Keeping Score: Which SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL Rumors Were Fact & Which Were Fiction?

2/9/2010: Nikki Finke and Mike Fleming from Deadline reported: "Warner Bros is trying to ready its DC Comics stalwart Superman to soar again on the Big Screen, and the studio has turned to Chris Nolan to mentor development of the movie. Our insiders say that the brains behind rebooted Batman has been asked to play a “godfather” role and ensure The Man Of Steel gets off the ground after a 3 1/2-year hiatus."

Verdict: Fact! Deadline knocked this one out of the park. Christopher Nolan ("Batman Begins") was a producer on the film. Now, how much influence did he have on the film? Eh, that's still up for debate, but whatever he did it got a new Superman film off the ground.

Note: Nine days after this report DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson spoke with MTV and dismissed Deadline's report. Not to self: don't trust Diane Nelson. And I'm sure Nikki would add, "TOLDJA!"

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2/24/2010: Latino Review reported that screenwriter David Goyer would write the screenplay for the new Superman film. They added: the film's title would not have "Superman" in it, Brandon Routh ("Superman Returns") and Nic Cage ("Con-Air") would NOT star in the film, and Bryan Singer would probably not direct. They weren't finished, even going as far as saying what Goyer's story would include: "I can tell you that Goyer's story involves Luthor and Brainiac. It is NOT an origin and assumes audiences already know about Lois, Clark, Jimmy and Perry. I know the Daily Planet is struggling due to the internet. And I know it sets up a huge Kryptonian mythology."

Verdict: Fact! & Fiction! First off, they nailed Goyer. He did end up writing the script for Man Of Steel. They were also spot on about the title leaving out "Superman" but to be fair Deadline had been calling the film The Man Of Steel two weeks earlier. There was no Routh, Singer or Cage in the film, but then again I doubt most people thought that would happen once Nolan was brought on as a producer.

Now let's get to the fiction part. Goyer's story did not involve Lex Luthor or Brainiac. But, to be fair, Latino Review was right that the story wasn't an origin, at least not in the classical sense. And Krypton did have a bigger role in the film than in past Superman films.

Note: One day later, Variety would confirm that Goyer was writing the script.

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2/25/2010: IGN reported: "IGN has heard from reliable sources that Tull is downplaying this report. Goyer is in fact on the project, but not only that — his The Dark Knight co-writer Jonah Nolan will also be scripting

Superman: The Man of Steel along with him. Nolan’s brother Christopher is expected to only executive-produce, and not direct, the film. That said, he will be “hands-on” as a producer. Since the Superman film is under the gun because of the ongoing legal entanglements involving the property, Warner Bros. wants the pair to get started on their script on the double."

Verdict: Fiction! Jonathan Nolan didn't get a writing credit for Man of Steel, only Mr. Goyer did. Now, there are rumors that Jonathan Nolan did a polish on the script, but hey, those are just rumors.

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2/26/2010: IESB.net reported: "We’re hearing outta Burbank a key reason behind Chris’ "Godfather" role is to help out li’l brother Jonah. "Why’s that?" you ask. Because latest rumblings peg him to sit in the director’s chair for the Superman reboot."

They also added, that Christopher Nolan would shepherd more solo DC films so that he could direct Justice League.

Verdict: Fiction! The defunct fanboy website, IESB ("Inland Empire Strikes Back"), was way off on this one. Jonathan Nolan did not direct Man of Steel. And the additional part involving Chris directing Justice League was also full of kaka.

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4/28/2010: IESB.net reported that Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures were shooting for a Christmas 2012 release.

Verdict: Fact! Man of Steel originally had a December 2012 release date, but that was pushed back to June of 2013.

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7/7/2010: Superman Homepage reported: "As we know, Warner Bros. are aiming to have a new Superman movie released to cinemas before the end of 2012. A source inside the studio has revealed to the Superman Homepage that an "offer has been sent out to Chris Columbus to direct the 3D Superman reboot for December 2012"."

Verdict: Fiction! Two days after this rumor was posted, Collider, was contacted by their sources, who informed them that, Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films, was not directing Man of Steel. Collider's sources were spot on.

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7/12/2010: Geek Tyrant also jumped into the Jonathan Nolan is directing Man of Steel rumor mill. They stated: "According to our sources that reside on the WB studio lot that have informed us that Christopher Nolan's brother Jonathan is currently the unannounced director of the Superman reboot film. Word on the lot is that he is attached to direct the film and has been on the studio lot a lot these days working on pre-development stuff."

They also added that Chuck star, Zachery Levi, had auditioned for the role of Superman.

Verdict: Fiction! My sources tell me, they need better sources. Jonathan did not direct, and Levi in multiple interviews denied any audition ever took place.

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7/15/2010: Clint Morris of Moviehole decided to check with his sources to see if he could confirm what Geek Tyrant reported a few days ago. This is what he reported: "Jonathan Nolan is not onboard yet, but it looks like he will get the job. Also, it is a TV star that they're looking at for the lead - but, despite what that article says, I don't believe anyone has actually tested."

