Martin Deer rounds up all the latest talking points from Man of Steel as we count down to the return of Superman this summer…
Hans Zimmer’s Score
The track list for the Man of Steel score was released online when it went on pre-order, and just this week the previous 30 second clips of each track were expanded to 60 seconds [listen here]. Having had one quick listen, and restraining myself from any bold statements based on a 60 second section of a greater whole, the score is shaping up nicely. Inevitable comparisons to John Williams will be made, however, they are frankly irrelevant and a waste of time. What matters is that Hans Zimmer’s score fits this film perfectly, and as it sounds equal parts heroic and inspiring, I’m sure we’re in for something special. Zimmer takes his work extremely seriously, and continues to innovate instead of relying on past successes to ease him through on cruise control. Like Superman, Zimmer soars to the occasion, and when he is quoted as saying he really thought about the humanity of Superman and what it would be like to be him, is it any wonder that the score for the third trailer, now available to listen to sans dialogue, is anything less than stellar?!
Batman
Rumours have spread like wildfire this week that contained within the film will be a reference to Batman – that his name will actually be mentioned. I hate to bring it to anyone who has become excited by this, but this will not happen. At the moment, Warner Bros. does not have a defined plan for a DCU on film, and over the past few months we have heard numerous reports about a Justice League movie, a World’s Finest movie and even that Warners were in discussions to bring Chritopher Nolan and Christian Bale back. Bottom line, WB don’t know what they are doing with their other DC properties just yet, so do you really think they would back themselves in to a corner by referencing Batman? Zack Snyder has already stated that references to a larger DCU will be subtle, and so this will likely be quick mentions of Gotham and other cities from the DC world, such as Coast City for instance. At the very most – and I wouldn’t even put a pound on this at 10,000 to 1 – they might mention Wayne Enterprises. But I just don’t see it. With no plan in place and with Man of Steel originally conceived and filmed as its “own thing”, any references to other heroes will not be mentions of their names. So don’t be getting too excited by the prospect of hearing the words Batman or Flash.
Posters and Banners
Following the release of the final one sheet, a number of banners have been released and are, in my opinion, quite beautiful pieces of work. No superhero, or fictional character of any kind for that matter, can match the breathtaking imagery that Superman can, and these latest banners have captured the hope, regalia and beauty of the character perfectly. My favourite thus far is the one shown above; the cape looks stunning as Superman hovers as protector above us all, like the God Jor-El believes we will see him as.
TV Spots
As the marketing hits full swing with just 5 weeks remaining, TV spots are beginning to emerge [see here and here], and whilst I have made my own personal vow not to watch any as I try to remain as unspoiled as possible, gauging from the reactions in my social circles and online, the new footage is hitting the right notes.
“Secret Role”
A few weeks back, MacKenzie Gray, an actor Superman fans will recognise from Smallville, suggested his role in Man of Steel was quite the secret. This lead many to believe, given his past foray in to the world of Superman when he played a Lex Luthor clone, that we would indeed be seeing Superman’s arch nemesis once again. I’ve never believed it personally, as no disrespect to Mr. Gray, but the role of Lex requires an actor of serious caliber. Speaking to JTM Games recently, the actor has again reiterated that his role in Man of Steel is, “a big secret”, and so, just exactly who is he playing? On a project produced by Chris Nolan, secrecy is nothing new, and so he could just be playing Zod Victim #1, but – and here is a more crazy theory – what if he is playing Milton Fine? In certain incarnations, the villain Brainiac (who the vast majority of Superman fans are eager to see sooner rather than later) uses the human form of Milton Fine – most notably in Smallville. Whilst I am eager myself to see the fully formed green humanoid Brainiac, there’s no reason that we can’t see that version in a future sequel. Gray could be playing Milton Fine in a very minor role, and then with some good writing we could eventually see a full on Brainiac. Could Milton Fine provide Man of Steel with a ‘Joker card’ moment?
5 weeks to go. The ride will unfortunately soon be over, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Martin Deer
Originally published May 10, 2013. Updated December 13, 2019.
