To rapturous applause in San Diego's famous Hall H, Zack Snyder took the stage at the conclusion of the Warner Bros. panel to confirm the rumors that have been swirling for months. Not only is Man of Steel 2 coming, it's bringin Batman. The Man of Steel and the Dark Knight will share the screen in 2015, just in time to compete with Marvel's Avengers 2.
Snyder was joined on stage by Harry Lennix, Man of Steel's General Swanwick, who quoted from the Dark Knight Returns (the famous "I want you to remember the one man who beat you" speech) as a logo appeared on-screen, merging the Superman and Batman symbols. With those ominous quotes, it's clear that the relationship between Batman and Superman won't be the warmest, but then again, it hasn't been for quite some time. Snyder assured fans that they aren't adapting Miller and Janson's famous story, but obviously will be drawing inspiration from it.
Earlier rumors that both Flashand Justice League films would be announced at this panel appear to have been premature. This doesn't mean they aren't coming, though! A Superman/Batman team-up film effectively eliminates the problem of having to show Batman's now familiar origin on screen again.
The full press release follows:
NEXT DC SUPER HERO MOVIE IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film
BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of Man of Steel, director Zack Snyderis 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 upcomingfilm 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 inSummer 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.”
We'll have plenty more on this as it develops!