Verdict: Fiction! With so many sources claiming that Jonathan Nolan was the frontrunner for Man of Steel I almost started to believe it was true too.

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7/15/2010: CBM user Kaboom reported Nathan Fillion could be Superman: "I have heard some very credible "rumblings" between different people that DC wants "Castle" as Superman."

Verdict: Fiction! Why am I including this? Because it's a reminder to all of you, don't trust CBM users that just toss up fake rumors, and pretend that they have "credible" sources. Kaboom!

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7/23/2010: The Playlist reported: "Despite our massive skepticism, Jonathan Nolan is apparently the frontrunner to direct "Superman." At least right now he is. Another name in the mix is "The Dark Knight" co-writer David S. Goyer, and yes, as a director, but he's potentially busy with another gig/deal for another superhero film."

Verdict: Fiction! See above... multiple times.

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7/27/2010: thinkmcflythink.com reported: "Sources tell TMT one such actor being "seriously considered" is Mad Men star Jon Hamm."

Verdict: Fiction! Jon Hamm would later tell reporters that he was never contacted by Warner Bros. for the role of Superman.

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Aug 6, 2010: CBM user, NotAvailable (yup, that was his screename), reported that a friend, that worked at WB, had texted him, "J freak out just heard Scott Porter is playing Clark Kent in the reboot."

Verdict: Fiction! Once again, don't believe CBM users with shady "sources." The Friday Night Lights star did not play Superman.

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8/12/2010: TheMovieBlog.com reported that Jonathan Nolan was never offered the Man of Steel directing gig.

Verdict: Fact!

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9/23/2010: Deadline reported: "Nolan has starting meeting candidates Tony Scott (Unstoppable), Matt Reeves (Let Me In), Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles), Duncan Jones (Source Code), Zack Snyder (Sucker Punch), this week and will submit his choice to the studio within the next few weeks."

Verdict: Fact! Deadline nailed Nolan's short-list. As one of the five actually ended up directing the film, Mr. Zack Snyder.

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9/24/2010: One day later, Harry Knowles of Aintitcool.com tried to pee on Deadline's short-list with this comment: "I wouldn’t place money that it’ll be any of those names from what I have heard off the record. Sigh."

Verdict: Fiction! Zack Snyder was on Nolan's short-list, that Deadline reported on. And that is why you can't trust ginger people.

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9/27/2010: Steven Zeitchik of LA Times reported: "As he intensifies his search for a director on the Warner Bros. reboot, Christopher Nolan, who's godfathering the new Superman and producing the David Goyer script, has had discussions with Aronofsky about the job, sources say."

Verdict: Fact! Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan") was in the mix, and was considered a "finalist."
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9/28/2010: Caffeinated Clint from Moviehole reported: "A friend that worked on “Black Swan” with Mr Aronofsky tells us that the filmmaker has actually “been talking about this for a while” and that they don’t think talks have “progressed beyond the suggestion of having Nat[alie Portman] be Lois. They wanted her first time around, this time they can get her – with Darren."

Verdict: Fact! Natalie Portman ("Thor") was considered for the role of Lois Lane.

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9/28/2010: Ben Affleck is reported to have been in the running to direct Man of Steel by Stuart Kemp of The Hollywood Reporter. "Affleck, who is extremely popular at Warners after making “The Town,” a critical and box-office hit.

But according to insiders, the actor-director -- who, ironically, once portrayed the actor who played Superman on TV in "Hollywoodland" -- met about "Superman" last week but is no longer pursuing it."

Verdict: Fact! How do you like them apples! Batfleck would confirm over the years that he did meet Chris Nolan, but dropped out of the running. By the way, Deadline, a month later, would add to this by saying Affleck was Nolan's top choice.

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10/4/2010: Zack Snyder to direct Man of Steel! Deadline reported: "Zack Snyder has been chosen to direct the new installment of Superman for Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures. Snyder was on a short list of directors that I recently revealed met with the studio as well as producers Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas. Other choices at the time included helmers Tony Scott, Matt Reeves, Jonathan Liebesman, and Duncan Jones."

Verdict: Fact! Mike Fleming of Deadline grabs the monster scoop! Thank god, because I was getting tired of all these directing rumors.

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10/4/2010: The Hollywood Reporter stated: "Goyer is writing the script, which is rumored to have, like "Superman Returns," a Richard Donner connection. In this movie's case, it's a villain connection: General Zod."

Verdict: Fact! On the same day that Deadline reports Zack Snyder as the director The Hollywood Reporter comes right back with their own scoop, as they are the first to report that General Zod will be the villain in Man of Steel. Well played, well played.

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10/18/2010: Mary-Louise Parker as Lois Lane? Gee, what silly website started that rumor. Oh shit, it was us. A fan of CBM, going by the name of Jim, reported: "I use to run a comics website back in '99 called inked offering. Now run a book store. Anyway, being a fan of CBM, thought you and your troops might be interested in knowing - I'm sure you will - that Mary Louise Parker (Red) came in today and purchased three Superman graphic novels, including Death."

