[UPDATE]: The headline says it all…it’s official — Warner Bros. announced to an amped-up Comic-Con crowd that a Superman/Batman feature IS on the production slate for 2015!
Man of Steel director Zach Snyder told the assembled fans that a new Superman film was a go and he worked hard to come up with a story worthy of telling for the Kryptonian’s next cinematic adventure. With that, he introduced actor Harry Lennix to read a special statement about the Man of Steel sequel, a statement eerily reminiscent of a particularly stirring moment from Frank Miller’s groundbreaking The Dark Knight Returns.
“I want you to remember Clark, in all the years to come,” Lennix said. “In all your private moments. In all the years to come, my hand at your throat. I want you to remember, the one man who beat you.”
That’s when Snyder cued the video screen, which displayed a co-mingling of the Superman “S” shield — on top of a familiar bat logo.
Moments later, we got the official announcement released just after the Comic-Con panel…
On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyder is bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”
The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.
Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.
Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”
Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted, “Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”
Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”
The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.
Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”
The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.
[ORIGINAL POST]: News broke this morning that Warner Bros., the studio that owns all the rights to the DC superheroes, are making a big announcement today at San Diego Comic-Con, in the fabled Hall H. After the success of Man of Steel this summer, Warner Bros. was expected to make some form of announcement of their franchise plans, but expectations were varied, with some speculating that the studio would simply set a release date for Man of Steel 2, while others thought that perhaps word would come of the expected Batman reboot.
It turns out the answer was both: Heat Vision is reporting that Warner Bros. will release a Superman/Batman team-up movie in 2015, instead of a straightforward Man of Steel sequel. This would set the stage for a The Flash movie in 2016, and a proper Justice League motion picture in 2017, after more of the DC superheroes had been reintroduced to the moviegoing public.
Both Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan are expected to stay on board for the Superman/Batman movie, which fans will probably just call World’s Finest until a title is officially announced (“World’s Finest” being the title of the comic book series that paired Batman and Superman together).
The Flash was not expected to be a high priority for Warner Bros., but in a recent interview with CraveOnline, screenwriter David Goyer confirmed that a draft he wrote for the scarlet speedster is still in the studio’s hands, still well liked, and a definite possibility for the studio.
We await official confirmation from Warner Bros., and will update the story as details come in. Yes, we’re hoping for a Wonder Woman movie too. But we refuse to complain that it’s not part of WB’s plans until we hear it from their own mouths. (But we will complain when the time comes.)
COMIC-CON 2013: The Sights of Comic-Con!
More Comic-Con Coverage!
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THE WALKING DEAD: Read Our Full Panel Report and Check Out Photos!
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GAME OF THRONES: Check Out the Complete Panel Report and See Pics From the Event
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HALL H: See What It Takes for Fans to Grab a Seat in Comic-Con’s Most Popular Venue
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GALLERY: Costumes, Costumes Everywhere on Day 2!
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EPIC FAILS: 10 Oddest Cosplay Outfits We’ve Seen So Far
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VIDEO: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright Talk “The World’s End”
Comic-Con 2013: Day 2 Sightings
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: John Ash wears a Superman themed outfit at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Stephen Yan dresses as Deadpool at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A zombie character greets people along 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Festival goers during Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Festival goers during Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: People walk toward the Convention Center during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Comic fans cross the street enroute to Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Gabriel Rivera dresses as Ariel from the Little Mermaid at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costume characters pose for pictures at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Attendees pose for pictures at Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Attendees pose for photos during Comic Con at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Michaell Cherry shows his Joker costume during Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A woman with a unicorn horse head waits in line to cross the street at Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A man with his face painted as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle walks down Fifth Avenue during Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Lisa Kruis shows her zombie outfit at Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A woman who goes by the name Space Pizza Cosply attends Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costumed attendees walk down 5th Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Star Wars characters pose for pictures along Fifth Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Attendee Anthony Knight dresses as Skull Kid from Legends of Zelda at Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A woman dressed as Wonder Woman attends Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Actor Kevin Bacon attends Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costumed characters play for the crowd during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Actor Kevin Bacon attends Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costumed attendees walk down Fifth Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Beckham the dog sports a Superman costume during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Amanda King wears an Ice Queen costume during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: An attendee dressed as a headless pirate walks down Fifth Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: A couple kiss on the lawn outside the Convention Center during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Comic fans walk down Fifth Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costumed attendees walk on an overpass bridge during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Comic fans stand outside of the Convention Center during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) -
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SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Costumed attendees ride along Fifth Avenue during Comic Con on July 19, 2013 in San Diego, California. The Comic Con International Convention is the world's largest comic and entertainment event and hosts celebrity movie panels, a trade floor with comic book, science fiction and action film-related booths, as well as artist workshops and movie premieres. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)
