleteWe may be unhappy with how WB treated Superman these years, but people who think the Siegals getting the rights and partnering with another studio may be for the best are kidding themselves IMO.
The only way there will be another Superman film is if WB does it. And that is going to take a lot of doing.
I think part of the push by fans should be letters to WB, the Siegals legal firm, the Siegals - asking all of them to come to a resolution and save Superman from extinction. This icon is too precious to be allowed to disappear from popular culture.
Well the smallville panel was ok, i was reading the live feeds on it. I first hope the season 9 promo leaks online like last year's did. As for news in the season: Their was some sorta of costume, no confirmation/denial of the tv/dtv movie, they hope to go for a 10th season(but we all know it counts on ratings), erica has been signed for 18 episodes, i read an interview callum will be 16 episodes, tom will direct two episodes, allison will direct again, jeff loeb would love to write an episode again if their schedules work out, geoff johns is going to write another episode this time featuring th jsa. Cant wait to see what comes from all this.
ReplyDeleteHere's why no matter who has the rights, the fans will get the shaft....
ReplyDelete1. If the Siegel and Shuster heirs both have the rights back, they will stamp such a high price on licensing that WB will laugh at them.
2. WB/DC will still own not only international distribution rights, but the overall rights to nearly all the supporting characters and villains. Thus, in order for the heirs to create a film that will be accepted by fans, they too would be faced with astronomically high license fees as payback.
In short, both sides will try to fuck the other over and we'll never get anything we want.
The only way we could see the epic film fans deserve would be if a somewhat wealthy Superman fan (or fan with financial backers) licensed the characters from both sides and neither the heirs or WB had any creative control over the film. And don't think I won't try this the morning after we learn what happens with the rights in Oct 2013. You can bet your ass I already have the Siegel's and Shuster's attorney on speed dial...
Steve, its a nice idea but realistically I don't see this sugar daddy coming to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteAs far as WB is concerned I don't see them liscensing their rights to anyone period.
WB has said the Superman franchise is damaged but they feel it is still viable. If they could get the rights (those they lose in 2013) on the cheap I think they'd go for it.
How do they get the rights on the cheap? Basically freeze out the heirs from puttting a movie together for a decade or so. Hoping at that point that one of the families comes to WB asking to make a deal.
The Siegals are going to get a lot less than they think here. Maybe they are stonewalling and will make a deal in 2013 but if they don't and think there are going to take the rights, knock on Marvel's door and have a film out in 5 or so years after they are in for a rude awaking.
I see the whole status of Superman on hold now hold till the early 20s.
Unless a miracle happens and they settle.
I disagree. Here's why...
ReplyDeleteWB right now has Superman grounded solely due to the risk factor after the fans disagreed heavily with the critics and 'Returns' was a box office disappointment. I believe quite strongly that if the right situation arose with zero risk due to a hefty up front fee and maintaining international distribution rights, someone could get the character rights from WB and make a film.
So ultimately you'd have the heirs getting a huge payday from the Superman character rights plus domestic distribution and WB still sending it overseas plus the payday from the characters they still control. The risk would be on the new guy to truly make what the fans want to see or else he would be sleeping under a bridge somewhere in a cardboard box.
-- Steve spake:
ReplyDelete"2. Discussions have been taking place to transition the show into a full blown Superman series as it's been 13 years since we had one and WB wants talk of Welling and the film franchise to die off quietly.
3. The suit was designed and would have been in the final episode if they did not get a 9th season, but Welling apparently now feels it should not be brought into the show yet. This could change if it goes all out Superman.
So says Exec Producer Brian Peterson...."
Now that we've got SDCC behind us, I just thought someone should acknowledge how close this was.
Ya i do wonder how things will go come 2013 when the shuster's heir come into play. Would they i mean both families if it goes to them stop wb/dc from doing any more superman things, will they allow wb/dc to use the character but charge a huge fee, will they take what ever they have included in the rights deal and try and recreate a new Superman.
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to see what happens, i would perfer not for wb/dc to loses the rights, or if they do they can make a deal with the families on licensing the rights. It should be an interesting next few years.
Also on smallville front here is a somewhat blured pic of the outfit clark is wearing in the promo footage: http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/5280/prototypeclark.jpg
SDCC Season 9 Presentation-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj1aPjHYxzA
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI see it differently.
Hidden in the recent court finding - or not paid enough attention to - was the Court, based on the financials they are looking at, calling the franchise damaged. WB could only say they think it is still viable. As in able to make money.
The judge said the value of the film rights is relatively small.
Translated, there is not a lot of money to be made from doing a Superman film.
A third party is going to come along and pay hefty fees to the heirs and WB? Aside from the fact I feel WB is not going to play, its a huge financial risk for anyone and an open question whether a Superman film can make money today. I think it can but they are strong arguments it can't. It could be a Hulk-like franchise now. TIH was much better than the previous film. They tried to do everything right, but it again disappointed at the BO.
