Flying to Princeton, New Jersey after first unit filming wrapped, the globe trotting Bryan Singer was the keynote speaker at the Christopher Reeve Lecture Series and roving reporter Scott Napolitano was on hand to deliver the following report:
"After the lecture, Bryan addressed many questions from the audience. Credit goes to Singer as the audience was not as hip to the latest movie news as some of the fans. One woman wondered if debuting a clip at a 'comic books show' would 'really get the word out'- to which Bryan explained that the SD ComicCon featured thousands of people.
My question, I asked, "in the material I've seen and read, while Superman has left, the world has changed without him. In reality, the world has become a lot more cynical. Superman is a symbol of optimism and hope. Do you think the world is ready for this sort of hope, Superman's final return and why?"
For a moment, Bryan appeared off guard and looked side to side, laughing slightly, clearing his throat (he had lost his voice on the set). Compared to the technical questions he had just fielded, he did not seem prepared for a semi-philosophical inquiry. But after a beat, he nodded his head vigorously and said, "Of course! Yes! It's a cynical world and even I'm a cynical guy...but if Superman's having a hard time fitting back in, then everyone can relate...he's a breath of fresh air. I think we're ready."
In regards to Lois's child, Singer assured us that this is the most controversial topic addressed in the film. Bryan said, "I wanted to have something serious to confront Superman when he came back. We've seen disasters, we've seen criminals...this is altogether different. This is personal." If the 'munchkin' moment is any indication, Kal-el is in for quite the bombshell back on Earth. My friend Tim, an avid Superman fan, also was fortunate enough to ask about which scene was Singer's favorite from the Donner films. After a thoughtful pause, Singer commented that there were many to choose from, but the interview on Lois Lane's balcony topped the list. "'Lois, I never lie.' That IS Superman!" the director said excitedly.
During the speech, Bryan addressed why Clark comes off as sort of "dorky" and annoying. Falling back on the usual answer of "there are many different Clarks- Clark on the farm, at the Planet, as Superman...- he also said, "He's that guy...who's kind of annoying. The guy you sometimes just want to disappear, not pay attention to. Which, for Clark, is good, because if people keep looking at him, they may see Superman. He is able to coexist and still be on the scene, but he comes off as just being quiet and in the background."
It turns out that Batman WILL make a cameo in "Superman Returns"! Before fanboys and fangirls start wetting their pants in glee, I have to report that it will be next to impossible to spot- apparently one of the Daily Planet papers framed on the wall will feature a certain Caped Crusader leaping from a building. As for an actual crossover? Singer laughed at the idea that Brandon Routh has a clause to do a Supes/Bats flick. Apparently it's merely a likeness/multipicture clause- a WB standard. Singer once apparently mulled over how to do a crossover film. "I thought about it. What would I do? Superman's the good guy, so that makes Batman the bad guy but Batman can't be too bad because he's Batman! No, I haven't thought too much about this...this is the first time in probably five years it's even crossed my mind!"
I can also report, thankfully, that Singer has confirmed that the opening titles WILL BE the John Williams theme and that other motifs will be incorporated into a new score (which we already knew). John Ottoman, the editor-composer of the picture, is presently plugging away on the footage. As for post-"Superman" work, Singer did not rule out returning to the Man of Steel's world. He did state that he would like to direct further thrillers and mysteries in the future. "Part of the fun for me is making different looking, different feeling films," he explained to the crowd. Bryan also confirmed he will NOT be making a cameo in Superman Returns as he is not comfortable in front of the camera.
Perhaps the biggest boon to the director's cause came from Christopher Reeve's mother Barbara Johnson, who informed the New Jersey native, "when I first heard they were making a new Superman movie, I admit I was skeptical. But now having heard you speak and having seen this footage...you've won me over. I wish you and the crew the best of luck." Rob Burnett and Chris Lee were also there and revealed that the shot from the teaser of Superman passing in front of the sun was actually partially manipulated with graphics. Routh, on his fourth take, was apparently lifted by a rig towards a horizon line, passing perfectly in front of the sun. Burnett also was mum when I asked if the shot of Routh in orbit before breaking the barrier in orbit was actually CGI (translation: I think I'm right, go pay close attention to that trailer)."
Thanks again to 'Scott'
