james mcteigue superman magneto plastic man

Later this week we’ll be publishing our full interview with director James McTeigue (V For Vendetta, Ninja Assassin), but until then I’ve been posting some of the more newsworthy bits to come out of our discussion. Yesterday, McTeigue revealed his next project, a Se7en-stlye thriller titled The Raven, and he gave us an update on the development of the sci-fi adaptation Altered Carbon. You can read about both projects in our previous post.

James also took the time to address three comic book movie related rumors that have been circulating the interwebs recently, including Plastic Man, X-Men Origins: Magneto and a Superman reboot. Rumors debunked and quotes after the jump.

Plastic Man

A project that has long been rumored is a big screen adaptation of Plastic Man. The Wachowski Brothers wrote a screenplay based on the comic book in the mid-1990’s, before The Matrix took off. However, recently an AICN report sparked rumors that Plastic Man might be next project for the Wachowskis, with McTeigue providing second unit support, or possibly directing the Wachowski-produced project himself. McTeigue says that NOT ONLY ARE the rumors not true, but he doesn’t believe Plastic Man will ever hit the big screen.

“Obviously, Larry and Andy, did a script for Plastic Man back in the day. I’ll be very surprised if that movie gets made. We haven’t ever really talked about it. But I know it’s still a Joel [Silver] property or a Warner property…”

Magneto

In May it was rumored that McTeigue was in talks to replace David Goyer on X-Men Origins: Magneto. The IMDb page for the film even started listing McTeigue as “in talks” for the project. But when I asked James about the project, he joked “I think that David Goyer would be surprised about that actually.”

“[Magneto] was just one of those rumors that started out and I don’t know where it came from or how it came up.”

Then the filmmaker paused for a second before admitting, “I mean, you know, it’s not a bad idea.”

superman_s
Last week IESB reported a rumor that Warner Bros and DC Comics were in talks with Andy and Larry Wachowski to produce a Superman reboot directed by McTeigue. I asked James if there was any truth to the rumors what-so ever, and he laughed kinda nervously, and paused for a second, before giving me an interesting non answer:

“You know… I… I would say… I’ll keep you guessing, actually. It’s good not to dispel every rumor, right?”

James had been so forthcoming on previous questions, and quick to deny false rumors. I hate to read too much into his answer (or as it may be, his non-answer) but his hesitation seems to suggest there might be something to it. Maybe there have been some early talks, or possibly it is something the Wachowski Brothers are developing. But the non denial seems rather odd, especially coming off of denials on a handful of other rumored projects.

  • mangos
    that's what i like to hear-not-hear! let's go superman!!
  • Tony Le Tigre
    Suh-weet
  • Octoberist
    hmmm..
  • INS
    I dont think a Origins for Magneto would work....

    Solid candidate for Origins would be someone like Rogue and getting her powers Ms Marvel and Mystique as her "mom", but they already screwed that up with the first X Men movie

    Archangel or Iceman would also make good Origins stories
  • Octoberist
    I hope McTeigue gets Superman. If not, maybe BRAD BIRD or the COEN Brothers.
  • Danisgod6491
    Keep Routh as Supes. Hell give him a dual role as both Supes and Bizzaro.
  • showtime
    Routh was Bizarro Superman. But WB is trying to make a real Superman movie now so we won't be seeing him anymore.
  • James
    Interesting, very interesting. I really do think it confirms Robert Sanchez's info even more.
  • tyler
    unless Ninja Assassin is amazing, i am not excited about this guy directing anything. i thought V for Vendetta was awful. though maybe it was directed well, i can't remember.

    i just remember being incredibly bored. i personally don't know anyone who even likes that film. though the ad campaign was classy.
  • felicaday
    I thought it was good. so there.!

    superman reboot all the way!
  • mbellerbrock
    It's one of my favorite movies and I know lots of people that absolutely love it.
  • Isaac
    Love at first sight with me and V for Vendetta. Almost every person I know who has watched the film has V in high regard.
  • DS2412
    If I'm not mistaken, wasn't there a rumor going around that the Wachowski's may be up for making a Superman Reboot? I for one think they could pull it off if they stick to a more gritty, violent style and mood like the Matrix rather than the cartoonish style of Speed Racer. Something in between would be perfect if done right. Anyone else?
  • zebrat
    I completely agree, DS2412.
    Speed Racer is so much better than everyone thinks. In time it will be loved by nerds everywhere.
  • Octoberist
    let's not confuse the Wachowskis with the work of James McTeigue here.
  • Non-story. Even if he hasn't had any discussions about it, a Superman movie is being made eventually, it'll be through WB where his entire directing career is based, and there's absolutely no sense in stopping fans from talking about what it might be like with him involved. It's as he says, it's good for him to keep people talking, whether there's any truth to it or not.

    This comment changes nothing.
  • After all these years, I'm still hoping for the Batman vs. Superman movie... Perhaps some stuff from The Dark Knight Returns which I thought was awesome.
    I know the chances are small, if even that, but one can always hope.
  • Guest
    please bring on Superman Reboot we need the Man of Steel to kick some ass

    but i want to see what James McTeigue do with Ninja Assassin first
  • agemoi
    To put in simply: if you want a Magneto movie, watch the first 5 minutes of the first X-men movie. Case closed. That's his motivation, that's when his powers manifested, and BAM! Kitty got wet! Pointless movie to make.

    BUT, im hoping for a good superman movie sometime soon. Would really be nie to see someone make this character into who he really is, not some stupid, emo-pansy. sorry for the rant =\
  • The Plastic Man news wasn't a surprise.

    He probably signed one of those non disclosure deals and can't discuss Superman.
    Maybe we will get some official Superman news at this weeks con.
  • James
    That's possible. I really don't think he's saying what he said just to mess with Peter. What con is it?
  • It's the Chicago Comic-Con.
  • Octoberist
    I'm sure that you know this but..there's THE San Diego Comic Con and that's a whole mess of other cons that live in its huge shadow. If there was an announcement, it would have probably happened at the San Diego one.
  • zamarov
    I agree, there's a big difference between McTiegue and Wachowskis
    If there's anyone who can reboot Superman it's the Wachowskis
    They're definitely my number one choice
  • topheavy
    I really hope Wachowski's are still in the game, I loved their treatment of Speed Racer (guess one of the few) and I still think that they have a great deal of alternate perspective on entertaining movies.
  • There is a lot of conflict in my reaction right now! I really hope the latter two will eventually be proven to be true!
  • Routh
    Whatever, but just as long a Bryan Singer is kept away!
  • papasanchez
    I don't know what this guy is like but what I do know is that superman deserves a fresh approach. Not dissin donner here, he made a great version but I feel that hollywood needs to approach it as if donners or singers films never existed. A good story is essential but lets not waste two hours of our lives watching supes drool over lois again. No origin story needed, just a good plot, a descent villian i.e doomsday and shit loads of action!! I'm thinkin gladiator on steroids!! Boo and yah my friend, boo and yah.
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