Even though he's in the middle of shooting "Superman Returns," Singer made the long flight just to premiere footage from the movie to the audience he knew would be most appreciative of the privilege. The Internet hasn’t stopped buzzing about the film since Singer was hired away from “X-Men 3” to breathe life into the stagnant “Superman” film franchise, and word on the ‘net hasn’t been entirely positive.
Lots of “Superman” fanatics expressed their concerns over the casting of ex-soap opera star Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel, as well as other casting choices. But if the reaction of the fans at the 2005 Comic Con is any sort of indication, “Superman Returns” will indeed live up to and maybe even exceed expectations.
After the clip was shown, 6,500 people rose to their feet and gave Singer’s “Superman Returns” montage a standing ovation. Stunned by the reaction (Singer later said it was “very flattering”), Singer asked the audience if they’d like to see it one more time – and you can guess the answer. Needless to say, Singer’s long-distance trip was definitely worth it.
After finishing up with the fans, Singer sat down with a group of journalists to get down to the nitty-gritty on the film:
Bryan Singer on the Reaction to the “Superman Returns” Clip: "It’s hard, you know, when you just see a photograph of it, it represents one thing and people interpret it. It’s just a photograph. But when you see it in motion, how we’re treating it with lighting and color and this is only our first pass at it, you know, in color time. I mean this was done sort of, this little piece was done on the fly, basically created on a small screen and very quickly for this.
I think [Routh] sells it, definitely. If you were to meet Brandon in the suit, that’s when it really… You feel like, ‘Oh, that’s Superman. Okay, I get it.’ I think - I hope - it will be a good reaction. You know, you can please some of the people some of the time…"
On the Preview Clip and the Effects: “…I’m showing you a character piece, but the movie’s huge. Probably 1,500 to 2,000 visual effects shots. It’s got sequences where you’ve not seen a character do things of this scope. It takes you from outer space to the depth of the ocean. It’s quite a big canvas.”
Bryan Singer’s Interest in Superman: “…I am adopted and I’m an American, and I’m an only child, and Superman was you know, these three things except what interests me is that he is the ultimate immigrant and he carries his - what makes him different, his special heritage - he carries it with pride. And the suit, in the sense of the suit, he’s very idealistic. Unlike Wolverine [who] is very cynical, Superman is extremely idealistic and kind of represents a bit of what America is and the pitfalls one experiences in their idealism, so I very much like the character. I find him very pleasant. I’d like to think that there were people like Superman or aliens like Superman that existed. Plus, he can do anything.”
On Why This Story Was Chosen: “…It comes to a conclusion. It’s sort of a story of Superman finding his place in the world that’s very much changed. And ultimately he does - at the end of the picture. It leaves some things open to future films, possibly, but [the studio] just responded to it – quite instantaneously. As I said, my deal to make this movie was made in 72 hours.”
The Return of the “Superman” Franchise: “I feel enormous responsibility because very simply, it’s Superman. It’s an icon that surpasses probably any comic icon and most icons that exist in popular culture. I guarantee you take the cross and the “S” into the jungle and you will have 50/50 recognition. It’s extraordinary responsibility.”
Page 2: Bryan Singer on Brandon Routh, the Script, and Cameos
