EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mark Waid on "Superman: Birthright", Possible Inspiration for Man of Steel

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mark Waid on "Superman: Birthright", Possible Inspiration for Man of Steel

According to news reports, the plotline of the Zack Snyder-directed Man of Steel will borrow from Mark Waid's Superman: Birthright. Considering that Snyder looks at this film as a means of addressing Superman's place in the modern world, it makes sense and in this exclusive interview Waid shares his intent for Birthright.

By EdGross - Oct 06, 2010 03:10 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman

Interview conducted by and copyright Edward Gross

"Superman is perceived as the big square Boy Scout, and that was at least a part of the purpose of Birthright, to try and overturn that perception somewhat. When he was first created, he was a crusader for social justice. He was actually somebody who would walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Not brutal, but certainly efficient at what he did. He just became more mannered over the years and sort of sensitized. We took all of the corners off of the character, and in doing so we also sort of managed to jettison the answer to the QUESTION, why does he do this? That was the purpose of Birthright, to give him some sort of context.

"It should be clear in Birthright the reason he puts on the suit, and that the reason he goes out and actually uses his powers to make the world a better place is because it’s the only way he knows how to connect with humanity. That’s his connection. We all need to feel that we’re a part of something, and there’s no time that we feel more a part of something than when we’re doing what we do best and when we’re letting our light shine. The problem with keeping your light hidden under a bushel, to milk an old cliché, is that it tends to isolate you.

"Basically he wants to be part of the race, but he’s always on the bench. That’s where he thinks fate has put him, because he has to hide all of his abilities. Being Superman is a way of getting out there and really engaging – both physically and emotionally getting his hands dirty, getting out there and interacting."

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LEEE777
LEEE777 - 10/6/2010, 3:24 AM
MAN OF STEEL



By JOHN BYRNE is the best and only origin SUPERMAN story, birthright my ass lol.
DetBullock
DetBullock - 10/6/2010, 3:29 AM
Everyone always told me Birtright was a very good origin story.
Gotta buy the book I guess...
Paulley
Paulley - 10/6/2010, 3:30 AM
with that sort Superman context and the Nolan brothers input does anyone think Chris Nolan would reconsider connecting his Batman movies to this universe.

Proberly not, but one can hope
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 10/6/2010, 3:32 AM
Paulley @ His Universe has always been the DC movieverse... always!
TheGlove
TheGlove - 10/6/2010, 3:38 AM
This sounds terrible, that will cock this up again.
JoshWilding
JoshWilding - 10/6/2010, 3:44 AM
Good stuff ED. :) I've not read "Birthright" but I think it sounds like a great direction to take the movie in. Plus, anything written by Mark Waid (the greatest Fantastic Four writer ever IMO) has got to be good - think I'll order a copy this afternoon.
Paulley
Paulley - 10/6/2010, 3:44 AM
LEEE777 @ you keep believing that buddy.. cus they will never amit to such a thing until Avengers makes a profit.
acvno86
acvno86 - 10/6/2010, 3:48 AM
idk.., birthright's epic and all but i still find something cool about superman after the whole doomsday situation, especially rise of the supermen. he came back with no powers but still THE superman,
oh idk..
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 10/6/2010, 4:04 AM
Paulley @ Your right M8, yeah at least we know where its at!

TEA @ Lol, yeah stick CAVILL in there, we're both be happy campers! : p

JOSH @ I seriously think WAID should be on the FF movie team, at least that way the FF movie would have a chance!

I love his FF and FLASH!

Birthright kinda sucked tho!
EdGross
EdGross - 10/6/2010, 4:06 AM
Birthright would actually make a great relaunch for Superman, and the perfect launching point for a whole new series of films.
jusme6
jusme6 - 10/6/2010, 4:20 AM
Sounds kinda like Batman Begins. Hope it doesn't turn into Returns Part 2.
Paulley
Paulley - 10/6/2010, 4:35 AM
The whole braniac thing sounds so much like the Superman: TAS double episode (which by no means is a bad thing).

Surprising how much that show grouded things like forcing superman to wear a space suit cus even superman would need one to survive space.

And as long as he doesnt fly so fast to spin the eath bakwards and some how turn back time (what idiot came up with that) then i cant be too bad.
jazzman
jazzman - 10/6/2010, 4:36 AM
to make this reboot more interesting they need to introduce other characters who work in the Daily Planet.

- Ron Troupe
- Cat Grant
- Steve Lombard

EdGross
EdGross - 10/6/2010, 4:37 AM
The Batman Begins formula -- starting off present day and gradually revealing the origin in creative flashback -- would actually work very well here if Birthright is indeed the source material. In fact, Krypton figures quite nicely in the storyline and enhances the story being told without grinding things to a halt (which was the case with Batman Begins as well).
Shaman
Shaman - 10/6/2010, 4:38 AM
Tea- If you go see who wrote that "synopsis" on IMDb, i believe it shows to be a certain gentlemen fanficker that goes by the name of Dave Nichols. Remember him, continuously posting his Superman fan fic in the "news" section? Yeah, it's fake.

