Jesse Eisenberg is Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred for Superman/ Batman

Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. Pictures has found their Lex Luthor for the untitled Man of Steel sequel which fans have dubbed as Superman/Batman for the duration, in the form of actor Jesse Eisenberg.

In the DC Comics, Luthor was a supergenius who just hate Superman with a vengeance. Currently if you pick up a DC book, you'll see that Luthor is embroiled in a fight with the Crime Syndicate in Forever Evil together with a handful of DC rogues as well as Batman and Catwoman.

Eisenberg received Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA Award nominations for his starring role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s The Social Network. He also starred in Woody Allen's To Rome with Love and Louis Letterier's Now You See Me.

Also in the outs is actor Jeremy Irons who will be playing the role of Bruce Wayne's butler and only father figure Alfred Pennyworth.

Some of the movies I remember Jeremy Irons in was in Die Hard as well as sharing his voice to Scar from The Lion King. 

UPDATE: I got the official press release now from Warner Bros. Pictures Phil.

BURBANK, CA, January 31, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Jesse Eisenberg has been set to star as Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons will play Alfred in the upcoming Zack Snyder untitled Superman/Batman film. The dual announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Snyder stated, “Lex Luthor is often considered the most notorious of Superman’s rivals, his unsavory reputation preceding him since 1940. What’s great about Lex is that he exists beyond the confines of the stereotypical nefarious villain. He’s a complicated and sophisticated character whose intellect, wealth and prominence position him as one of the few mortals able to challenge the incredible might of Superman. Having Jesse in the role allows us to explore that interesting dynamic, and also take the character in some new and unexpected directions.”

The director added, “As everyone knows, Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s most trusted friend, ally and mentor, a noble guardian and father figure. He is an absolutely critical element in the intricate infrastructure that allows Bruce Wayne to transform himself into Batman. It is an honor to have such an amazingly seasoned and gifted actor as Jeremy taking on the important role of the man who mentors and guides the guarded and nearly impervious façade that encapsulates Bruce Wayne.”

Eisenberg received Academy Award®, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award® and BAFTA Award nominations for his starring role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s “The Social Network.” He also starred in Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love” and Louis Letterier’s “Now You See Me.” He next appears in “The Double” and “Night Moves.”

Irons won the Academy Award® for his portrayal of Claus von Bülow in “Reversal of Fortune.” His work in the film also garnered him a Golden Globe Award. He won an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® for his performance in the TV miniseries “Elizabeth I,” opposite Helen Mirren, and recently starred on the small screen as Rodrigo Borgia in Neil Jordan’s highly acclaimed Showtime series “The Borgias,” for which Irons earned a Golden Globe nomination. He was recently nominated for a SAG Award® for the PBS Great Performances television miniseries “The Hollow Crown,” for his performance as Henry IV.

Snyder’s film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. The film also reunites “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

The new film is currently being written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.

The film is set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, and is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

Superman/Batman hits theaters 2016

Warner has Found Its Wonder Woman in Gal Gadot

Fast and Furious 6 actress (and total bombshell) Gal Gadot will be swinging the golden lasso of truth as she has been officially announced to play the role of Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman for Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL 2. 

“Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.” (Zack Snyder) 

C'mon lets admit it, we're a bit disappointed that they didn't cast our choice star but much like how Ben Affleck was cast as Batman there might be something that they've seen in Gadot that we're not seeing. I hear that she also beat out Elodie Yung and Olga Kurylenko for the role. 

Plus she can totally kick our collective fanboy asses as she's a trained military personel. 

Gina Carano might not have been picked as Wonder Woman but I'm happy with this casting news.

Credits: IGN 

Production to Begin on "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

BURBANK, CA, September 3, 2013 – Principal photography will begin on September 9 on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” The film is the first to be made under filmmaker Guy Ritchie’s and producer Lionel Wigram’s new production shingle, Ritchie/Wigram Productions, which has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Having successfully re-imagined the classic detective Sherlock Holmes in two hit films, the pair now bring their fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series by bringing super spies Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin to the big screen.

Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) as Illya Kuryakin, alongside stars Alicia Vikander (“Anna Karenina”), Elizabeth Debicki (“The Great Gatsby”), Jared Harris (“Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows”), and Hugh Grant (“Cloud Atlas”) as Waverly.

“Guy and I have long loved these characters, and wanted to start from scratch with our own take and create a film steeped in the 1960s for today’s audiences,” said Wigram. “We are particularly happy about our cast, who all bring something special to the film. Henry, Armie, Alicia and Elizabeth are among the best and most exciting actors of the next generation. In addition, we are thrilled to be working with Hugh Grant, who we have known and been fans of for many years, and Jared Harris, who did such a great job for us as Moriarty.”

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

The screenplay is written by Ritchie and Wigram, who also serve as producers. John Davis (“Chronicle”) and Steve Clark-Hall (“RocknRolla,” the “Sherlock Holmes” films) are also producing. David Dobkin is executive producer.