Verdict: Fiction! The "spotted in a comic book store buying such and such" rumor, got really popular with the internet. Too bad it hardly ever panned out, if it ever did.

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10/30/2010: Armie Hammer tells Vulture that Zack Snyder wants an older Superman. " "[Laughs.] You know what's funny? I did talk to my people recently about [the role] for the first time, and I think they're going a little older with Superman. I hear they're going 35, 40...""

Verdict: Fiction! Henry Cavill would win the role, and he was under the age of 30 at that time. More than likely his people were just giving the actor an excuse as to why he wasn't a finalist for the part. Hell, these are the same people that told him to do Mirror, Mirror, of course they can't be trusted.

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11/6/2010: True-Blood.net passed along info from fans that were at EyeCon, saying that Joe Manganiello told members of the audience that he did meet with Warner Bros. for the role of Superman. The actor would later tweet: "Just to be clear... as of today, I am not 'negotiating' to play SuperMan ...but keep your fingers crossed and thanks for the wishful thinking!"

Verdict: Fact! Joe Manganiello was a finalist for the role, but his schedule with True Blood prevented him from finishing his audition. What is more interesting, is that Joe had been lobbying for the role before Snyder even came on board. One of the rare occasions when an actor publicly expressed interest in a role, and actually had a shot at it.

On a side note: my opinion of Joe's acting skills have dramatically changed since I saw him first as Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. I remember after seeing that, thinking, man this guy is terrible, I hope the franchise doesn't give him a bigger part in the sequel. But, after watching him in True Blood, it's like night and day, his acting has improved ten fold.

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11/18/2010: Deadline reported casting specs for Superman/Clark Kent: "Insiders tell us the studio is open to creating a star as it reboots the Superman franchise. The actor will likely either be a discovery, or an actor from TV who isn't yet a big star. And he'll be in the age range of 28-32. The studio expects to look at hundreds of young actors before making a decision."

Verdict: Fact! They got some good insiders. Henry Cavill, who at the time was most famous for coming in second for James Bond and the previous Superman film, was in that age range, and had yet to be discovered.

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11/20/2010: Feature Film Auditions posted a synopsis for the film. "Clark Kent is a freelance reporter in his 20's, traveling all around the world covering various news stories. While traveling, Kent is forced to fly back into action to attain an assassin instead of covering an ethnic conflict between the Ghuri and Turaaba clans in West Africa. Upon his return to form, Kent returns to Smallville to learn more about his origins and become the hero he was born to be."

Verdict: Fiction! All of that synopsis is utter bullshit.

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11/22/2010: A source told Surfme: "Zac feels he’s very much following in the footsteps of Leo and respects his opinion. He didn’t turn Superman down because of him but Leo was unsure whether it would be the best move for him. It’s a massive franchise. Zac is now chasing more dramatic roles in independent movies."

Verdict: Unverified. Was Zac Efron was considered for the role of Superman in Man of Steel? I haven't come across anything that verifies that info. Zac did pursue independent films, like Charlie St. Cloud and The Paperboy. If that is because of advice from Leonardo Dicaprio ("Titanic"), Zac should've ignored it.

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11/22/2010: Aussie website, What’s Playing reported that Anne Hathaway is being "mentioned" for the role of Lois Lane.

Verdict: Unverified. Before Hathaway was Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises maybe she was on the short-list for Lois Lane. Considering the source of the rumor is from a website no longer working, I'd say they made it up.

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11/21/2010: Matthew Goode as Superman? Movienewz reported that the Watchmen star was up for the role of Clark Kent/Superman, and that Zack Snyder would rely on a CG-enhanced Superman costume, like Green Lantern did.

Verdict: Fact! & Fiction! Matthew Goode did make the short-list for Superman. But, there was no computer-generated costume for Man of Steel, that's all Henry. Oh my!

Note: A few days later IESB.net would claim that their sources have heard of a CGI-Superman suit as well. Why have one website be wrong, when you have two.

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1/3/2011: Anonymous CBM Contributor reported that he met a relative of David Goyer, and that person spilled some info on the film: "younger Superman aged 25, Lex Luthor is in it, Brainiac comes to Earth and challenges every part of Superman and holds the answer to his past that Superman needs to move on with his life because he stuck not knowing his purpose with all of his powers being afraid of losing his own life if he deicdes to save the world, bringing the film round full circle."

Verdict: Fiction! No Luthor! No Brainiac! Once again, don't trust users on CBM who just randomly have inside info. Know why? Cause they don't have any inside info.

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1/24/2011: Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Time's Hero Complex reported Joe Manganiello became the frontrunner for Superman.

Verdict: Fiction! Maybe at one point he was, but we'll never know. In end it went to Henry, so I'll call it fiction. Deal with that Boucher! (j/k)

Note: Just six days later, Warner Bros. would issue an official press release announcing Henry Cavill as Superman. And a few days after that The Hollywood Reporter would reveal the finalists: "White Collar star Matthew Bomer, Social Network's Winkelvoss twins Armie Hammer, True Blood actor Joe Manganiello (scheduling with the HBO show was a factor) and Colin O’Donaghue, who stars opposite Anthony Hopkins in The Rite."

