When I saw Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns in 2006 (Was it really that long ago? O, how the days pass, ever fleetingly!), I mainly remember walking out of the theater-plex, thinking, “Well, that was a film. Not the best I’ve ever seen, but not awful, either. It was OK.” Some, however, saw an affront to a beloved character, a call to action! (comics), an inspiration to found SaveSuperman.com.
SaveSuperman.com is a place for fans to come together as a unified group and be able to send a long overdue message to those who run Warner Bros Entertainment. Marvel has proven time and again that it is completely possible to turn a comic book into a film that both comic fans and the general public can enjoy. DC Comics has many heroes, not just Superman, that can be enjoyed the same way. For some unknown reason, Warner Bros just hasn’t figured out how to do it yet. But never fear, help is finally here.
Yes, help in the form of that grand internet tradition, the ineffective online petition-
In response to the interpretation of Superman created by Bryan Singer, that we perceive as portraying our beloved character as being selfish, a stalker, and a dead beat dad, we have joined together with this petition to plead our case that the Superman franchise be restarted from the beginning and placed in the hands of someone who cares about the character and the generations of fans which have supported him, rather than someone who has lucked out in the past on certain films, once and for all placing the character of Superman above corporate greed.
I don’t know about you, but I liked Singer’s luck-filled directing of The Usual Suspects. Luckily, the angry nerds’ demands are quite reasonable-
1. The writers, producers, and director must all have deep knowledge of the character prior to being hired. The writers should have experience in comic book storytelling specifically about Superman and the supporting characters of Superman comics.
AND NOT JUST TRADE PAPERBACK COLLECTIONS. WE’RE TALKING ORIGINAL RUNS, HERE, PEOPLE.
2. The franchise should be built around what made Superman great for generations. Comic films that are made solely for the general public, while forgetting the elements from the comics that fans have supported for decades, will only alienate longtime fans and cause angst…
Because, really, nothing expresses your love for a character like referring to it as a “franchise.”
3. The actors/actresses must not only have the talent to portray their character, but must also have the proper look of the character. As an example, Superman must look like he is in his mid to late 20′s, stand between 6′ 2″ and 6′ 5″ and have an obvious muscular build and wide frame, not the slim swimmer type Bryan Singer went for, with no need of padding or special effects. When looking at the actor, one should immediately think, “Now, that is Superman!”
When looking at that demand, one should immediately think, “Now that is really stupid!”
Perhaps they would be happy having Alex Ross art of the main character just digitally inserted into the scenes, interacting with real actors, with Clutch Cargo lips. Oh, right, though! I almost forgot- another windmill at which these folks tilt is the battle to get Smallville (Jesus, is that still on?) actor Tom Welling cast as the titular hero in the next Superman-based photoplay. Yes, it is another petition (with awesome art by “Mike”).
But if real, direct and measurable action is more to your liking, you also have the chance to send stuffed monkeys to entertainment executives-
For a donation of only $3, you can send a 6″ stuffed monkey to Alan Horn or Jeff Robinov. Each monkey will be tagged with the SaveSuperman.com logo and can be customized with a special message from the sender. There will be two versions giving senders a choice. A regular one with just the logo or one holding a sign that reads “Welling for Superman”.
Want to let the world know that you have grave concern for the issues in this world that really matter? Why not pick up a bumper sticker, complete with “Kryptonian” lettering that was created by some bored comic book writer/artist years ago and is the property of a multi-national entertainment content production company and not at all a REAL FREAKING LANGUAGE. Seriously- you start using this stuff and you’re one small step above those people who hold Klingon language camps in public parks, wearing their sad, sad costumes.
Something to keep checking for in the future- the upcoming promotional videos. Right now, it’s only a casting call and a dream.
Here are the specifications for each role.
Batman: caucasion [sic], dark hair, mid 20′s – 30′s, 6’0″ – 6’3″, well built
Wonder Woman: HAS BEEN CAST
Green Lantern: african american, mid 20′s – 30′s, 6’0″ – 6’3″, body builder
Supergirl: caucasion [sic], blonde, mid 20′s – 30′s, 5’5″ – 5’8, very fit
Flash: caucasion [sic], mid 20′s – 30′s, 5’10″ – 6’0″, well built
Lois Lane: caucasion [sic], dark hair, mid 20′s – 30′s, 5’5″ – 5’8, fit
Superman: caucasion [sic], dark hair, mid 20′s – 30′s, 6’3″ – 6’6″, body builder
Lex Luthor: caucasion [sic], bald/shaved head, mid 20′s – 30′s, 6’0″ – 6’3″, athletic build
Darkseid: any ethnicity, mid 20′s – 30′s, 6’5 – 6’10+, body builder
For more details, send an email with at least one head shot and one full body photo to: casting@savesuperman.com
***Please note this is a non-paying job that could lead to future paying roles.
Yes. The inevitable SaveTheIncredibleHulk.com Web site will be definitely be needing actors for videos after the first weekend that train wreck goes off the cliff.
What else is there? Oh, yes, the forums- You know, I just don’t have the energy to comb through those. You kids go on ahead.