Ritchie’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes two-time Oscar®-nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“Gladiator”), production designer Oliver Scholl (“Jumper”), editor James Herbert (the “Sherlock Holmes” films), Oscar®-nominated costume designer Joanna Johnston (“Lincoln”) and Oscar®-winning key makeup and hair designer Sarah Monzani (“Quest for Fire,” upcoming “Edge of Tomorrow”).
Filming will take place in England, with location filming also in Italy, in Rome and Naples.

A presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film

BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyder is bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.

Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.

Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”

Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted, “Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”

Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”

The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.

Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.

Hot Toys Man of Steel Superman Preview

Hot Toys just released a flurry of photos from their upcoming MAN OF STEEL release for the 1/6th scale toyline featuring Henry Cavill as Superman.

Man of Steel is one of the most anticipated blockbusters this summer. Directed by Zack Synder and produced by Christopher Nolan, Man of Steel will reboot the Superman franchise by giving audience a new look at the origin of the iconic superhero and his rise to become the protector of Earth and its people.

Non-Spoiler Man of Steel Review

Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan brings us THE ultimate Superman movie which is worthy of following the footsteps of Richard Donner's original Superman movie in MAN OF STEEL.

If there's anything that sets the movie apart from it's predecessors is the cool visual effects, something that Snyder brings into the table. The movie never skips a beat in telling us the origins of Superman from his parents' sacrifice to send the infant Kal-El to Earth all the way to the climatic and slam-bang finale where we see Superman unleash his full anger on a not-so-helpless General Zod (Michael Shannon).

Thanks to the great writing done by writer David S. Goyer,we're treated not just to a really satisfying Superman movie but also a movie that tackles topics such as alienation and isolation and destiny and family.

I advice you to catch MAN OF STEEL on IMAX as it fully does justice to the movie. As an artform, the film is exceptional in terms of pacing and eye popping visuals. You might want to keep your eyes peeled for awesome moments in the movie such as the Kryptonian battle scene at the beginning, the Smallville fight and the big key scene where everything just crumbles apart.

While Snyder took his sweet time in developing a really likeable Superman/ Clark Kent, it was all worth it as it provides us with a grounding and likeability for the Clark persona. Those earlier scenes of Superman's childhood also gives us a chance to see Kevin Costner as Clark's father Jonathan Kent, the man who made a huge impact in the young Superman's life. During these moments, I can't just help but think about the already-ended SMALLVILLE TV series starring Tom Welling.

Other cast members also held up their roles fine. Laurence Fishburne's Perry White is smart and smug and looks wiser for his years. Russell Crowe also OWNED his role as Superman's biological father; it's as if he's already asking for forgiveness for his take as Javert in Les Miserables [although I never disliked his take on the classic villain].He also kicks ass as never before, betcha Marlon Brando's Jor-El wouldn't have fought the way he did.

After seeing the movie, I'm still not sure whether or not I like Amy Adams as Lois Lane. There's like a half dozen actresses who played Lois Lane in both TV and movie adaptations but it's still Margot Kidder who's doing running in my head as the definitive Lois Lane. But Adams is definitely part of the upper bracket. She's lacking on sass department but she is spunky once in awhile. She's also an active participant and a source of a couple of quips.

The villains were also impeccable. Antje Traue is a beautiful, cold, hard bitch as Faora. She's merciless and full of hatred but at the drop of the hat she turns into this loyal fanatic in General Zod's insane quest. The armor design for Zod and the rest of his crew is also something to behold. It's also got a lot of nods to Nolan's last foray into the DC Universe [The Dark Knight trilogy].

If you're paying to see Superman fly, crash, punch, kick and heat vision his opponents, then you'll definitely go home with a smile plastered in your face as Snyder made it possible to do so. There's a lot of scenes in the film that showcases just how powerful the Man of Steel really is and it's done in a variety of ways. In costume, off costume, with his shirt on and with his shirt off. That in itself is worth the admission for the ladies in the audience.

Keep your eyes peeled for a couple of easter eggs here and there. It's not really much at the moment but you'll be pleased with all the stuff that's hidden and tucked away neatly behind, in front or even above the characters.Then there's also the fabulous world of Krpyton where there are a lot of fantastic beasts roaming around. 

Snyder took a couple of liberties in delivering the story, I really don't want to spoil what they are but I can predict that you'll go from, 'what the' to 'ohhhh good one'. 

I'll probably cut this review short in order to pave the way for a more spoilerific review. If you want my rating for this one, here's the verdict:

10/10

Special thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines for the invitation by the way. MAN OF STEEL opens June 12, 2013. 

P.S. i find it cool that I got to watch a Superman movie with Batman and Catwoman sans costume beside me and a very inquisitive Pam on the other side. 



 

Super Powers Transform Henry Cavill into Man of Steel

He starred on the popular Showtime series “The Tudors” for four seasons, and most recently, in the No. 1 hit mythological actioner “Immortals.” Now, British actor Henry Cavill puts on the iconic blue suit with an S emblem in Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' epic action adventure “Man of Steel.”

