Date: 20th July 2004

X-Men director takes on Superman


Bryan Singer has agreed to direct the new film version of Superman.

The X-Men director replaces Charlie's Angels director McG.

Studio Warner Bros parted company with McG in a dispute over the film's budget, the Hollywood Reporter said.

It said Singer had "dreamed" of directing a Superman film, adding the character inspired his work on X-Men.

"I feel that Superman has been late in his return and it is time for him to fly again," Singer told the paper.

The project has been hit by a series of personnel changes amid reported disputes over budget, casting, location and scripts.

Tim Burton and Rush Hour director Brett Ratner had earlier been linked to the shoot, while Nicolas Cage, Jude Law and Josh Hartnett have all been touted to play Superman. Roswell star Jason Behr and New York Minute actor Jared Padalecki were also named as possible candidates.

Brett Ratner apparently withdrew over budget and casting disputes, while his top choice actor - soap star Matt Bomer - was rejected by the studio.

Singer had been scheduled to work on the third X-Men film - which he now looks unlikely to do - as well as a Warner Bros remake of Logan's Run.

At one time Warners had considered drafting in Troy director Wolfgang Petersen to shoot a Batman vs Superman script, but then reportedly decided to pursue separate films.

Source: Press Release