First Look At Ben Affleck's Batman From BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN

Click to Upsize

I'm surprised this is out so early, but hey why not. Take a look at the new image released from director Zach Snyder's twitter account. My first thought is Ben Affleck has beefed up even more for the role though perhaps the suit has made some physical enhancement liberties. Whatever. The suit looks gothic and visceral at the same time - and interesting combination. The top of his nose looks like there are some character lines put in - perhaps in homage to Adam West's mask.

Can't see much of the batmobile, but as standard, it looks badass. The tires look like they are ready to hit the asphalt, no question.

Affleck is joined in the movie by Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor), Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Tao Okamoto and Callan Mulvey

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN is slated for release on May 6, 2016. More info, including a synopsis when we get it.

Batman closeup courtesy of adamhlavac via Collider

UPDATED! Comic-Con 2013: Superman And Batman Face Off In 2015! Flash Is Coming In 2016 And JUSTICE LEAGUE In 2017!!

**UPDATED BELOW!!

Where better to announce comic book super hero movie news? Comic-Con!

Everyone had better start a separate savings account to see all the blockbuster tentpoles that are dropping in 2015. Add WORLD'S FINEST to that list (that's my title guess and I'm sticking to it). Yes, that's right - Superman and Batman in the same movie and soon! Makes for interesting and somewhat legitimate competition for Marvel's THE AVENGERS 2 as well.

No announcements yet on the return of Zach Snyder, David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan - but that should just be a formality. They won't screw this up... they better not screw this up! Don't mess with lightning in a bottle. That goes with 3D as well. DC must match up to Marvel and why they haven't tried to one up them with native 3D productions is beyond me, but at least they are in the game.

But hold on! DC and Warner Bros. didn't stop there. FLASH is coming in 2016 (YESSSS!!) and JUSTICE LEAGUE in 2017. More details to come - but WOW. I'm liking the announcements, the suspected people behind the announcements and the pure excitement of it all.

More when we get it! Man, what great news.

** SAME DAY UPDATE:
Here's the official press release about the Superman - Batman team up movie...

On the heels of the worldwide success of Man of Steel, director Zack Snyder is 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 upcoming film 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 in Summer 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.” Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted,“Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”

Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.Thomas offered, “Whilst our Dark Knight trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.” The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.

MUST WATCH!! 13m Featurette For MAN OF STEEL - Answers Many Questions!! **PLUS 2 New TV Spots AND A Major DC Universe Spoiler!!

es! An amazing 13m behind the scenes AND new clips from MAN OF STEEL in this featurette and we have 2 new TV Spots! Moreover, it answers questions that have been haunting Superman fans since the first trailer was revealed. Questions like how is the origins story being tackled? Why are they making the choices they are making? Why are the underwear outside of Superman's suit gone?

And by the way, even if you don't watch the featurette (and I believe you should), I happen to love their answers!

The spoiler is further down, read it if you dare.

Here is the storyline for the movie:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twenty-something journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

And if you're interested in a major DC Comics universe spoiler that is in MAN OF STEEL, then highlight the white are below this line for the details. WARNING THIS IS A MAJOR SPOILER for the DC universe:

HIGHLIGHT BELOW FOR SPOILER:
Director Zach Snyder revealed on May 31 the following: "The Wayne Enterprises logo is on a satellite that Zod destroys." When asked about whether he'd like to team Superman up with Batman, his reply was: "I don’t know. Everything is interesting at this point. And don’t forget that Lex is out there, doing who knows what…"
END SPOILER








And an added bonus - if you are curious as to how Superman was able to shave (yes, this is a valid question for Superman fans (and a bit funny) - anything about him should be indestructible *on Earth anyway*!) click here to find out!

MAN OF STEEL flies into theaters on June 14. This is going to be a HUGE opening folks, plan for it!!

Spoiler via Collider

WHOA! Must Watch: Last MAN OF STEEL Trailer Drops!!

Wow - very nice. I'm hoping for an excellent 3D conversion here because, let's face it - this is Superman. I'm impressed with how the story is filling in and the how realistic the scenes look. Truly hyped about MAN OF STEEL!

Hear General Zod's (Michael Shannon) ultimatum to Kal-El (Superman)! This is going to be amazing...

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twenty-something journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

MAN OF STEEL opens on June 14.

Check the trailer:

Must Watch: New MAN OF STEEL Trailer!!

Looking good! Enjoy trailer #2 for Zach Snyder's MAN OF STEEL...

From Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures comes MAN OF STEEL, starring Henry Cavill, directed by Zach Snyder. The film also stars Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Henry Lennix, Christopher Meloni and Laurence Fishburne.

http://manofsteel.com
http://www.facebook.com/manofsteel

MAN OF STEEL will be in theaters June 14th, 2013.

MUST SEE: New SUPERMAN Suit Has Cufflinks! Ok, Maybe Not... Great Poster!

MAN OF STEEL is ramping up it's marketing and what better way than to show Superman under duress. Well I suppose the handcuffs could be made of kryptonite - otherwise he is willingly submitting to the uniformed humans (military?) around him. Interesting!

The suit looks great to me and I like the dark seriousness of the poster and the first teaser trailer!

MAN OF STEEL stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Amy Adams and Diane Lane.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

MAN OF STEEL is slated for release on June 14, 2013. Bring on that new trailer!!