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1/31/2011: Gregory Littley reported that Kristen Stewart ("Twilight") read for Lois Lane.

Verdict: Fiction! A month later the New York Daily News would report that Stewart passed on the role because she didn't want to be involved in another big-budget franchise at that time. BUT, in May of that year, Muveez confirmed that all those reports were nonsense: "A rep for the actress issued a statement, which read, "There are a number of fabricated stories circulating. The fact is that she has not met on this film nor has she been approached for this film."

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2/1/2011: Anonymous CBM Contributor that their cousin read for Lex Luthor.

Verdict: Fiction! Blah, blah, blah, anonymous users suck, blah, blah, blah. The end.

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2/1/2011: Latino Review got back into the Man of Steel rumor mix when they reported: "What I was told today was that Olivia Wilde (TRON: Legacy, Cowboys & Aliens) has tested for Lois Lane in "Superman." The source knows this because they've been hired to work on "KIN" and the dates may be pushed back to accommodate the "Superman" schedule should she get the gig. They also mentioned to me that the Rachel McAdams story is true."

Verdict: Unverified. It's possible Olivia Wilde and Rachel McAdams were considered for role, but I haven't come across any information that verifies that information.

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2/2/2011: Here is an interesting one, Cinematical reported: "We still don't know in which direction the new Superman movie will head, with the exception of the fact that Henry Cavill will be playing Clark Kent/Superman. We've heard the film may follow Clark Kent as he travels the world as a journalist, trying to come to terms with his powers and whether he belongs in this world. We've also heard that Cavill may not be in the Superman suit at all, that folks behind the scenes have been testing an all-C.G. Superman that looks sorta like Christopher Reeve."

And: "We've also heard buzz that Lois Lane won't be an integral part of the film. Other names lingering around in Early Buzz World include Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Kristen Bell."

Verdict: Fiction! Clark did not travel the world as a journalist, he was more like a hobo. More fiction, Cavill was in the Superman suit, and no there was no CG-Superman suit. Mary Elizabeth Winstead publicly announced that she never auditioned for the role and we'll assume Kristen Bell didn't either.

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2/2/2011: New York Daily News reported: "Snyder, whose résumé includes "300," is also reportedly considering Jessica Biel, "Glee's" Dianna Agron, Rachel McAdams, Malin Akerman and Mila Kunis for the role of Lane."

Verdict: Fiction! At least it is fiction in regards to Mila Kunis and Malin Akerman. Both actresses denied ever auditioning for the part of Lois Lane, calling the rumors, "fiction." As for the actresses on the list, maybe, but I haven't found anything verifying that they tested for the part. Keep in mind, at this point NOBODY had Amy Adams in the mix.

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2/3/2011: Variety reported: "Alice Eve, Diane Kruger and Rosamund Pike have emerged as the three thesps being considered for the character, whose identity hasn't been disclosed. Early reports had names such as Rachel McAdams and Kristen Stewart as female leads, but sources tell Variety that the studio doesn't want a name that could overshadow its leading man."

Verdict: Unverified. Best guess, that they were all up for Kryptonian villainess, Faora (Antje Traue). But like I said, that's just my best guess.

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2/8/2011: TMZ claimed that Lindsay Lohan was up for a "major" role in the film.

Verdict: Fiction! TMZ isn't know for casting scoops, but they sure do know how to rile up fanboys and get hits on their site. To be fair, I did hear that Ms. Lohan was up for the role of a trash bag, but I wouldn't consider that a "major" role.

Note: Amy Adams at the end of March would be announced as Lois Lane, via Hero Complex.

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2/21/2011: Deadline reported that Kevin Costner was up for a role in the new Superman film.

Verdict: Fact! Mike Fleming, why you so smart? Mike nailed this one. The Bull Durham actor did end up in the film, as Clark's human father, Jonathan Kent. Keep in mind, Mike's report did not mention the role, and that is when Latino Review stepped in stating that it was for Pa Kent.

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2/25/2011: The Hollywood Reporter reported: "Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that producer Christopher Nolan and director Zack Snyder are zeroing in on an intriguing actor to play the villain: Viggo Mortensen. He's said to be at the top of the list to play General Zod, the evil and super-powered scientist first introduced not in the comic books but in 1980's Superman II. "

Verdict: Fact! Yes, at one point the Lord of the Rings actors was was considered for Genral Zod, but ultimately the role went to Michael "Googly Eyes" Shannon.

Side note: Damn! Viggo's got a nice chin. I want a chin like that.

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3/22/2011: ThePlaylist heard whispers, although it could've been gas: "..It’s a shame, as Mortensen was a solid choice for Zod, but we’re sure that it won’t take long to fill the part—vague whispers have suggested that Snyder wants to reunite with his “300” lead Gerard Butler in the role.."

Verdict: This. Is. Sparta. Unverified! It makes sense in theory, but I haven't been able to find any follow-up info on it that verifies it as fact or fiction.