As for Snyder's Superman:



NUFF SAID!!!
Jimdlux
Jimdlux - 10/6/2010, 4:58 AM
Superman's place in the modern world? Hasn't that been done already? I'm aware I'm 1 of the 5 people who actually liked Superman Returns, but that was already addressed in Returns. It's actually being done in Smallville. We don't need another origin story. We need an action film on par with Iron Man. We all know Superman's history. Richard Donner's film showed it perfectly. Singer's film reminded us of it. Bring Routh back, fix the suit, fix the emo peeping tom personality that Singer gave Superman and bring on the villains! Braniac, Metallo, Zod, Darkseid (done right), Doomsday (done right). There is a huge list! Pick one...hell Pick 3! We want to see action!!!!
ClapTownAhki
ClapTownAhki - 10/6/2010, 5:01 AM
total nerdgasm here!
this is the perfect story 4 superman!
TheNameIsBetty
TheNameIsBetty - 10/6/2010, 5:08 AM
Jimdlux - I liked Superman Returns too :-)

Eh...it sounds hokey.

It sounds like this movie would be redefining Superman in a way we're not used to.
That probably sounds like DUH! MORON but I'm serious. Why can't we just see the Superman everybody talks about? They have it on the cartoons. Superman rushes in, beats the shite out of the baddies in 4.25 minutes and then goes to screw Lois.
Bam! Awesome movie. lol

Insomnia101
Insomnia101 - 10/6/2010, 5:28 AM
Here is my opinion as if anybody even cares. Why do we even have to go into Superman's origins again? Why must WB insist on retelling and exploring that [frick]ing story over and over again? We all know how he became Superman, and what drives him to be a hero because he has been around for well over 70 years now. We [frick]ing get it! If this is a reboot, why must they even consider using General Zod as the villain when they have other villains that are more interesting, and can make this movie even more epic? I say [frick] his origin and just make a Superman movie that doesn’t get all philosophical about where he fits in the world, and just have him WUP SOME ASS!!!!![frick] all the other bullshit!![frick] Lois Lane, and for crying out loud no Lex Luthor, and no General Zod! If this is going to be a reboot then cut all ties from the original movies and go big.....WB shit or get off the pot!!! Also why are FANBOYS so insistent on Jim Caviezel being a good Superman or any other superhero? The guy is like 50 now and their still sucking his cock. I still don’t get the connection. Must be a Fanboy thing! Darkseid and the wrath of Apocalypse should be the main plot of the new movie. Here is the plot; SUPERMAN MUST KICK MAJOR ASS TO SAVE EARTH FROM BEING OVERUN BY THE FORCES OF APOCALYPSE, HE HAS A CLIMACTIC BATTLE WITH DARKSEID IN THE END, GIVING FANBOYS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD MASSIVE ERRECTIONS. Nuff said!
Paulley
Paulley - 10/6/2010, 5:45 AM
They could always do The Incredible Hulk plan and just fit the origin in the credits then straight into the main plot and action... i think they should do that with every reboot hero franchies saves so much time and lets us get to a more intresting story.
Philvis
Philvis - 10/6/2010, 6:17 AM
I don't understand how people say an origin isn't necessary. The last origin done on the big screen was 1978. If you are reintroducing Superman, an origin is necessary. How the origin is told is another thing. Whether the writer has it for 20-30 minutes of the begining or just in flashbacks throughout the movie, an origin is definitely necessary. I believe an origin is essential in bringing an element of humanity to Superman and also to point out his struggle with that and his alien heritage. No origin would be a huge mistake.
AlexDeLarge87
AlexDeLarge87 - 10/6/2010, 6:18 AM
Tea@ I prefer Gen. Zod (Michael Fassbender or Rufus Sewell)

The Arms dealer John Corben/Metallo and Starlabs loser Janitor Rudy Jones/Parasite would be cool villains too! Luthor could create them?

I hope Bruno Mannheim and Intergang is in this movie! Working for Luthor of course.

If they necessarily want alien villain! Mongul is better, because he can challenge Superman´s powers physically!:)... Of course they can make Brainiac match his powers too, but i prefer Mongul!
Shaman
Shaman - 10/6/2010, 6:23 AM
Insomnia101- I still suck his cock cause even at 50 it still tastes good ;P

And I prefer my Super MEN, mature. Which is why i agree with you about leaving out his origin.

AlexDeLarge666- I wouldn't say no to Routh as Sups VS Fassbender as Zod! That would be awesome!
JohnnyKrypton
JohnnyKrypton - 10/6/2010, 6:26 AM
Hmm. Considering Waid's Birthright origin was discarded relatively quickly, along with the fact that Geoff Johns (who currently acts as liason between the comics and film segments of WB as DC's Chief Creative Officer) has just wrapped the "cuurent" origin/backstory, I'm a bit skeptical they'd use Waid's story but it's not necessarily a bad move.
It would be pretty much right in line with Nolan's take in "Batman Begins." If true, it's certainly better than a "dark n gritty" take, which is what I was really worried about...
Hawksblueyes
Hawksblueyes - 10/6/2010, 6:30 AM
Philvis: I think Sups is the one character that an origin isn't necessary with. You pick anybody you want out of a crowd and even if they have never picked up a comic book 8 out of 10 will tell you Supermans origin.

