Ben Affleck Is Batman In The MAN OF STEEL Sequel !!

Holy Gigli Batman! Ben Affleck is your new caped crusader! Wow. I am taken aback by the announcement and will have to digest this news for awhile. Sure this is the man who brought us THE TOWN and ARGO, but he is also, well not always known for THE TOWN and ARGO. Warners Bros is betting large on the new and improved Affleck and apparently he will have creative influence over the project - not a surprise given the impact of this announcement and the positive affect he has on projects with his hand in them creatively.

The MAN OF STEEL sequel complete with the dark knight is slated for a July 17, 2015 release! I must say the thought of Affleck and Zach Synder working together excites me.

Here's the official press release:
Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.” 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 studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.

Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.

Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650 million worldwide to date, and climbing. The director will now create an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the two DC Comics icons together.

Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

In the announcement, Silverman stated, "We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character."

Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, "Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him."

Kroll added, "We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes."

Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture “Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller “The Town.” His recent acting work also includes “The Company Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay.

The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.

Production is expected to begin in 2014.

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.

DC Comics Mock Marvel In MAN OF STEEL! Here Is My Movie Review: 9.5 Stars!! One Minor Spoiler...

That's right, DC comics mocked Marvel in MAN OF STEEL and I believe it was intentional! :-) Of course everyone who watches the movie will see the scene I am talking about. But will it dawn on you that may have recently seen this same scene in THE AVENGERS? I'm talking about when one of General Zod's accomplices jumps on the canopy of a jet smashing and ripping it open. Remember the scene in the avengers when the Hulk jumps on a jet's canopy and does the exact same thing? So Marvel fans, are you take this sitting down? Zack Snyder's inclusion of the scene was not necessary and I believe was put in to show that the natives of Krypton have just as much godlike strength as Marvel's strongest character, but in Superman's case, that's just one of his abilities. Or is it not all that important to you? Let me know in the comments. In my view, DC has slapped Marvel with a fairly sizable gauntlet.

But other than that smack in the face of Marvel fans, I really loved the movie. Christopher Nolan and  David S. Goyer did an amazing job of putting together an origin story for what is arguably the greatest comic book hero of all time. Not an easy task to be sure. Was it perfect? No. But it was exactly what Warner Bros. and DC comics needed: A relevant, timely well-written, well executed movie for Superman fans.

Let's talk about what's near and dear to my heart, 3D. For those of you who don't know Zack Snyder Warner Bros. and DC comics selected Legend 3D for the conversion and let me tell you it was a great decision. If there was any doubt before there isn't now: Of the top-tier 3-D conversion houses there are only two that are now in Tier A in my opinion: Stereo D and Legend 3D. And from what we've seen lately, Legend 3D is the best in the world. This time last year I would've told you Stereo D was on the top with that magnificent project, THE AVENGERS. But subsequent conversion work from them in the past 12 months have not been stellar (IRON MAN 3 for example). Which brings me to Legend 3D. They turned a lot of heads with the 3D conversion of TOP GUN and now with MAN OF STEEL. They are wielding their amazing talents with greater and greater prowess.

Everything about the movie was just about perfectly converted – I can only see one trouble spot and I had to try hard to find that. There was one shot, looking through windowpane with the weathervane in the background and the reflection on the window was not quite believable as the camera moved. So was I happy with the 3-D? Absolutely almost flawless. I still would've loved to see MAN OF STEEL in native 3-D, don't get me wrong (and that's why its 3D didn't score as high as say THE GREAT GATSBY), but believe me when I say this, the 3D is amazing, especially action scenes with those jaw-dropping visual effects.


I thought the casting was bang on. I've never been a fan of Amy Adams, but I must admit she's a great actress. I just don't see her as a leading lady, but more of a character actor. Sort of like a Bruce Greenwood. But Henry Cavell is Superman. There is no doubt and for the record, I like him better than Christopher Reeve. There is a vulnerability that Cavell has that Reeve lacked. He is perfectly cast, which was oh so important for DC comics to get right. Michael Shannon was spectacular and I can go on listing everyone that was cast in the movie regurgitating superlatives over and over again, but I think you get the drift.

Now let's talk story. Here's where some mistakes were made, not huge glaring mistakes, but of note. The overwhelming thing that bothered me most was that Snyder had the opportunity to truly delve into the human aspects of the movie: The pain. The emotion. The character building. He didn't go far enough!! It was superficial and begged for more. I don't have to spell out all these moments in the movie, you'll see it too. He doesn't have the camera linger long enough... didn't have the characters go deep enough... didn't allow their human emotions to come to life the way they should have.

But human aspects aside, it was very well written and certainly provides the foundation for strong Superman franchise for the studios. If DC comics can nail couple more key characters (THE FLASH PLEASE!!) and add them to Superman and Batman in JUSTICE LEAGUE, then we can finally have what most comic book fans have been hoping for since the beginning: Marvel versus DC battling it out for superhero supremacy at the cinema. Christopher Nolan's impact on this movie was definitely detected by me. Some of the darker scenes in the origins had his touch, the flashes of memory, using time as a storytelling tool and the pounding and inspiring score of Hans Zimmer.