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3/22/2011: A Super confident CBM user, RealHollywoodStalker, had a source, that he trusts more than 100%, tell him: "Every name linked with the villain role so far is a complete fabrication. I don't believe that they have even started thinking about casting the villain yet, which by the way IS NOT General Zod I just don't know where all these supposed "close sources" get their information unless they are deliberately sending out false information. From what I've heard, one of the villains is John Corben who is known as Metallo in the comics and that Zack Snyder's aim is to get Joe Manganiello to play him."

Verdict: Knock knock. Who's there? Fiction! First off, you can't trust someone more than a hundred percent, and anyone who says that is suspect right off the bat. Two: they were wrong, more wrong, and embarrassingly wrong. No Metallo, and yes General Zod was the villain. Enough said!

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Movienewz reported on plot details: "General Sam Lane, the father of Lois Lane, is a central figure in director Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot. This really is as Zack described in several interviews about the film, a “real world” Superman. I’m told that when Superman arrives on the scene; people don’t know what to think. He’s an alien from another planet. What are his real intentions? He’s not human and that scares a lot of people. Here’s a guy who can fly, see through walls, is bullet proof and can lift a tank. The military views him as a potential threat to national security. They find kryptonite, pieces of his home planet, and discover its radioactive elements can be harnessed as a near unlimited source of power, both literally and figuratively. It’s a brand new form of energy that is secretly developed by the government. The military, under the direction of General Sam Lane, uses kryptonite to power an experimental cyborg super solider named Metallo. He’s ultimately exploited as a weapon against Superman."

Verdict: Fiction! Remind me again, how do you spell bullshit? Yup, Movienewz was way off on their details. There was no General Sam Lane, no kyptonite, and certainly no Metallo. You would've had better luck consulting a Magic 8 ball than listening to them.

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4/4/2011: The Lindsay Lohan saga didn't end, as Film Radar reported that Lohan was gonna audition for another role in the film after losing out on Lois Lane. And unknown actor Adam Harris was going to be reading with her. They imply that he was up for the part of Lex Luthor, because he is bald and we all know bald actors have to be Lex Luthor. Duh!

Verdict: Fiction! Although, I will point out that the prestigious website, YouBentMyWookie, looked into the Harris situation and reported that Adam made it through to level of auditions. When you have premiere websites like those on the story you just know it must be true.

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4/13/2011: Latino Review reported: "- You will see JOR-EL and his wife, Lara. Daniel Day-Lewis was looked at for JOR-EL and not the villain. Krypton will not be a crystal planet like the Donner film. This Krypton will PROBABLY look like the Coruscant skyline from Star Wars. The Kryptonian villainess is not URSA...Well sort of. The villainess is FAORA. I was also told that she is a bad ass in the script and that she is Zod's right hand bitch."

Verdict: Fact! I keep saying it over and over again, do not doubt Latino Review's scoops. Jor-El and his wife Lara were in the film. The Faora part of the scoop was most impressive. She was in the film. Well done. Two weeks later Deadline would report that Antje Traue had been cast in the role, and Variety would confirm that her role was that of Faora.

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April 14, 2011: Cosmic Book News reported: "The Zod scenes will be a flashback to Krypton, with Zod sporting his trademark beard. We'll see Zod's downfall with, get this - Braniac stealing Kandor - which leads to both Zod's downfall and the destruction of Krypton. The source also states Brainiac is being set-up as the potential villain for the sequel -- if one gets made."

Verdict: FICTION! The scenes on Krypton were NOT a flashback. And more importantly, Brainiac was NOT the villain, mainly because he wasn't in the film. Also, be weary of sources that can't spell Brainiac. Seriously, Braniac? What is that? A villain made of healthy muffins?
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4/16/2011: A possible synopsis surfaced on Baseline Studio System website and Bleeding Cool vouched for the sites credibility, thus this synopsis spread across the internet. It reads: "A young reporter named Clark Kent roams the world covering various news stories. When he is compelled to use his secret powers to intervene in a crisis in West Africa, he returns to Smallville to learn more about his origins and the hero he was born to be."

Verdict: Fiction! Ain't no West Africa in Man of Steel, muthermucker! And you know what Clark Kent reported on in the film? Jack shit.

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4/16/2011: Cosmicbooknews which pumps out "rumors" like PETA slaughters puppies, reported: "I've been told Lohan is up for the role of Lana Lang; that she will be a popular girl in high school who doesn't give Clark the time of day. While Clark can't really show Lana who he really is (a super man), she eventually discovers for herself when sees Clark do a rescue. "

Verdict: FICTION! Lana did appear in Man of Steel, but very briefly. She was played by Jadin Gould, who at the time was 14-years-old. So, I find it hard to believe Lindsay Lohan would be competing against a 14-year-old for the part.

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4/15/2011: Comedian03 reported: "Earlier today I received an e-mail containing these images that are supposedly from a recent photoshoot that Adam Harris was apart of for the role. However it remains to be seen whether these are from an official cast shoot, or just something the actor put together himself trying to campaign for the role. "

Verdict: Fiction! Ah, the great Adam Harris saga. Has a no-name actor ever taken advantage of the internet's gullibility as well as this guy did? He went so far as to pose for images, trying to look like Lex Luthor just to keep the illusion and many people on the internet ate it up like a fat kid on chocolate cake.

