After many months of speculation, it seems the light has shone at the end of the horizon.
LatinoReview was the first to break the news just minutes ago (before I had time to finish this article dagnabit, well done Kellvin) - Brandon James Routh is the new "Superman". Routh was first mentioned around two months ago (including right here) amidst the flurry of speculated names. Well now it has been confirmed by a Warners rep apparently and the announcement should hit the trades early next week.
Routh, who just turned 25 last week, has previously starred in regular roles on MTV's "Undressed" and daytime soapie "One Life to Live". He's also had notable guest appearances on such shows as "Will & Grace", "Oliver Beene", "Cold Case" and "Gilmore Girls".
The source who informed me of Routh's casting a few hours ago has also passed on some more juicy information exclusive here (and a few hours later has been confirmed to be accurate). The film starts off with Superman having been missing for six years. Also, the Kryptonian production design element will be almost identical to the first film - so expect Krypton and the Fortress of Solitude to be very much the slanted ice crystal motif we've all been used to.
Other casting has yet to be finalised.