MUST WATCH: New Teaser Trailer For MAN OF STEEL!

Warner Bros. has released a new teaser trailer for MAN OF STEEL and it - looks - AMAZING. I saw it last night too pre-rolling in front of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Zach Snyder is directing and we know him to be a very capable helmsman, but throw in Producer Christopher Nolan and it really starts to pick up some unique energy, perhaps like no other movie we've ever seen. Marvel has every right to look over their shoulder at this movie because if it connects like I think it will, then DC and Warner's are on their way back into the superhero genre in a big way. Justice League anyone? Imagine a JL movie helmed by Nolan. It might be the only way to get back in the director's chair for another superhero movie. One of it's targets? Best THE AVENGERS. Not an easy task.

I LOVE how Snyder is using Clark Kent as a fisherman in this thing. It's a new spin and it works. The soundtrack and editing on this thing are going to be impeccable. Henry Cavill is looking great so far in the role - that casting HAD to work and it seems to be.

This teaser is narrated by Kevin Costner. There is actually a second trailer out there too with the exact same content, except it is narrated by Russell Crowe.

Now, a small note that Warner Bros. still hasn't confirmed the post production of MAN OF STEEL in 3D, but for me - it's a no-brainer. Look at the success Marvel is having with the genre and the studio would be daft to not follow that model. Sure you could look at Nolan and the work that he's done with Batman without 3D, but do NOT kid yourself, his movies would gross much more and be all that much more enjoyable to legions of fans with immersive 3D. It's a perfect match for superhero movies that have been proven over and over again with Marvel. Even IMAX had listed MAN OF STEEL as being an IMAX 3D movie until Warners told them to take it down.

Clearly Nolan's fingerprints are ALL of over this movie - even Hans Zimmer is scoring it rather than Snyder's usual accomplice, Tyler Bates. The big question here is just how far will the money (Warner Bros.) and the true creative talent (Snyder) allow a Producer to wield. It's well known that Nolan is anti-3D and is quite evangelistic about it. 

Apparently Nolan hasn't met anyone who enjoys 3D! I guess that makes Nolan pretty lonely in Hollywood, never talking with his peers like oh say: Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Ang Lee, Peter Jackson, Bryan Singer, Steven Spielberg, Henry Selick, Robert Zemeckis, Joseph Kosinski, Rob Marshall, Tim Burton, Michael Bay, Alfonso Cuaron, Baz Luhrmann, Wim Wenders, Jean Luc Goddard, Werner Herzog and the list goes on. However I have to say if he is a traditionalist as he seems to be (sticking with film and no 3D), then I believe he should leave the creativity to his hired creative talent and not interfere at such a fundamental level. Clearly he is practically alone in Hollywood and to me that is not understanding a market very effectively. Man, I would have LOVED to have seen BB, TDK and TDKR in 3D. Multiple times I might add.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Henry Cavill plays Superman in director Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." The film also stars Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent's adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, and Faora, Zod's evil partner, played by Antje Traue. Also from Superman's native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, played by Ayelet Zurer, and Superman's father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.

Here's the movie's official site. Want more photos?

Stay tuned for more! Can't wait to see this in 3D...

Photo: EW
Thanks: James Stewart

I Will Second That Rumor Of Chris Columbus Directing SUPERMAN And Raise You S3D!

I was just about to post a pure rumor that I have received about SUPERMAN while on vacation from a brand new source for us but then I read a post over on supermanhomepage passing on roughly the same info. I have to apologize to my source because he did get me this information back on July 7 but I had no Internet access to capitalize on it.

However my source passed on rumored information that has not come to light yet: Chris Columbus has actually already been HIRED (and not just offered) the role of director for the upcoming SUPERMAN movie being produced by Christopher Nolan and WB is moving forward with a stereoscopic 3D man of steel for this project!

No word from Warner Bros. on either count but they have got to get their DC comic library into high gear to stay relatively close with competing Marvel properties. Exciting rumor though isn't it?

Warner Bros. Letting It Ride On 3D: FINAL DESTINATION, DC Comics Library, ALL Major Tentpoles In Fact!!

Jim here. Vegas is all about having the kahunas to bet big and Warner Bros. was in the right town for their gung ho announcement at ShoWest.

Alan Horn (Warner Bros head) gushed about 3D almost as much as we do right here! It was a pleasure to listen to him pontificate about it. Michael and I were practically high fiving every few seconds (ok not really, but MENTALLY we were).

So what properties are Warner Bros considering for next gen 3D catalog? How about ALL OF THEIR TENTPOLES? Yes. He said that. Remember that I predicted that a major studio would go all S3D a while back? Well... this is darn close. He also indicated that they will be replacing the cash cow HARRY POTTER with the DC Comic catalog.

Individually we are looking at: THE GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH, potentially BATMAN, SUPERMAN... and...

The fourth iteration of FINAL DESTINATION was not all that final! So says Alan Horn. FINAL DESTINATION 5 will be reaping more lives very soon. I am all for this announcement too. There are plenty of folks out there that will speak out against the franchise, but I for one - LOVE them. Bring it on.

You know what guys? I was actually expecting Disney to be the first studio to up the ante and say that all of their movies will be in 3D from now on. Warner Bros. really surprised me - but am I happy? Darn right. And at the rate these guys make money - it will only mushroom from here in 3D. :-)