I'm glad we learned from that moment. Now, we don't just rush off believing every no-name actor on the internet. It's not like we would believe a fat guy was playing Morbius in The Amazing Spider-Man 2?! Doh!

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April 16, 2011: Matt McGloin of Cosmic Book News reported a bunch of rumors so I've broken them up into two segments:

Rumor Part 1: "Along with Zod and Faora, the Kryptonian scientist Jax-Ur will be in the movie.... The three are trapped inside the Phantom Zone and work their way out. They home in on Kal-El's craft that landed in Smallville and make their way to Earth. The three Kryptonians integrate themselves into human society where Zod grows a deep hatred for the humans as he feels they are destroying the planet. With this view of the humans "wasting their perfect planet," the Kryptonians then begin to formulate a plan to make a better Krypton. Zod wants to make Earth the New Krypton, using Faora to start the new Kryptonian bloodline and using Jax-Ur to accelerate human technology though LexCorp, which is the most advanced company on the planet, run by Lex Luthor."

Verdict: FICTION! Yes, Jax-Ur was in the film, but his role was very minimal, while in Cosmics' report he is described as having a prominent role. He was played by Mackenzie Gray and his only important scene was when Jax-Ur does a few medical procedures on Superman on Zod's ship. So, saying one of the most important Kryptonians, who's name is always mentioned right next to Faora isn't gonna get you a cookie. Next, they don't home in on Kal-El's craft in Smallville. If you remember, they tracked Clark because of he activated the scout ship in the Arctic. Third, the Kryptonians do NOT try to integrate themselves into human society. They never have any time to try to blend in. Thus, Zod and the rest of them never develop a "deep hatred" for humans. I think they just look at them as ants. Fourth, Yes, Zod does want to make Earth the New Krypton, BUT he does NOT use Faora to start the new bloodline. The main focus for Zod is extracting the Codex from Superman's DNA, not shaking up with Faora. Fifth! Like I said before, Jax-Ur is hardly in the film, and there is no Lex Luthor, so any talk of him accelerating human technology with the help of LexCorp products is poop.

Rumor Part 2: "General (Samuel) Lane will be leading Earth's defense against Zod, Faora and Jax-Ur -- and also Superman. Just as Zod's hatred for humans grows, Lane's hatred for aliens does, as well, - and this applies to Superman. I've been told Jeff Bridges and Ed Harris are being looked at for the role of General Lane. I've also been hearing different things back and forth as the script is getting rewritten. Earlier I stated that Braniac destroys Kandor, but that doesn't seem to be the case (which fits in more with Jax-Ur, actually) with the latest script. However, Braniac is still set to be involved with Krypton's destruction."

Verdict: FICTION! General Samuel Lane, Lois Lane's father, is doing what? Sorry, but there was NO General Lane in Man of Steel. There was a Colonel Hardy (Christopher Meloni) and even a General Stanwick (Harry Lennix), but NO General Lane. Thus, Jeff Bridges and Ed Harris were never looked at for this part that never existed. Brainiac was never "involved with Krypton's destruction" because Brainiac was never in the film.

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5/30/2011: Matt McGloin of Cosmic Book News reported even more rumors from the same source as the last batch. So, we know those we'll be good, right?

Rumor Part 1: "Faora hates all men and is working with Zod and Jax-Ur to get out of the Phantom Zone."

Verdict: FICTION! Hi, this just screams of, I read the comics but I have no clue what the film is really about. Cause in the comics Faora is anti-men, but in the film we don't see this HATE for men. Zack Snyder didn't really focus on character development, he was too busy blowing up Metropolis. Secondly! Faora, Zod and Jax-ur are NEVER shown trying to get out of the Phantom Zone. In the film, Zod and his gang, escaped their imprisonment because Krypton was destroyed.

Rumor Part 2: "Jax-Ur was a close friend to Jor-El, who was exiled to the Phantom Zone, and is now working with Zod to free themselves (which they do)."

Verdict: FICTION! Once again, Jax-Ur is hardly in the film. He is NEVER shown to be Jor-El's close friend. This is poppycock.

Rumor Part 3: "Zod and Lex Luthor do have interactions. With LexCorp being the most advanced company on the planet, Zod plans to use LexCorp technology and advance it to Kryptonian levels, as it's the most compatible."

Verdict: FICTION! Kind of hard for Zod to interact with Luthor when Lex WASN'T in the film. Also, LexCorp technology is NOT used by Zod.

Rumor Part 4: "In the first draft of the script, Lex Luthor forces the Kryptonian trio through a Phantom Zone portal using Kryptonite in the final battle. At the end of the movie, Lex considers forcing Superman through as well, but relents."

Verdict: FICTION! No Lex. Zod did NOT get forced through a Phantom Zone portal. Kryponite was NOT in the film. Lex considered nothing, cause he never existed.

