# Bryan Singer (probably) dropping X3 to direct Superman... \*sigh\* **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 19, 2004, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904 "2004-07-19T23:49:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/1 "2004-07-19T23:49:31Z")
And, most likely, [taking two of the bigger X2 screenwriters with him](http://superherohype.com/superman/index.php?id=1745). Well, fortunately, screenwriters can work on multiple projects more easily than directors, so there’s still a good chance that X3’s script will have that continuity and quality from the last two. But as someone with little interest or history with Superman, and much with X-Men, I can’t help but be a little depressed… If it turns out that he indeed can’t do X3, Fox had better not screw up the new director (and/or writer) choice. I’d almost rather wait for him to finish Superman in that case. Bryan! Come back to us! ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/2 "2004-07-19T23:56:39Z")
Bah. 1. Don’t get too much hope in Singer actually directin Superman. That title has changed so many hands by now it’s surprising it doesn’t have a venereal disease. 2. By all accounts, Bryan Singer is very dedicated to the material, and I doubt he’d drop X-men - which is right in the middle of a pretty complex plot that HE knows how to present - in favor of something that may or may not happen. 3. Chances are Supesy is gonna be delayed, AGAIN, for the umpteenth time. Now, this is FAR better news for the Supes franchise than a few years back, when Keanu was being considered for the role (AND SUPERMAN _DROWNED_!!), but it’s like the much fabled _Duke Nukem Forever_… I just can’t be excited about it anymore until something more concrete starts to show. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/3 "2004-07-20T00:30:35Z")
A [link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=267234) to my earlier, and therefore better, thread on this. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/4 "2004-07-20T00:48:24Z")
> [@adam yax](#): > > A [link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=267234) to my earlier, and therefore better, thread on this. Ah, but your thread is an analysis of Singer’s qualifications for the Superman job, and whether he’d be able to make a good movie out of it. MINE complains about this news’s consequences on the franchise I **really** care about, the X-Men movies, and therefore much more significant than yours. Unless you wanted me to hijack your thread, mine is different enough to rate its own thread. Gotcha! ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/5 "2004-07-20T01:28:25Z")
I’m a little upset as well. The \*X-Men \* movies are the pinnacle of the genre so far in my opinion. Both movies were superb and I’ve been anxiously awaiting the third but will be very disappointed if Singer is indeed gone and \*X3 \* winds up becoming _X-Men Forever_. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Elvis\_Rojo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@El\_Elvis\_Rojo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Elvis_Rojo)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/6 "2004-07-20T01:31:22Z")
I’m with **SPOOF** here. **Superman** is a cursed movie, and I can’t see Singer giving up a sure thing to advance a storyline he’s already brought so far just to fiddle around with such a mess. He’s got a sure thing with **X-Men 3**. Unless he’s getting bored with movies and feels the need to take the risk, I wouldn’t be too concerned. ---
**Author:** ![Askia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/96bed5/32.png) [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/7 "2004-07-20T16:22:11Z")
Since this story broke, I’ve seen news bits on this three times in last twelve hours. Twice on local news, too. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2004, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/8 "2004-08-08T23:51:18Z")
Sorry to bump this, but it hasn’t been all that long, and I just had to sob in mortal agony over [this story](http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-film.html?2004-08/06/10.00.film). _wails in unimaginable pain_ ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/9 "2004-08-09T00:44:25Z")
What’s the take this new Superman movie would would have? Would they re-con it into something more movie friendly or stick to the material ? If they stick to the material will it be a slice o’ super life, or will it be an origin story beginning in Krypton? Does DC have in say in this script or have they sold the rights? ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/10 "2004-08-09T00:50:33Z")
Something tells me there was some motivational reason that he is happy to abandon X3. It can’t be as simple as it appears - especially if he’s picking up a rival-comic, rival-studio superhero movie (that appears to be riddled with constant problems) that does not really need another take on it. There’s got to be something happening behind the scenes that really bothers Singer for him to abandon Fox and X3 this way. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/11 "2004-08-09T00:51:20Z")
Y’know, that’s a good point I should clarify… At this point, I don’t think I care how much better the Superman movie will be, although it being good would certainly reduce the pain, because at least then it won’t have been for nothing. It’s just that X3 might be worse, or maybe even nonexistent, because of this, and THAT sends me into waves of grief! Even more insulting: Singer is more willing to do Logan’s Freaking Run before X3! (Granted, it’s only because I believe both are being done by WB, but still.) ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/12 "2004-08-09T01:27:28Z")
