# When the hell are they going to have a decent Superman movie? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 19, 2010, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815 "2010-06-19T22:38:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/41 "2010-06-21T20:05:16Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > They should just do a movie version of the [Gladiator by Philip Wylie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator_(novel)) which is rumored to be where the Superman charecter came from. It’s dark and tragic rather than world saving super villians over done. They could even use the Superman angle in promotion I just read Gladiator. Superman was clearly ripped off from it, except for the costume, vision tricks, and alien origin. The book is kind of a combination of Superman and the later Batman in terms of alienation. Sure Supe’s character was very different, but I doubt the Wylie character would have appealed to the kiddies. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/42 "2010-06-21T20:13:11Z")
> [@](#): > > I just read Gladiator. Superman was clearly ripped off from it, except for the costume, vision tricks, and alien origin. The consensus is that Superman owes a lot to Wylie’s _Gladiator_ (I’ve got a copy, too) and to John W. Campbell’s _Aarn Munro_ stories, and to other pulp influences (the costume doesn’t come from either of those, but the “born on a heavier planet” deal is clearly from Campbell). ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/43 "2010-06-21T21:00:16Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > That sounds hilarious. But are you sure the world is ready for a Superman comedy? Hancock\* anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/44 "2010-06-21T22:05:52Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Actually, the re-constructed Richard Donner version of **Superman II** , released a couple of years ago on DVD, is pretty darned good. Certainly better than the original studio-released movie. > [Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_II:_The_Richard_Donner_Cut) That version is infamous for having superman have sex with LL _before_ losing his powers…YET SHE LIVES!! ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/45 "2010-06-21T22:19:09Z")
It’s probably just me, but Superman is just not a very appealing or interesting character. Maybe it is because he is not human that it is hard to relate. I mean Spiderman is relatable beacuse it is about adolescense and trying to find your place in the world. Batman is about how we harness our darker impulses and vigilantism. Superman is about an alien who comes to the US and fights bad guys. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/46 "2010-06-21T22:48:24Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > Bullshit. Rose McGowan would be iconic and arousing and she kicks ass. She would be PERFECT for the role. > > Someone get her agent on the phone! 😉 I give you [Gina Torres](http://bestof.provocateuse.com/images/photos/gina_torres_98.jpg). She’d make a terrific Wonder Woman. Superman is just too hard to make interesting. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2010, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/47 "2010-06-21T23:30:40Z")
Superman was interesting in The Dark Knight Returns and The Death of Superman/Funeral for a Friend, etc. That was it. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/48 "2010-06-22T02:39:59Z")
> [@JSexton](#): > > I give you [Gina Torres](http://bestof.provocateuse.com/images/photos/gina_torres_98.jpg). She’d make a terrific Wonder Woman… Naw, Rena Sofer: [http://images.askmen.com/imagesvote/2003\_oct/coupling\_babes/rena\_sofer\_square.JPG](http://images.askmen.com/imagesvote/2003_oct/coupling_babes/rena_sofer_square.JPG) [![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3lgnd9PlefA/SKw004T7BjI/AAAAAAAAAJw/cvQti6td5Ts/s320/Sofer_Rena.jpg) ](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3lgnd9PlefA/SKw004T7BjI/AAAAAAAAAJw/cvQti6td5Ts/s320/Sofer_Rena.jpg) > **[UGO](http://www.ugo.com)** > > UGO is a pop culture comedy site. We celebrate our obsessions by cracking jokes and making awesome videos. We kid because we love. [http://www.celebs101.com/gallery/Rena\_Sofer/93738/rena\_sofer\_photo\_9.jpg](http://www.celebs101.com/gallery/Rena_Sofer/93738/rena_sofer_photo_9.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![25.1327\_Octopi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/ecb155/32.png) [@25.1327\_Octopi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/25.1327_Octopi)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/49 "2010-06-22T04:22:54Z")
(never mind - I referenced _Gladiator_ without reading the thread. I go to my room now.) ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/50 "2010-06-22T04:45:37Z")
