Superman: Man of Steel (2013) Early thoughts

"In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (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 (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (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."

                                                                                Source: SuperHeroHype.com

After seeing the new up to date version of Superman, I can officially say that I am impressed the new look. Ever since it was announced that then new Superman titled 'Man of Steel', many people including myself  had many doubts on how the end result would turn out. But as the constant develepments on the film are slowly being revealed, the more I am willing to give the film a chance. After the dissapointment that was 'Superman Returns', it was almost as if the series had been killed. But now it looks like there is hope in the form of a re-telling of Superman.

The casting of characters for one is winning me over. Fair enough, Henry Cavill, the lead of Superman is relatively unknown but the supporting cast reads off an impressive list of talent. Laurence Fishbourne as Perry White, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Russell Crowe rumored to be play Jor-El, and Michael Shannon, taking on the role of Zod all characters, adds to the appeal the forthcoming film.

Embarrassingly, I only recently discovered that Zack Snyder directed the very impressive superhero film, Watchmen, but if Snyder produces a film as good as that then Man of Steel shouldn't dissapoint in 2012. Add Cristopher Nolan, the man responsible for ressurecting and reconstructing the Batman universe,  to the directing scene and you are almost guaranteed a success.

Since the early 40's, Superman has been portrayed by a list of actors but Christopher Reeves' Superman is arguably the most recogniseable and iconic interpretation. The closest any other interpretation comes in the form of Tom Welling playing a younger Clark Kent in Smallville, and quite possibly Dean Cain in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman not far behind. But with the direction Man of Steel seems to be heading in, this Superman will be another defining characterisation that will bring about great success and rejuvinate the franchise.

Check out my previous blog on my opinions of Michael Shannon cast as Zod here.

Actors portraying Superman through the years