Here’s some more info. Interesting re DC. I never realized they had been bought by WB. [Warners finally gets it right! SUPERMAN RETURNS! The Confirmed Details Spill To Earth!](http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=17972) > [@](#): > > Hey folks, Harry here… it is with a great deal of relief, joy and happiness that I can lay out what is happening with the Man of Steel. > As of Today, the deals for Bryan Singer, Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris have been closed to helm & write from scratch the new SUPERMAN film. This is the X2 team. The team that made, arguably the best of the Marvel Films (arguable only because Raimi nailed the hell out of SPIDER-MAN 2). > The J.J. Abrams script has been completely tossed out. Not of shred of it will remain. That McG ordered SUPERMAN cybersuit (Brilliant Ideas From Mr Hot Wheels, eh?) that Stan Winston’s brilliant craftsmen were paid zillions to create is GONE! Today, long time sources like Frosty Skywalker, Sir Etch-A-Sketch and Sir Magnadoodle… those last two have been in the hallways of Warners for the better part of the past decade… and have access to every room. Frosty wrote to tell me that Bryan was signed, and that LOGAN’S RUN and X3 were now dead. While the first part of that is true… LOGAN’S RUN and X3 are not dead. The word from the halls of Warner Bros is that LOGAN’S RUN will be the film that Bryan Singer will make immediately after the Man Of Steel lands in theaters near us all. HOWEVER - if you begin talking to spies at Fox in Tom Rothman’s offices and adjoining offices… X3 will be made after SUPERMAN by Singer, or Fox will leave him behind and continue forward with a new director. It’ll be interesting to see how the cast will take to that… I know they all love Rothman so. He’s a really cute dude, very lovable snugglebunny and obviously the reason that series has been the success that it has been. No, no, really. Ok, maybe that’s a fib. > Details on SUPERMAN RETURNS, which is what Team Singer and WB seem to be calling it, are few and far between. But one source, that proved to me today to be quite close to some Warner exec that strikes an amazing resemblence to Lex Luthor himself, hinted to me that this film does not throw the Donner films away and allegedly somehow has something to do with their timeline and history!!! So… from the title, all we’re left with is… he must have left, and now he’s back. Does that refer to the child of Krypton’s absence from theaters, Metropolis, our Planet or what? Will 3 & 4 be canon or merely tragedies? If he’s returning, one can assume that he went somewhere, and now feels the need to be back… but why? Where’d he go? Why’s he back? I can say though… SUPERMAN RETURNS will not be an Origin Story. We’re not going to walk through all that molasses for the umpteenth time, waiting for Kal-El to do something or become Superman again! > The confirmed details are: Bryan Singer, Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris are on board. It will not be an origin story. And something regarding the Christopher Reeve films and that universe has something to do with this. (though that last one is a shady detail… My source heard that, but when they did… there was no elaboration for the how, what, when, where or why of it.) > I assure you… I’m on this case like Comet, the super-horse! That’s right, I’m your super-stud! > While Warners continues to be the craziest most bi-polar studio on planet Earth… It seems they’re nailing BATMAN BEGINS… and they finally have a team that I can get enthusiastically pumped up about. Now if only GREEN LANTERN was being done justice the way New Line proposed to Warners in a faithful 3 film Green Lantern Corps super epic. But, a comedic riff by Jack Black… that’s just as good right? Sigh. No matter, the team behind X2 will once again have all of us believing that a man can fly! ---
**Author:** ![Soapbox\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Soapbox\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soapbox_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/13 "2004-08-09T03:40:13Z")
Even more reason to loathe Superman. ---
**Author:** ![Fiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e274bd/32.png) [@Fiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiver)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/14 "2004-08-09T03:58:45Z")
There are good things about America, and there are bad things. One of the bad things is that someone can write like Harry and become a success. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/15 "2004-08-26T05:51:02Z")
I think this belongs in the “signs of the coming apocalypse” thread. Right after the story about “Jurassic Park IV” having teenage mutant Raptor supersoldiers. Ranchoth (::Going to go leave out some milk and cookies for the Four Horsemen::)) ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bryan-singer-probably-dropping-x3-to-direct-superman-sigh/255904/16 "2004-08-26T23:39:00Z")
[_cries some more_](http://www.superherohype.com/x-men/index.php?id=1924) I swear, they had better get someone who will treat this material like it deserves, or there is going to be HELL TO PAY. Hell, Joss Whedon has publicly expressed interest, and folks trust him. Get him! GET HIM NOW!