Superman has seen a good run of films and though they made some bold efforts to really give us a new chapter after years of fighting in the background over film rights and scripts, Superman Returns was met with mixed results. Despite its flaws I enjoyed it. But they painted themselves into a corner with the unique storyline, and now they are scrapping the movie continuity and moving on with a reboot ignoring all of the previous movies. Maybe this is what they should have done with Superman Returns. Live and Learn.
So in the new film are we going to see Lex Luthor as the villain again? Apparently not.
Kevin Spacey, of course, insists that he will indeed be back for the sequel (and also that it will be called Superman: The Man of Steel, apparently), but word on the street is that he will be forced to take a back seat to another opponent.
According to Latino Review, the WB is currently taking pitches from writers, and they are specifically looking for another one of Superman’s enemies to take center stage. There is no word yet on who that might be, but I definitely think this is a good news.
So is Spacey just being optimistic that he might return? I know they are rebooting the series but despite the flaws of Superman Returns, Spacey and Routh were the best parts of it. If they are going to potentially bring back Routh in the reboot, why not Spacey?
But even if they do, it looks like Luthor would just have a presence and not be the main villain. I think this too is a wonderful idea. Nothing against Luthor – he is clearly Supes longest standing enemy – but its time for some new blood.
Fanwank wants to have such characters as Lobo or Doomsday. Both are formidable opponents for Big Blue, but I don’t think that will happen. Lobo has no depth to him. Just a mouthy stereotypical biker who happens to be superstrong and rides a space motorcycle. Just a waste. Doomsday would be a great fight too, but honestly he was just the harbinger to the Rise of the 4 Supermen storyline and Supes eventual return.
Zod on the other hand would be a fantastic villain to re-imagine. He has depth and a history with Kal-El’s family.
Bottom line is that the new villain is certain to be someone who can hand out a can of unadulterated whoopass. The fans have spoken and want to see Superman in a fight. A real fight. So they will likely come up with something from the rogues gallery that lets Superman not have to hold back.
I vote Darkseid. This short clip has Superman exposing one of his greatest fears. Holding back.