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6/15/2011: The Man Of Steel Fan Page reported that they saw a leaked production sheet for Man Of Steel. On the leaked document, it stated Connie Nielsen (Gladiator) had been offered the role of Lara, and Harry Lennix is up for a supporting role as well.

Verdict: Fact! I have no doubt that The Man Of Steel Fan Page got to see leaked Man of Steel material. To report on Harry Lennix, who was in the film, before anyone else is amazing. So, it's safe to assume that Connie Nielsen was offered the part of Superman's biological mommy.

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6/15/2011: By this time, Russell Crowe had already been announced as Jor-El, but The Hollywood Reporter did provide a few names of the runner-ups. "Sean Penn and Clive Owen were reportedly considered for the role."

Verdict: Fact! Cause the source is The Hollywood Reporter and not Cosmic Book News. So yeah, they have some credibility.

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6/23/2011: Deadline reported: "Warner Bros and Zack Snyder are in talks with Julia Ormond to play Superman's Kryptonian mother, Lara Lor-Van in Man of Steel. I expect the deal to make shortly."

Verdict: Fact! Yup, Julia Ormond was up for the role of Superman's biological mommy. Three months later Deadline would announce: "Ayelet Zurer, the Israeli actress who starred in Angels & Demons, has been set to play the role of Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s Kryptonian mother in Man of Steel. That role was originally going to be played by Julia Ormond. I was unable to find out why director Zack Snyder made the last minute change."

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8/12/2011: I can't believe nobody has mentioned this World's Finest rumor from 2011. It's from, ThinkMcFlyThink.com, they reported: "Sources tell TMT WB is keen on getting a Justice League movie going and still high on The Flash despite Green Lantern being neither the critical or commercial success they'd hoped for nor was it embraced by fans. But the studio is also quietly developing a Batman/Superman team-up movie.

In a classic case of covering your ass, what we're hearing is two separate incarnations are being tooled. One version where the World's Greatest Detective is firmly established and helps mentor an up-and-coming, fresh-faced Supes and vice versa. Essentially, they're hoping they can woo Christian Bale back into the cape-and-cowl for a fourth time and in case the Oscar-winner tells them, "No thanks, I'm done!", they'll go for a new actor altogether. Both versions would feature Henry Cavill's Last Son of Krypton."

Verdict: Fact! That's amazing! Now, if they really knew THAT long ago that Warner Bros. would be working on a Batman/Superman team-up film, I don't know, but there is no way I'm not gonna give them credit for that. It sounds almost exactly as it played out. What is even more amazing is that if you went back in time to when this rumor came out all the talk was that Man of Steel would lead to Justice League, not World's Finest.

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9/23/2011: Movie Newz reported: "Character actor Michael Cerveris, best known for playing The Observer on the FOX television show ‘Fringe’, can be added to the list of names being considered for the role of Superman’s arch-nemeses Lex Luthor, however, the self-proclaimed “Greatest criminal mind of our time” wont likely appear until the Man of Steel follow-up."

Verdict: Fiction! I know, cause he is bald and a few people recognize him, he must be Lex Luthor. As Kevin Spacey's Lex would say, WRONG! Oh, and there was NO Lex Luthor in Man of Steel.

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1/3/2012: cosmicbooknews.com reported: "We were told after Paradise Lost bottomed out, that Bradley Cooper will appear as Lex Luthor in a cameo role in the Man of Steel."

Verdict: FICTION! Even at this point that website still believed Lex Luthor would be in the film, and would have a pivotal role in sending Kryptonians through the Phantom Zone. Which is hard to do when the character was never in the film.

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2/14/2012: Our own WolvieCBM was sent a description of the first Man of Steel trailer. I'm only gonna post the first portion of it as you'll get the point quite quickly. It begins: ""Opens with a shot of space. The camera is panning around the planets and zooming through space. There's a voiceover of Jor-El (Russell Crowe) saying, "My son, our world is no longer safe for you." Suddenly, one of the planets explodes and a small ship is seen zooming out of the flames, and the camera pans around it to face it flying away. Shot of Jor-El and Lara placing a young baby into a ship. "We have been hit by an unexpected force." Shot of General Zod leaping off of a low bridge with a sword, about to hit Jor-El who is holding a shield. The bridge has been sliced in half, as the front is smoking red.

New Shot: The spaceship flies quickly past some satellites. The camera pans around to reveal that it is entering Earth's atmosphere (BTW, that deep "bbboooowwww" sound that keeps on being in trailers for action movies is present in this trailer). Shot of scientists looking at scans, seeing an unidentified object entering Earth. Then the ship crashes into the Kent Farm, with dirt flying everywhere. Different shot of lots of trucks driving down a road. Jonathan and Martha Kent race out of their house and look down at the ship. Jonathan mutters, "What is that....?" The ship starts to make noises and show strange languages appearing above it. The Kent's stand back. The roof of the ship slides back and a chair is erected up, with a small child sitting on it. "

Verdict: Fiction! Yes, even us excellent editors of CBM can be fooled. See, nobody is perfect.

