You know, sometimes I wonder if the people behind the Superman franchise realize that there are other super villains they can use. I mean, the only Superman feature film that didn’t feature Lex Luthor in it was Superman III, and the villain in that (Ross Webster) acted as much like Lex Luthor as possible. Now, granted, he was much less of a focus in Superman II, with Zod and Co. being the primary villains…and if I’m not mistaken, isn’t that most people’s favorite? (I’m partial to Superman III myself, but I know I’m in a minority on that one)
Regardless, Variety is reporting that Kevin Spacey is locked in to return as Lex Luthor in “The Man of Steel”, which Bryan Singer is supposed to direct after completing two other projects. The film is expected to hit theaters in 2009. That seems a little ambitious, I think, since the movie doesn’t even have a script yet.
I like the character of Lex Luthor. Particularly the more conflicted version of the character that has grown into his evil self on “Smallville”, but I can’t pretend to be excited about Superman Vs. Lex Luthor yet again. Maybe this one will be like Superman II, with Luthor appearing, but with another villain in the picture so that Supes can actually throw a punch this time around.
Before going to see the new Superman I predicted what would happen in a fight with Luthor. Instead of having Superman punch something (ie giant robot) Lex would get a bit of kryptonite and make Superman weak enough to bitch-slap.
Hopefully this will be something like Luthor creating Bizarro or using Metallo.
And the superkid will be forgotten and lois recast.
@UnGreat
I hate to say it, but I agree with you 100%. I have real issues with the kid, especially if Lois doesn’t know Clark is Superman (I mean, COME ON, if you’ve had sex with a chick, she should know that you’re also the guy staring at her at work who happens to wear glasses…otherwise it’s stalking), and I didn’t think Lois was cast well at all.
I didn’t think much of Superman Returns.
I was also bothered by the fact that his costume was colored the same as the “Dark Superman” from Superman III.