When you think of superheroes, you think of Superman. The red cape, super strength, ability to fly, and plenty others make Superman the most influential and recognized superhero of all time. Although we have seen Superman on screen 5 times, this upcoming reboot directed by Zack Snyder will change Superman’s legacy forever. Produced by the superhero directing genius himself, Christopher Nolan (“Batman Begins”, “The Dark Knight”), there is no doubt that the “Man of Steel” will be one for the ages. Even with its star-studded cast of Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon and others, it really has not gotten to public praise and publicity it should. Of course with “The Avengers,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”, and “The Dark Knight Rises” coming out so soon (The Avengers is obviously already out), its hard to gain a spot. But still, as these movies are released, and the superhero genre expands even more, it is right about that time to start getting PSYCHED on “Man of Steel.”
Relating back to what I discussed in the previous paragraph, there are some reasons why “Man of Steel” is not getting as popularized as it should. The main reason is due to the various huge superhero movies coming out right now. While us CBMers were getting so excited for those films, we practically forgot about Superman. “The Dark Knight Rises” is making people so excited, what else other movies can possibly compete? But, as that July 20th release date gets closer and closer, I expect the popularity of Superman to rise, and rise, and rise. The Superman madness will begin soon, and with a possible teaser trailer in front of The Dark Knight Rises, you will see a huge shift in attention that will focus directly on Man of Steel.
A key reason to get excited for Man of Steel has to begin with the behind the scenes management. Knowing that the CBM “mega-god” Christopher Nolan is producing this sends chills down my neck. With his success and brilliance in the Batman franchise, its hard to imagine the wonders he can do with Superman. Although he is not directing, you still have to love just his activity in the movie. You know the script and plot will be on point, and the people who he asked to star and be involved are perfect. Nolan showed his excellent ability as the role of producer for this film when you heard who was directing it. Zack Snyder, the famous director notable for his film achievements in “300” and “Watchmen,” (another revered DC comic film) is the perfect choice to direct this film. Unlike in the past Superman movies, Snyder has the ability to give a darker, bloody, fighting Superman. Never seen before, imagine Superman kicking some serious ass with his fists and other powers? It’s unbelievable to even imagine the 300 and Watchmen style fighting being implied into Superman. The experience will be unreal. I am sure Nolan and Snyder will make a huge impact in the success of this film.
Nolan and Snyder can create the building blocks for this awesome film, but the cast will be the defining piece. First off, Henry Cavill is Superman. The original selection for “Superman Returns,” there is no better option than Cavill. The look, the body, the personality, Cavill has it all. I have no doubts that his performance will be impecable, and I have that feeling that after the film is loved by the critics and fans, people won’t say Cavill played Superman, people will say Cavill IS Superman. Besides the perfection of Cavill has Superman, the Man of Steel has an impressive cast that not only have the perfect past acting experience, but the right look and attitude.
Lois Lane is portrayed by Amy Adams, who is beautiful, outgoing, and brings life to the bring screen. Her personality will exploit the true Lois Lane that in my opinion, hasn’t really been acted to perfection in the past. Amy Adams will bring that journalist, smart look that is needed when finding Superman/Clark Kent’s romance partner. Cavill and Adams will find that chemistry that will set this couple apart from previous superhero film partners.
General Zod is the perfect villain to help establish a new, darker Superman franchise up again. His past with Superman’s family and people makes a great plot. Michael Shanon, the oscar nominated actor, has the edgy, dark, and villainous tone that will make General Zod a force to be reckoning with. After his great performance as Zod, people won’t even able to compare him and Terrance Stamp’s Zod from the original Superman’s because they’ll just be so different. A violent, smart General Zod establishes the perfect villain for Superman to face.
The rest of the Man of Steel’s supporting cast is nothing short of spectacular. His kryptonian birth father, Jor-El, is being played by the one and only Russell Crowe. One of the most popular and greatest actors of the recent decade, Crowe will play the perfect father of Superman. It is impossible to believe there will be any flaws in Crowe’s performance. His adoptive father, Jonathan Kent, is being played Kevin Costner. Yes, that actor from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams and more, will give that supportive, leading father that will define Clark as he gets older and learns to use his powers. Again, a great actor with a great role. Diane Lane, who is playing Marth Kent, is just another example of the excellent cast of this film. I am sure Lane will play a great mother to Clark, and will be just another piece to this big puzzle. Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Ayelet Zurer as Lara Lor-Van (Superman’s birth mother), Antje Traue as Faora, and others, this cast is truly remarkable, and will play a huge part in making this movie the success I believe it will be.
It is clear that I have high expectations for this movie, and after all of the points I have stated, I feel that they will be met. Superman will be seen like no before, and as the release comes closer and closer, its time to get PSYCHED, EXCITED, AND PUMPED for this movie.
If you want to started spreading the excitement for Superman: Man of Steel (2013), don't be afraid to hit the THUMBS UP (Y) button.
-CaptainDC