'Man Of Steel' Reimagines Origin, Leaves Door Open For 'Justice League' Without Christopher Nolan [UPDATED]

Two of the biggest questions surrounding Zack Snyder's Superman reboot Man of Steel would be how much of the original origin he kept intact, and whether or not the film would feature cameos from other superheroes. Answers to those questions are both provided, or at least strongly suggested, in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. The article details how the origin manages to be both similar to and radically different from the original version. It also confirms that the film "allows you to really introduce other characters in the same world."

UPDATE: EW published a few more quotes that confirm Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale will not be a part of Justice League, but we can expect an announcement in that realm very soon.

Minor spoilers follow. [The update is below]

The Entertainment Weekly article explains that in this version of Krypton, armors are built on top of tight suits. Which is why Superman's suit is how it is and why Zod and Jor-El's are as we've seen them.

The origin is largely the same — Jor-El saves his son by sending him to Earth — but there are a few major differences. The main one is in this film, children of Krypton are genetically engineered to be something specific. Kal-El, aka Superman, is different and infamous because he was the rare child conceived naturally, meaning he can choose his path in life. Unfortunately for him, that also means his existence is against the law. Just another way to lend imperfections to a character that's naturally perfect.

As for Justice League, here's what Warner Bros. President Jeff Robinov said about Man of Steel's connection.

It's setting the tone for what the movies are going to be like going forward. In that, Man of Steel is definitely a first step. [Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight movies] were deliberately and smartly positioned as a standalone. The world [the films] lived in was very isolated without any knowledge of other superheroes. What Zack and Chris have done with this film is allow you to really introduce other characters into the same world.

So are there cameos? Robinov wouldn't say:

I would love to tell you yes or no but I think it's going to be more exciting for people to keep a beady eye out and find what they can find.

Sounds like Easter Eggs to me.

There's even more in the new issue of EW, on newsstands soon and currently available on iPad.

What do you think of the new origin? How about the Justice League hints?

UPDATE: EW posted a break-out of their cover story with the above quotes and more, such as this one from Robinov:

We'll announce something in the next several weeks that will hopefully position the DC characters and the movies we're going to be making.

He also said, unequivocally, the rumor of Nolan and Bale returning for Justice League is NOT true. However, he did leave the door slightly open to using elements from their Dark Knight films. When asked if those films stand on their own he said:

They do. Or they did. Where we go in the future is a whole other conversation.

A conversation you're all free to have below.