Hands-down the biggest news out of Comic-Con 2013 is the reveal that the sequel to the highly successful Man of Steel will be a movie about both ‘Superman and Batman’. Oh. Em. Gee!

Zack Snyder broke the news at Comic-Con during the Man of Steel panel on Saturday 20th July 2013.

To announce the news Snyder brought out Man of Steel actor Harry Lennix (General Swanwick) to use his deep enthralling voice to read the following piece of dialogue:

“I want you to remember, Clark… in all the years to come… in your most private moments… I want you to remember… my hand… at your throat… I want… you to remember… the one man who beat you”.

When the above excerpt from The Dark Knight comics was read aloud, it is reported that audience members flew into a frenzy with roars of excitement and wondrous disbelief emanating from each attendee. I got goose bumps from simply reading the above passage, so it must have been electrifying to be there.

UPDATE: Watch the reveal in the video below.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C-bU3rhX_Q]

The new movie is confirmed to be a follow up to Man of Steel and will include Batman in some way. Henry Cavill will reprise his role as Superman whereas an actor for Batman has yet to be confirmed. Snyder will direct the movie and the script is currently being penned by Man of Steel scribe David Goyer. Snyder confirmed that although the movie will be inspired by The Dark Knight comic series, it will not be another adaptation of the comic so as to preserve Christopher Nolan’s interpretation. ‘Batman VS Superman’, anyone?

The same panel also revealed that Snyder directed motion pictures for the Flash and Justice League are tentatively in the works for 2016 and 2017 releases, respectively. However, no further information was revealed for either movie.

The Superman and Batman collaboration is in the works courtesy of Warner Brothers studios and is set for release in 2015. The full press release is included below.

Show Press Release

Next DC Super Hero Movie in Pre-Production

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

Comic-Con 2013

BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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.

“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.”

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.

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Vamers - Movies - Superman and Batman Unite for new DC Superhero Movie in 2015

[Sources: Empire, Hollywood Reporter]

Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.