Snyder’s name recently appeared as a rumored candidate for the position and one of several directors on the Warner Bros. short list. Snyder himself revealed in 2008 that he was originally in line to direct Superman Returns, but that he was not interested in taking the job.
“They asked me to direct a Superman movie, and I said no,” was Snyder’s response more than two years ago, “He’s a tricky one nowadays, isn’t he? He’s the king daddy of all comic-book heroes, but I’m just not sure how you sell that kind of earnestness to a sophisticated audience anymore.”
Whether it is Snyder’s view of the project or the new tone itself that has changed remains to be seen, but what is known is that the film will move forward with a script from David Goyer and Jonathan Nolan. Christopher Nolan will “godfather” the production, aiming for a late 2012 release.
Snyder’s Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole is currently playing in theaters and his next film, Sucker Punch, opens March 25th.
UPDATE: Deadline has just spoken with Snyder, who both confirmed his involvement and made the following statement:
“I’ve been a big fan of the character for a long time, he’s definitely the king of all superheroes, he’s the one. It’s early yet, but I can tell you that what David [Goyer] and Chris [Nolan] have done with the story so far definitely has given me a great insight into a way to make him feel modern. I’ve always felt he was kind of awesome. I’ll finish ‘Sucker Punch’ and get right at it.”
UPDATE #2: Heat Vision is reporting that General Zod is rumored to the film’s main villain. Zod was played by Terrence Stamp in Superman and Superman II.