We'll just agree to disagree on this.
BTW, can I get your e-mail so I can request a copy of that Supe's script?
Webhead2006, I agree it will be interesting to see what happens to the comic books.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand, comic are loss leaders. With the exception of the biggies like X-Men, Bats and Spiderman, most comic titles make just a little bit of money.
The value of printing comics that break even is the lucrative merchandising they open up. Colletibles, action figures, films, video games and TV.
So if Superman is about breaking even for DC as a comic title and they suddenly have to pay a liscensing fee too, it probably does not make financial sense for DC to contine printing Superman.
The problem for the heirs in trying to create a new character from the portion of the rights they get is that the threat of legal action by DC at any perceived infringement will be there. Given that comics generally break even what comic book company is going to take the risk for a small profit from a "new" Superman comic that could be wiped out by a lawsuit or two from DC?
Problem for both DC and the heirs is that Superman is not currently a popular character. And if he disappears from all media including comics for a number of years after 2013 then his relevance and hold on the popular culture will further erode. You know, outta sight, outta mind.
Hey Colors whats up with the private video :)
ReplyDeleteI cant view it
never mind Colors...
ReplyDeleteYa this whole court thing is such a weird place for dc/wb and the heirs. It does suck it looks like fans are the ones who will loose out. I said it before if the families are just looking for money to compensate from the earnings the creators never fully got through the years. Wouldnt it be better to leave things at wb/dc comics were the full history is in tact, and were all the millions/etc.... made off of comics, cartoons, tv shows, movies, games, and other merch. Then trying to just remake the character from the elements they will have the rights to use, which could go over poorly with fans and it fails?
ReplyDeleteAlso i was wondering currently right now what elments do the siegels own, and which elements does wb/dc comics own?
The Siegals own everything from Action 1 - 6. The name Superman, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, the golden age shield. Interesting they do not own the flying. Their Superman can just leap tall buildings.
ReplyDeleteDC owns most of the rest. Daily Planet, all the villains including Luthor, Krypton, Metropolis, modern 'S' shield and Reeve/Reeves suit, the name Man of Steel, Last Son of Kryton.
A twist is that, even though the heirs own Action 1 - 6 wnich is basically the Superman/Clark/Lois names, they do not own those rights insofar as international film and TV distrubtion rights go. WB owns that. It basically means the heirs film and TV rights are probably worthless for practical purposes.
Building a new character minus the heart and soul which DC owns will be just that - a totally new character. Not recognizable as Superman but for the name.
Well iesb just posted a new rumor reguarding supes. I wonder how this would play out if true. This rumor was brought up before.
ReplyDeletehttp://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7198:iesb-exclusive-superman-rumblings-begin-now&catid=43:exclusive-features&Itemid=73
IESB Exclusive: Superman Rumblings Begin Now!
Written by Robert Sanchez Thursday, 30 July 2009 13:53
A couple of interesting tidbits coming from the Superman camp that I feel I must share with our readers.
Currently, Superman is a hot property over at Warner Bros. Studios, this is known. But how do you move from Bryan Singer's recent attempt at rebooting the character in Superman Returns into something more action packed? Word out of WB is that Singer's film willl simply be seen as a "book-end" to the Richard Donner legacy, to complete the saga. The next films will be a completely new take on the character and the story.
And as everyone knows by now, Bryan Singer is no longer involved in the Superman franchise. Hence, the billion dollar question is...who is?
For the better part of the last month, I've been hearing a few names pop up in regards to who just might be involved in the reboot of the Superman franchise.
And from the recent lawsuit we all know that the new Superman film must be in production by 2011 and IESB has learned that it has indeed been put on the proverbial "fast track". So what names are we hearing?
This past weekend at San Diego Comic Con, I ran into plenty of DC and WB folks who turned pale when I started asking about the man in blue.
There is one thing we know for sure, there is currently a very short list of potential directors to bring Supes back to the big screen.
First are the Wachowski Brothers, yep, Andy and Larry. The other name I am hearing is James McTeigue.
Here's where things get fuzzy, because I am also hearing the Wachowski's may come in to produce with James McTeigue as the actual director.
Part of me wonders why WB would allow the Wachowski's anywhere near Superman after the amount of money they cost the studio after the disaster that was Speed Racer. But, then again, they did make WB plenty of dough on the Matrix trilogy plus Jeff Robinov loves these guys.
To me, it makes more sense to have Andy and Larry Wachowski serve as producers with James McTeigue to direct after the awesomeness that is his film Ninja Assassin because the one absolute mandate WB and DC have for the new Superman film is for it to be action packed, something Superman Returns was sorely lacking. And there is no doubt that the Wachowski's and McTeigue can be relied on for action.
One thing is for sure, Superman is moving faster than a speeding bullet and we can expect some major announcments coming from the Burbank studio in the very near future.
Stay tuned to the IESB as this story develops!