But this is Zack Snyder's baby and I am truly impressed. Yes, he had a huge budget, but he has proven himself to be an innovative filmmaker and was certainly worth the gamble. Now Warner Bros. has a true franchise on their hands with a strong base to build from.

I've seen MAN OF STEEL twice now. Once in IMAX 3-D and once an Empire theaters soundstage screen [Empire extra]. I must admit I liked it better the second time around. The first time seemed a little bit disjointed, but the second viewing, helped solidify the experience.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, definitely go and see it on the largest screen possible and in 3-D. This is one of those movies you have to see in the theater and in three dimensions. Just do it. And if you're a Marvel fan you just going to have to grin and bear it when the jet hopping scene happens. I know I did!

Man of steel is now playing.

Special thanks to Empire theaters for my screening. As usual, the lighting, sound, and service were impeccable.

Last Trailer For MAN OF STEEL - Hints At 3D Results!

Check out what will surely be the last trailer before the launch of MAN OF STEEL. We see some new clips here and there and it is all resoundingly held together with the magic of Hans Zimmer.

I see some amazing opportunity here for some great stereoscopic 3D depth shots, some very, very inventive - especially on Krypton. Watch and I think you'll see them too. One shot reminded me of AVATAR when Neyteri and Jake were up a tree and she introduces him to the Ikran flying beasts. She lifts off on hers and drops straight down. The camera work and the angles reminds me of a shot here in this trailer - try and find it! :-) Gives me great hope for a technically proficient movie that was intricately planned for 3D, conversion or not. Here's hoping they deliver!

Here's the movie's storyline:
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 June 14 in 3D!

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 - A Wake Up Call For Marvel

DC Comics and Warner Bros are FINALLY flexing their muscles with potentially the greatest superhero ever created in what seems to be a movie that does the character and the Krypton universe justice.

Has Zach Snyder pulled it off? Has Chris Nolan now seen what is possible with 3D? Is this the best standalone (non-ensemble) superhero movie ever made? There is a lot riding on this film. Superman is without a doubt the most valuable commodity DC Comics has and the keystone in the upcoming Justice League ensemble movie that's planned. Make no mistake, Warner Bros and Snyder CANNOT mess this up. Failure is not an option.

I'm the first to admit I've always been a Marvel guy - except for Superman. He transcends any kind of brand allegiance - he simply is... singular.

This trailer hints at the greatness that is needed. The opening Krypton scenes with Russell Crowe as Jor-El look AMAZING. The young Clark Kent scenes look authentic and viable. The Henry Cavill scenes look very, very good. Still not sure if he can top Christopher Reeve, but heck it's looking good. It's always hard to beat the first actor in a role. Just ask any James Bond since Sean Connery.

I think MAN OF STEEL should be a wake up call for Marvel. There is valid competition now. More than that, this is Superman. Marvel can't trip up now. DC is finally revving up.

What do you guys think? I love the score so far by the way!

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 opens on June 14.

MAN OF STEEL's Cover Shot With Empire

You can expect much, much more hoopla around Zach Snyder's MAN OF STEEL in the coming months - clearly it's going to be a spectacle and is definitely on my most anticipated 3D movies for 2013.

Check the magazine cover that graces Henry Cavill as Supe himself. It'll be on shelves this Thursday.

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 opens on June 14. What do you think? Can Cavill pull it off?

Source: Empire

Check Out New Images From MAN OF STEEL, OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL And DESPICABLE ME 2

Click to enlarge

Got some new images for you from upcoming 2013 3D movies, namely MAN OF STEEL, OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL and DESPICABLE ME 2.

I have to say that I think Henry Cavill is an excellent choice of Clark Kent / Superman. I don't know if anyone will ever top Christopher Reeve as the man of steel because he kind of set the bar incredibly high to begin with. But Cavill is certainly believable from everything I've seen thus far.

I think the imagery in Sam Raimi's OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is indeed great and powerful - and I've noticed a few tricks up his sleeve during the trailers that I think will play out very well in 3D (the B&W to color transition and the extra depth space held in the temporary smaller visual screen size) so I'm anxious to see if those creative touches light up the movie as I think they will.

DESPICABLE ME 2? Well what's not to like really. Love the characters. And those minions are the secret sauce of this franchise - there's more proof in the image!

Out of the three depicted in this post, I'll go with MAN OF STEEL as my most anticipated. More thoughts on upcoming movies are on my short list! Stay tuned.

MAN OF STEEL flies into theaters June 14, OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL opens March 8 and DESPICABLE ME 2 is slated for July 3.

Sources: USA Today

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!!

YES!! MAN OF STEEL Definitely Going 3D! And IMAX Too!!

You have GOT to love this 3D conversion confirmation! All along I have said that if DC / Warner Bros want to compete with Marvel / Disney then they have go 3D. I can just imagine the flack they got from Christopher Nolan about this decision (who is producing), but hats off to them, they made the right call.

Remember MAN OF STEEL helps set up expectations for JUSTICE LEAGUE too. It's imperative that they get all their ducks in a row for the DC universe and doing 3D now just makes sense. Heck BATMAN should have been 3D too, but certain creative differences do exist from time to time.

Hit the jump to read what director Zack Snyder had to say about it:

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