Zack Snyder Will Direct Superman/Batman Movie Inspired By Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns'
OK, here's the official word about the future of the DC Universe on screen via Warner Bros. Or the official suggestion. Zack Snyder took the stage at the end of the DC panel, gesturing that moderator Chris Hardwick should move aside. Snyder said, "I'm gonna take the lectern from you, because some s***'s going to happen up here."
Snyder continued:
It's official that we are going to make another Superman movie. And you say, Zack, what is the movie about? But you don't want me to tell you that. You want to go and see the movie. But I can say that maybe there's a single element that will be in the film that I could... help you out with. I was thinking about how to do that. I pored through the DC Universe to look for a way to tell this thing. We're writing the thing now, but I came across a thing I found that'll help you understand it.
And then Harry Lennix read this line, from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns: "I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember your hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you." That's Batman speaking to Superman from the end of Miller's story, and that quote blew the roof off Hall H.
Lest there be any confusion, this film is not an adaptation of Miller's story. Snyder explicitly said "we're not adapting this thing, but it is the thing that will help us tell that story." So while the logo he showed on screen, pictured above, uses the bat logo design from Miller's work, this won't quite be a direct adaptation. The thing to take away is likely that there will be a conflict between Batman and Superman, and that it might not end well for Supes.
No title was announced, and no actors were mentioned. Snyder did say that this is effectively the sequel to Man of Steel, and a press release confirms Henry Cavill as Superman as well as the returns of Laurence Fishburne, Amy Adams, and Diane Lane. No actor for Batman was suggested in any way.
Here's the press release from WB:
NEXT DC SUPER HERO MOVIE IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film
BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of "Man of Steel," director Zack Snyderis bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.The current hit, "Man of Steel," has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcomingfilm brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date inSummer 2015.Silverman stated, "Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he's a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way." Kroll added, "We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of 'Man of Steel' is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us."