Man of Steel (2013)

Overview

Starring Henry Cavill as Superman and directed by Zack Snyder, the film is a reboot of the Superman film series and intended to restart the series. The film bares no connection to the previous Superman film, Superman Returns even though the film was originally going to be a sequel to it. The film is intended to be a much more modern take on the character and remain free of any continuity from the previous Superman series.

Creation

The film's early development got off to a troubled start as legal troubles between DC Comics and the estates of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel had not yet been resolved. In 2009, a Federal Court judge ruled that Siegel's estates had the rights to Superman's early appearances in comics, his origin, his parents, and the name Kal-El. They also gained the previous year the rights to his costume, Clark and Lois being reporters for the Daily Planet, the love triangle between Superman, his alter-ego Clark Kent, and Lois Lane. However DC was able to retain the characters of Lex Luthor and Jimmy Olsen, Superman's expanded origin (as detailed in Superman Birthright), the term Kryptonite, and Superman's powers.

Superman Birthright

The judge ruled that they could not however be awarded any licensing fees. The Shuster estate did not originally pursue a case like the Siegels as Joe Shuster had no children but his estate was awarded a recapture similar to that of the Siegel's. As a result, Warner Bros. and DC Comics had to start production on a new Superman film before the end of 2011 or else the rights would revert to the estates of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. 2013 is when the estates of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster will be able to have their version adapted into a film, TV Series, or any medium any of their choosing including comics.

The film's plot was originally speculated by many as to being based on the Superman: Birthright series by Mark Waid, though as of January 2012 that has not been confirmed though the official plot synopsis seems to somewhat support the theory as do other details about the film that have emerged. To get the film started Nolan hired friend David S. Goyer to write and together pitched their idea to Warner Bros. They liked the idea and work began on Man of Steel. Zack Snyder was chosen out of several candidates to direct the film.

Warner Bros. began work on the film in 2008 when they began to take pitches from comic book writers on how to restart the Superman franchise. Writers Mark Waid, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, and Brad Meltzer. Morrison pitched an idea similar to All Star Superman which he wrote while Mark Waid pitched an idea more along the lines of Superman: Birthright. Writer Mark Millar and director Matthew Vaughn then began work on an eight hour Superman trilogy which chronicle his entire life and each film would be released a year apart.

Plot Synopsis

"Clark Kent/Kal-El 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 and Jonathan Kent, 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."

Production

Pre-Production

Hellboy director Guillermo Del Toro was originally approached to direct the film but turned it down due to his commitment to At The Mountains of Madness. Director Robert Zemeckis was also approached to helm the project but like Del Toro, turned it down. Other directors approached include Darren Aronofsky, Duncan Jones, Matt Reeves, and Tony Scott but Zack Snyder was finally chosen to direct the film. Like many other directors of comic book films have done in the past, Snyder felt that since Superman was the lead, he should be played by a rather unknown actor. Eventually chosen for the role was the then 27 year old Henry Cavill.

Filming

Plano as Smallville

Shooting under the codename "Autumn Frost", Man of Steel entered Principal Photography on August 1, 2011 near the DuPage Airport in Wes Chicago, Illinois. Prior to beginning production, Zack Snyder expressed his hesitance to shoot in the 3D format as he was unhappy with the technical limitations of shooting in the format though did not go as far as to say that he would not shoot in it at all. Warner Bros. however had earlier said that all of their upcoming "tentpole films" would be released in 3D whether or not they were even shot in the format. For Smallville, the town of Plano, IL was chosen and filming took place there from August 22 to August 29. Filming also took place in the neighboring town of Yorkville where the Kent Farm set was. For interior scenes, the film would go to Vancouver Film Studios and for Metropolis scenes Chicago was used.

Costume Design

Henry Cavill as Superman

The Superman costume in the film will reflect the look of Superman in the comics and as a result, Superman in the film will not be sporting the famous red trunks that had been on his costume ever since he debuted in Action Comics #1 in June of 1938. The costume is meant to look "more alien like' and as a result has a different texture to it. In September of 2011, DC Comics revamped their entire universe and one of the most notable changes was an update to Superman, to both his costume and him as a character.