Came here from a distant dying planet. Yellow sun makes him strong. Badass godlike powers. Clark Kent, yada,yada,yada. It doesn't need to be rehashed every couple of years.
AlexDeLarge87
AlexDeLarge87 - 10/6/2010, 6:34 AM
Shaman@ Yes it would!:)... Thou i prefer Daniel Cudmore as Superman, but Routh is not bad.
superotherside
superotherside - 10/6/2010, 6:39 AM
what was wrong with birthright? i liked most of it...

@tea that synopsis sounds great!
comicb00kguy
comicb00kguy - 10/6/2010, 6:43 AM
Insomnia: I couldn't have said it any better. Nobody over the age of five who has any interest whatsoever in comic books or movies related to them doesn't know the basic story of Superman's origin. If it MUST be recounted, it should be done under the opening credits, as the Animated Series did. I'm not spending ten bucks to watch the origin again.

I also absolutely agree that Darkseid and the forces of Apocalypse would make fantastic villains for this story. Luthor is majorly BEYOND played out, and Zod has been done, and done extremely well. Give Superman an epic threat that showcases just WHY he's one of the most powerful characters in all of comics, and one of the most enduring. Give him Darkseid. Or Brainiac.
Shaman
Shaman - 10/6/2010, 6:44 AM
Alex- I would never say no to Cudmore if he auditionned and landed the gig! But until i see him impress me in a LEADING performance, i'll always go for Routh and Padalecki first. Caviezel only if it's NOT an origin piece. Cudmore is a decent choice as is Paul Telfer for me. Both of which haven't impressed me performance wise yet though.

comicb00kguy- Darkseid would be out of this world awesome! Brainiac i feel wouldn't be very rewarding, story wise. Only because even if he defeats him, he'll always come back bigger and stronger and his demise wouldn't mean much to the characters. I'd rather have a showdown of epic proportions which it's result could be an earth shatteringly epic end that actually changed something. ZOD or Darkseid could bring that to us. I love Stamp's performance as ZOD but i felt as if he was a tad watered down with him having lackies and such. I'd rather have his character fleshed out and more passionate! ZOD could bring to Superman what The Joker brings to Batman for a change, instead of always LEX.
superman7
superman7 - 10/6/2010, 6:50 AM
@ Paulley:

Einstein came up with that. lol. Seriously. There's a theory that traveling faster than the speed of light can actually enable time travel. But there's ALLOT more to it than just moving fast.

That's why in Watchmen, tachyon particles blocked Doctor Manhatten's vision of the future. They travel so fast that they are (theorized to be) able to travel through time.
AlexDeLarge87
AlexDeLarge87 - 10/6/2010, 6:51 AM
Shaman@ He hasnt impressed me either yet, but im so ready to give him a chance!:D His looks are so similar with Superman that he has to get audition!

Message to Nolan and Snyder: "Please guys find this guy and give him a chance!"

I doubt they heard me, but who knows?:)
superman7
superman7 - 10/6/2010, 6:52 AM
@ Shaman:
jesus is too old to play Superman now.... especially if they're doing an origins story
BIGBMH
BIGBMH - 10/6/2010, 7:05 AM
Birthright is much better than Man of Steel as the basis for a movie. Why? See my soon to be finished BIGBMH's Take on Superman!
marvel72
marvel72 - 10/6/2010, 7:16 AM
@ leee777

that is definetly the story they should use its a classic.

i don't want to see half a movie of origin,if the films two & half hours long maybe the first half hour or if its possible in the opening credits.

is birthright anygood,mark waid is a great writer.

i don't want this to be a movie verison of smallville,it needs to be like the comicbooks.
Paulley
Paulley - 10/6/2010, 7:19 AM
@superman7: Traveling fast and close to the speed of will slow time from you perspective til almost a standstill... thats why its Einsteins theory of relativity.

and rotating the earth backwards has nothing to do with time travel.
LEEE777
LEEE777 - 10/6/2010, 7:42 AM
DP @ Its alright but doesn't touch the masterpiece known as MAN OF STEEL!

Real shame and I cringe at a SMALLVILLE movie version, in fact gonna vomit! : p
CapFanLex005
CapFanLex005 - 10/6/2010, 7:49 AM
I like Sups a lot. I love Chris Nolan, and if he trust Snyder to do it right then i do to. I have no idea what the story will be, but if one guy understands how to make a film great then Nolan does, he could make a film about cereal killing dinosaurs interesting. So if the rummer is true, i will hold any judgment until i see it.
picoplaya
picoplaya - 10/6/2010, 7:58 AM
my cock just got hard . and not sure why
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