FROM SPLASH PAGE: Sure, when Superman eventually returns to theaters, you’ll “believe a man can fly” yet again — but that man might not be actor Brandon Routh.

While the former Man of Steel would certainly love a chance to don the blue-and-red uniform, Routh said the choice is no longer in his hands — it’s in the studio’s.

“The term of the contract expired,” Routh told Spanish-language entertainment site Omelete (an English translation is available via Google). “But if they call me again, [I'd go] back to the character without thinking twice!”

Continue reading Brandon Routh Says His ‘Superman’ Contract Has Expired

FROM SPLASH PAGE: What do "Batman," "Superman," "Akira," "Hellboy," "The Hulk," "Iron Man," "The Punisher," "Spider-Man," "The Spirit," "Dragonball," "Wanted," "X-Men" and "Watchmen" all have in common? Easy!

It's no secret that the comic-to-movie translation can be hit or miss. On one hand, you have someone like the Punisher — one of the most intense, complex and dark characters ever created in the comic book universe — so you would have thought his story and swagger alone would be enough to make a great action movie with maybe even a good sequel. Apparently not! The movie studios messed up that franchise not once ... not twice ... but three times (once with Dolph Lundgren, then Thomas Jane and most recently with some guy called Ray Stevenson).

(Read more about the roller-coaster world of Sam Jackson's upcoming comic book roles on our Splash Page blog.)

FROM SPLASH PAGE: Once upon a time, Bryan Singer and Brett Ratner swapped movies – Brett got the third “X-Men” and Bryan got “Superman,” which in his hands was “Superman Returns” starring Brandon Routh. We all know how that turned out.

But what would have happened if Ratner had continued along his merry way and done the “Superman” he wanted? What would it have been about? Brendan Fraser, who saw the script written by J.J. Abrams, was impressed. So was Ratner, who filled us in on the storyline and casting plans. Read More...

FROM SPLASH PAGE: Last week, Warner Bros. announced that they would be making some major changes with their film franchises based on the rampant success of "The Dark Knight." However, despite mentions of "Batman 3” and the possibility of at least two new franchises starting up, the one topic that seems to be on everyone's minds is "Superman," and how Warner Bros. not only plans to reboot the franchise after the disappointing box office from "Superman Returns," but to give the film a much darker tone and feel.

Immediately, fan reaction ran the gamut of those who were thrilled to hear about a "Dark Knight"-influenced Superman to those who equate a meaner, nastier Superman as sacrilege. And these reactions certainly weren't limited to the fan-fueled message boards, comic book writers and artists were also quick to voice their opinions on the new directive. Read More...

Article by Ashley Mastronardi

I often associate the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Egyptian pyramids, campy Warhol portraits, and a great grilled chicken salad from the café near the Greek sculptures. But now superheroes are surprisingly getting recognition from the fine art world in "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" -- the Met's latest exhibit that explains how the looks of some of our favorite childhood heroes (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, among others) have influenced real world avant-garde fashion, ready-to-wear pieces, and high-performance sportswear.

As I navigated my way through groups of well-heeled fashionistas, comic book nerds, and a gaggle of NYC tourists in the exhibit this Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised to find everything from Superman's classic, but somewhat risqué skintight "S" unitard -- which I learned was inspired by costumes worn by circus acrobats in the 1920's -- to a beyond vulgar (but amazing) Thierry Mugler black vinyl body suit, mask, and cape, reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman costume in 1992's "Batman Returns." (Tons more plus pics after the jump!) Read more...

- Brandon Routh says he hopes to shoot next "Superman" early next year. Meanwhile, film company president says it will follow a more "angry god" like Man of Steel. (Collider and Hamilton College)

- Where's your God now? "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" gets a second, darker trailer. (Myspace)

- Al Gore to make a sequel to his Oscar winning documentary? How convenient. (The Hindu Sun)

- Jonah Hill and Russell Brand join "FSM" director Nick Stoller for "Get Him to the Greek." Hilarity sure to ensue. (Variety)

As much as we love reporting on the superhero films that are in development, we go nearly as crazy as the ones that never will be. For instance, how would you have liked A "Superman" flick directed by Brett Ratner and starring...wait for it...Brendan Fraser.

When I spoke with Fraser over the weekend at the NY Comic Con, he revealed all. "I wore the suit," he admitted about his screen test for Ratner. "They were so top secret about it. Somewhere probably in a vault is my screen test."

And apparently he nailed it in Ratner's eyes because he says he had the part. "First they offered it to me. Then they didn't offer it to me," he laughed. "Then a huge swath of guys came in to put the suit on. We acted scenes as Clark Kent and [Superman]." (Watch video and more after the jump) Read more...

- They don't look like Presbyterians to me: Muppets will be saving an old theater in Jason Segal's revamp, actor reveals. (CHUD)

- Play it again, Sam? Madonna aims to remake "Casablanca." (Daily Mail)

- Why so serious? New viral sites for "Dark Knight" reveal Concerned Citizens for Gotham, hilarious video, and a little Joker mayhem. (Clown Travel Agency, CCFG)

- Up, up, and away! Man of Steel faces unsure future with new court ruling. (NY Times)

- Mos Def to play Chuck Berry in "Cadillac Records." (Hollywood Reporter)

So we like to think we're pretty on top of all your Batman and Superman movie news, like when we wrote about the billboard in "I Am Legend." There's nothing we're mose psyched about than "The Dark Knight" for instance but as far as we know those long abandoned plans to make a Superman/Batman flick died around the time Chris Nolan signed on to the latter franchise.

But here's the thing: apparently a whole lot of you are looking for "Batman Vs. Superman" news today. Our crack research team just informed me that a rather old story of ours about the two superheroes is playing like gangbusters today and I'll be quite honest...I don't know why. As far as we know, there's no news to report. If anything, maybe some "Justice League" news might break but "Batman Vs. Superman"? Why aren't you all searching for news on the "Superman" movie Kevin Smith wrote? I'm at a loss.

Anyone?

In today's link round-up, news on "Dark Knight," "G.I. Joe," "Bond 22," "Superman," and more.

- True American heroes? Marlon Wayans joins "G.I. Joe" as Ripcord. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in negotiations for flick as well. (Variety)

- Now that's a dapper looking man! Photos emerge from the set of "Bond 22." (MI6)

- Faster than a speeding bullet, Brandon Routh is back as Superman. (AICN)

- "[I]f you're the girl in Batman, you're going to be a damsel in distress to some extent." Maggie Gyllenhaal briefly talks "The Dark Knight." (Metro UK)

- Dream on. Freddy Krueger coming back to haunt you in another "Nightmare on Elm Street." Sequel will NOT include Jason. (Bloody-Disgusting)

- Do you like to watch movies on your iphone? David Lynch would like to have a word with you (language advisory). (Hollywood-Elsewhere)