Though we have expected this news for some time, we can't help feel a little giddy to hear the first confirmation reports that Warner Bros plans to create sequels for both Batman Begins and Superman Returns.
Sequels for Warner Bros
According to Variety, Warner Bros. Pictures is already planning the next installments to Batman Begins and Superman Returns, with respective helmers Christopher Nolan (Memento) and Bryan Singer (X-Men, X2) in line to return.
We already knew the possibility of a sequel for Batman Begins was likely with possible villains under discussion as we speak. Both Christian Bale (Batman) and Brandon Routh (Superman) have contracts with Warner Bros that link them to further sequels; including a Batman vs Superman film.
Warner Bros has hired Jonah Nolan -- Christopher's brother -- to pen the screenplay for the next Batman sequel.
The news of a Superman sequel shows the extended faith Warner Bros has in the Bryan Singer pic. With a budget as high as Superman Returns', we had figured that the studio would hold back on thoughts of a sequel until seeing how the first film did at the box office.
Legendary Pictures, which put up half the financing for both Batman Begins and Superman Returns, is expected to board the sequels and split the budgets 50/50 with Warner Bros. In return, Legendary would split all profits, also 50/50.
After he finishes Superman Returns, Bryan Singer will move on and do a remake of the sci-fi thriller Logan's Run. Logan's Run is tentatively scheduled to begin shooting this fall in Vancouver. If Singer did pact to direct the Superman sequel, that pic could be shot in Vancouver as well.
If all goes as planned, the sequel to Batman Begins will hit theatres in 2008 and the sequel to Superman Returns will hit theatres in 2009.
Superman Returns comes to theatres on June 30th, 2006.
Superman Returns
Add to Heffee!
