The Superman film debate seems to rage ever redundantly. Let’s look at the main issues.
Storyline:
Look at the most successful comic based movies: “Spider-Man 2” and “The Dark Knight.” Neither movie followed a specific story arc. Of course, they took elements from ‘this’ story or ‘that’ story. That is the source of their success. The animated straight to DVD films are the best media/genre to follow a specific series or arc. The movies need the flexibility to be their own universe. Doc Ock wasn’t seeking fusion. The Joker never painted his face to be the Joker. Harry lived, but his father didn’t. Bruce immediately shares his secret with Lucius. It’s called rather appropriately: artistic license.
It is difficult to dispute that what Raimi or Nolan changed didn’t enhance both ‘worlds.’ Organic web-shooters, Lucius building Bruce’s armory, Doc Ock’s fixation on Spider-Man and his wife’s death, and the Joker not wanting to kill Batman to maintain his fun are all sensible and logical—in as much as logic applies to comic books and movies.
It should be apparent that Snyder or whoever finally directs the new Superman movie will be true to the basic concept and utilize important elements. Some back story will be used since some people do exist that do not know the whole Krypton/Smallville story. The director will also have his hands full if Warner doesn’t get the movie going according to the rights lawsuit. As a side note, DC/Warner is rushing to do it so they don’t have to pay the heirs of Siegel and Shuster. Nothing has been said they can never use the elements and storylines that were won by the heirs.
After “Returns,” it seems certain that they will grasp the core elements more tightly. Hopefully they will remember what color the costume is. Additionally, there shouldn’t be yet another back-spinning the Earth.
The Lead: Every director has his/her own vision. Part of that vision is picking the lead. Here’s why Welling and Routh won’t be offered the role.
Welling: The actor that played Superboy in the series tried out for “Smallville.” Why didn’t they pick him? It’s obvious: new and fresh without baggage. Welling has now played pre-Superman Clark for ten seasons. The association between him and the series is nearly unbreakable. Note that they didn’t employ Dean Cain for seven or so years and Teri Hatcher until nearly the end.
Now Welling wanting to play Superman would probably be a direct reflection of story control and money. Mostly the money. He has stated that he’s only interested in being Clark Kent. There is the reality of a three picture deal. If they make these films back to back, they will still consume six years. Welling is already in his middle thirties. Should they get the first movie in the can, he will be thirty-five. He would presumably finish at forty-one. Being freed from ‘serial’ life, it would be highly improbable he wouldn’t want to do at least one or two other films in the ensuing six years. Does anyone remember Christopher Reeve in his last turn as Superman? With all due respect even at thirty-four, he was visibly older. The viewing audience expects Superman (remember he is an alien) to age about as fast as Data from ‘Next Gen.’
Routh: Singer picked him to play Christopher Reeve’s Superman. It is readily apparent that “Returns” was ‘Superman 2.5.’ Routh was unfairly given the role to play someone playing a role. He was handcuffed by Singer from the get-go. Accepting that, it was still no coincidence that Routh was twenty-five years old. See the logic? Two more pictures and he would have crested at thirty-one.
Obviously “Returns” brought in money, yet no sequel was put into motion. It seemed that the core audience wasn’t happy with most of the project. It also seemed that the movie didn’t provide a natural course for a sequel. Internet sources stated that the movie cost $270 million. That may not include the tens of millions they spent in the previous decade of development. Warner expected “Batman Begins” money proportionate to the cost. It didn’t happen. Would you as Warner re-sign Routh after he and Singer didn’t line your pockets? Sure it’s hard to blame just two people, but that’s just the surface. The rest of the crew would surely not be re-signed either.
In conclusion, all of the conversations of why it should be one of those two is inarguable. It is in the hands of the director and it is the director’s vision that will prevail. Included in said vision will be his/her culling of what s/he believes to be essential to the character and necessary to the story. Now, audience, be worried if Michael Caine plays Perry White or Tara Reid is cast as Lois. That’s something to discombobulate you!