Rina Torres just looks like lynda carter. Might as well just CG lynda. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/51 "2010-06-22T05:01:22Z")
> [@cosmosdan](#): > > They should just do a movie version of the [Gladiator by Philip Wylie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator_(novel)) which is rumored to be where the Superman charecter came from. It’s dark and tragic rather than world saving super villians over done. They could even use the Superman angle in promotion Hell of an end in the wiki synopsis! ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/52 "2010-06-22T05:03:27Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > Hancock\* anyone? I think being a comedy was the main requirement. ---
**Author:** ![Mavis\_Topholese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7feea3/32.png) [@Mavis\_Topholese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mavis_Topholese)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/53 "2010-06-22T05:47:53Z")
The Superman movie they need to make is the one with the bottled city of Kandor, Brainiac, Jimmy Olsen’s disguise trunk, Lois getting kidnapped and/or married at least three times each, Red K, Supergirl, Comet, Streaky, Krypto, the Legion Of Super-Heroes, the Legion Of Super-Pets, the Superman Emergency Squad, and Titano the Super-Ape. and then, AFTER the opening credits roll… Seriously, quit trying to be relevant and modern. Go Mort Weisinger crazy, guys! ---
**Author:** ![MTCicero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MTCicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTCicero)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/54 "2010-06-22T13:13:10Z")
> [@JSexton](#): > > I give you [Gina Torres](http://bestof.provocateuse.com/images/photos/gina_torres_98.jpg). She’d make a terrific Wonder Woman. Not to sound overly reactionary, or anything, but no. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/55 "2010-06-22T13:23:53Z")
> [@Mavis\_Topholese](#): > > The Superman movie they need to make is the one with the bottled city of Kandor, Brainiac, Jimmy Olsen’s disguise trunk, Lois getting kidnapped and/or married at least three times each, Red K, Supergirl, Comet, Streaky, Krypto, the Legion Of Super-Heroes, the Legion Of Super-Pets, the Superman Emergency Squad, and Titano the Super-Ape. What? No Bizarros? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/56 "2010-06-22T13:28:27Z")
> [@spoke-](#): > > What? No Bizarros? and a super-flashback with his robot-nanny. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/57 "2010-06-22T16:28:20Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > and a super-flashback with his robot-nanny. And a Superboy perpetually set in a Norman Rockwell 1930s Smallville. ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/58 "2010-06-22T17:29:56Z")
I still think the third Batman movie should feature Superman as the villain - whether by way of being mind-controlled, or maybe just going crazy totalitarian “I’m tired of saving you, so I’m going to run things my way” mode. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/59 "2010-06-22T18:51:31Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I think it could be revitalized if it really went back and rebooted it from the true source material – the original 1930’s comic books – _set_ it in the 30’s – and dialed back Supe’s powers to what they originally were before they became inflated into Godlike omnipotence. He’s really strong, but not planet-juggling strong. he’s fast, but not FTL fast. He can jump really high, but not literally fly. > [@Lumpy](#): > > I think a pre-WW2 setting Superman would have to be set in an alternate past where all the chiches’ of pulp comics were real, ala Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow. Yes, yes, yes! When I was watching Sky Captain, I was constantly thinking “where is Superman”. He belongs in that setting. I just don’t think the Superman concept translate well into our current world. The trick is making the retro setting relevant to contemporary viewers without changing the setting too much. I really enjoyed Sky Captain. I’m not sure why it didn’t do well financially. Was it not marketed well? Is 30s pulp too unfamiliar? ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2010, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815/60 "2010-06-22T19:04:11Z")
If you want to know why it is so difficult to make a good superman movie [this Kevin Smith speech](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgYhLIThTvk) is appropriate. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-hell-are-they-going-to-have-a-decent-superman-movie/543815.md?page=4)