Directed by Zack Snyder (“300,” “Watchmen”), the film tells of a young boy who learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

When we first meet Clark Kent (Cavill) in “Man of Steel,” he is a grown man hiding from the world. He is unable to remain unnoticed under the watchful and increasingly suspicious eyes of the people of Smallville—thanks in large part to the manifestations of his superpowers and his inability to keep them completely under wraps, as his Earth father, Jonathan (Kevin Costner), advised him. Therefore, Clark has abandoned all he knows and loves, wandering in a metaphorical desert of odd jobs and emotional isolation in search of his true self.

“Clark feels he has to stay on the fringes of society,” Snyder explains. “That way, if he’s forced to use his abilities—if he saves someone’s life or does anything else out of the ordinary—it is easy for him to disappear.”

The New Man of Steel Trailer Will Give you Geek Goosebumps

Zack Snyder's final trailer will definitely give you goosebumps and it's definitely showing us why MAN OF STEEL will be this year's overall champion.

Check out the trailer after the cut and prove me right.

Comicx Hub Invites You to a Special Man of Steel Screening

CASTLE GEEK, NEUTRAL GROUNDS, COMICX HUB brings you another GEEK EVENT this time for the most anticipated SUMMER SUPER HERO MOVIE of the YEAR!

MAN OF STEEL

Join us on Thursday, June 13 at 6:45 PM at the Glorietta Cinema 7 for the SPECIAL BLOCK SCREENING of Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL!

Get your Tickets FREE!

MECHANICS:

Man of Steel Reveals Evolution of Modern Super Hero

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures comes the epic action-adventure “Man of Steel,” under the direction of Zack Snyder (“300,” “Watchmen”).

In the film, a young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

The film stars Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Kal-El, four-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams, Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon, Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner, Oscar® nominee Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”), Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”), Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”).

Heat Vision and Mountains of Skulls in Man of Steel Screenshots

Here are a couple of screenshots from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures including Superman buried a pile of skulls and General Zod using heat vision.

These screenshots of course came from the recent Zod-centric trailer for Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan's vision for Superman.

More photos after the cut...

It's General Zod's Turn in the New Man of Steel Trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have just revealed online the `Fate of Your Planet' trailer of “Man of Steel” which you can watch at http://youtu.be/QgsgkrTdNJU.

In “Man of Steel,” a young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

New Character Poster for Man of Steel Features Zod, Superman and Jor-El

The new Man of Steel One-sheets that have been released features cool looking poses for Superman (Henry Cavill), General Zod (Michael Shannon) and Jor-El (Russell Crowe).

More character posters after the cut...

Hot Toys Teases Man of Steel Superman

Not to be left undone, Hot Toys teases us with a partial look at the Henry Cavill Superman as seen in Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan's "Man of Steel" from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

Sigh, there goes another Php 12,000 down the drain or rather up the toy shelf.

New Man of Steel Poster and Banner Arrive

After the reveal of the cape-centric artwork last week, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures now unveil new poster and banner layouts for Zack Snyder’s upcoming action adventure “Man of Steel.”

The new marketing materials show Superman in two different stages of flight.

Superman's Cape Gets the Spotlight in New Man of Steel Banner

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have just revealed the latest international banner artwork for Zack Snyder’s upcoming action adventure “Man of Steel.” Said banner artwork is dubbed “Cape,” and as expected, the clothing material figures prominently in the layout.

In “Man of Steel,” a young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

“Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill in the role of Superman/Clark Kent, alongside three-time Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Michael Kelly, Richard Schiff and Russell Crowe.

The film is produced by Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters are the film’s executive producers.

“Man of Steel” is slated for release in the Philippines on June 12, 2013 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Check out the full banner after the cut...

Man of Steel Gets Empire Cover plus Never-Before-Seen Photos

The promotion for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' MAN OF STEEL is kicking into overdrive as we're seeing a barrage of different photos from various sources. The one below however takes the cake this week, two different covers for Empire featuring Superman and his Kryptonian nemesis General Zod.

More photos including the Empire cover featuring Zod after the cut.

Everything about the new Zod is menacing and intimidating, well everything except Michael Shannon's bowl cut.

Meanwhile check out the lo-res photos from Entertainment Weekly featuring Faora and much more.

This one I like mainly because of the pre-heat vision signature look

Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Antje Traue, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Laurence Fishburne and more. It's directed by Zack Snyder and is produced by Christopher Nolan. Locally distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines and opens June 2013.

Play Arts Kai Man of Steel Superman Preview

Yesterday I featured the Play Arts Kai Man of Steel General Zod, today I'd like to put the spotlight on the Man of Steel himself, Superman also from Play Arts Kai.

More photos after the cut...

Main Trailer for Man of Steel throws Real Punches

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have just released the main trailer of Zack Snyder’s upcoming action adventure “Man of Steel” which you can watch at this link: http://youtu.be/YLJ9ujgopiI.

In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

First Look at Antje Traue as Faora for Man of Steel

Entertainment Weekly shares us our first decent look at actress Antje Traue who plays Krpytonian baddie for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. 

I like the armor that she's got and it also rings truth to what spoiler descriptions and early reviews for Man of Steel; especially the part about Krypton being partly medieval and partly space age. And also here's to hoping Traue does good as Faora (whom I still get mixed up with Superman II femme fatale Ursa).