One Hero Rises-Another Hero Falls?

On the Variety blog, columnist Anne Thompson talks about a meeting that she had with "The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan over the holidays where he revealed that the studio is so happy with the forthcoming sequel that the suits are doing all they can, to ensure his return for a third Batman flick.

Nolan calls TDK a "character-driven PG...that way The Joker has to be really scary without resorting to real violence." Nolan also confirms that district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is also a key player in the new movie.



Meanwhile, the news may not so good for Superman: Man of Steel.

The post states that it is "highly unlikely" that Bryan Singer will return to shoot the next "Superman" movie.

Despite the fact that the "Superman" sequel is still officially on track for June 2009, it seems that Warners still has its priority set on its "Justice League" movie which will likely not until after the strike is resolved.

Thus the fate of a "Superman" sequel remains in question. Singer's schedule is rather crowded for the immediate future so his removal from the project may free it up for someone to move in quickly with their own take. Unfortunately a script doesn't exist either, original 'Returns' writers Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris have already confirmed their exit and no replacements have yet been named.

Despite contracts in place for two further films with many of the 'Returns' cast, the disappointing box-office and mixed reaction to the film may have lead to the studio to rethinking a direct sequel - and they may use whoever they cast as Superman in 'League' to portray the Man of Steel in the next one.

If the writers strike drags on the 'League' movie would likely be delayed With a third "Batman" more of a priority than a 'Returns' sequel , it would take a Summer 2011 release date. That means a Superman solo movie could be as halted until 2012.

Brandon Routh as Supes is not the problem. If Singer leaves the franchise--I fear that we'll have to wait longer than 4 years for the next one...As a fan of the big guy...I'm kinda bummed by the report..