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2/17/2012: Nukethefridge reported: "“The scene is set up in the bases’ proving grounds, vast dried flat lands as we spy a barricade of some sort. Concrete military dividers form a crude wall as soldiers and Tanks gather with all weapons prone in one direction: the other side of the wall. Who’s on the other side, none other then Superman and Faora: General Zods wife. She is indeed sporting a black alien uniform, her hair sleek back, draping down to a long black cape as it blows in the desert wind. She and Superman then walk over to a vast technical array of lighting rigs, camera dollies and a massive green screen: his own red cape dancing on the winds as dust is kicked up in their path. From this point the footage takes a page from ‘Chronicle’ as it spins and falls, tucked away by the mystery cameraman as everything goes black..

I understand the scene was the film's…or rather, Earth’s military force meeting with Zod’s own force to strike some sort of deal. So, besides Faora and Kal-El, what other alien presence was on the other side of that wall? A Kryptonian ship apparently, hence the giant green screen. Various Military Vehicles and 200 military soldiers are prone, all in formations as if ready to stand off as they wait for TWO female Kryptonians to land their ships. Among them is Faora as she walks past Superman himself, standing and ever ready. Faora then walks over to Colonel Hardy who stands with his men behind the barricade as she begins to speak""

Verdict: Fact! This scene did take place in the film and leads to Faora taking Superman and Lois into her ship and heading to Zod's main ship. Nukethefridge nailed it. After this report was posted, their source would, down the road, send them set photos that confirm the information.

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3/12/2012: Pittsburgh Movies Facebook page posted a call sheet from Man of Steel that I posted and Warner Bros. had us remove. Which is usually a very good sign that your material is authentic. Okay, it is the sign that your material is legit.

Verdict: Fact! Every bit of info that was provided on that call sheet was accurate. Such as, the scene with Clark and trucker, who throws a beer can at Clark. Also, descriptions of a Kryptonian robot, Jor-El being stabbed, and Jor-El infusing something (the Codex) into baby Kal-El.

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5/16/2012: thinkmcflythink.com, I just gave you guys credit for the World's Finest scoop and then I come across this: "Rumblings we hear is another vital Flyby component is being used; the revelation Supes/Clark/Kal is a lost Kryptonian prince prophesied to save the world. "

Verdict: Fiction! Thank god this wasn't true. Yes, there was no prophecy and Kal-El was NOT a lost prince in the Man of Steel.

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6/22/2012: Former CBM editor, Jake "WaylonJones" Lester, reported: "According our sources a good portion of the film will take place on a war torn Krypton. With this new info that means we can expect to see a lot of Russell Crowe as Superman's biological father Jor-El."

Verdict: Fact! A war torn Krypton did appear in the film, and took up quite a bit of time. Although it was mainly used as background scenery as Jor-El and Zod had their encounters.
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7/12/2012: Former CBM editor, Jake "WaylonJones" Lester, reported: "Well according to my WB insider they WILL be converting the film to 3D, and are none to happy with IMAX for jumping the gun on the announcement. The reason they are not happy is because WB had just signed the contracts to do the conversion and was wanting to make the announcement themselves during the films viral marketing closer to the release date. They are wanting to put it off for as long as they can because they know how fans feel about 3D movies and are wanting to avoid any bad press for the flick right out of the gate.

Verdict: Fact! The film was converted to 3D.

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3/11/2013: Former CBM editor, Jake "WaylonJones" Lester, reported: "What I can tell you though, via my source close to the movie, is that Jenny will NOT be replacing Jimmy in the movie. Jenny will be Jimmy's sister. There will even be a reference to Jimmy in the movie, although I was not told what it is."

Verdict: Fact! & Fiction! Jake is referring to an IMDB listing that showed actress Rebecca Buller was playing Jenny Olsen in Man Of Steel. Since then, her listing on IMDB has been changed to simply, "Jenny." So, Jake is right that Jenny did not replace Jimmy, but I don't remember any reference to Jimmy in the film.

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March 28, 2013: Everyone's favorite ginger geek, Harry Knowles, reported on AICN: "Lots of people have been wondering if LEX LUTHOR was going to be in MAN OF STEEL.

The answer is apparently a very loud YES. Not only that the tone that Nolan/Goyer/Snyder are going for with the character is not the silly goofy Hackman Luthor... But an ambitious, ego driven and cold version of Luthor.

Then he gave me the name: Mackenzie Gray - I remember that he played a Luthor clone in SMALLVILLE - so that raised a red flag, but I went to IMDB to see if there was a mention of him being in the film - where I was greeted by this photo: (Picture of Mackenzie Gray with a bald head)

Which of course is a picture of him from 2010, when he played the Luthor Clone on SMALLVILLE. But damn if it didn't leave me with a helluva impression.

One unnamed senior AICN editor discovered that Luthor is in the film from one of his sources"

Verdict: Fiction! Was Lex Luthor in Man of Steel? The answer is a very loud NO! Sorry Harry, better luck next time. On the bright side, as previously mentioned, Mackenzie Gray was in the film, and played Jax-Ur.