Superman Remake

Many A-list actors are opting not to be possibly typecast or to be locked into a three-picture deal that the franchise is offering. Several big names who have already declined are Nicholas Cage, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law. Superhero wannabes lining up to audition for the Superman part are Jerry O’Connell, Brendan Fraser, Paul Walker, soap star Matthew Bomer, and Mutant X star Victor Webster.

Conflicts have arisen between director Brett Ratner and producer Jon Peters. Peters blames Rattner for the hold up according to sources. Also a source of controversy is the script from JJ Abrams, creator of Alias. The new script is being blasted by comic book aficionados, and has spawned an online petition protesting the changes. Over 11,000 comic book geeks have signed said petition. Among the changes: Jimmy Olsen is gay, Superman’s "a player", flirting with Lois Lane rather than saving lives, Krypton is intact even though in the original movie the planet explodes, Superman’s suit is his source of power, and Lex Luther is a Kryptonian who wants to destroy Earth.

There have been reports that Keri Russell is slated to play Lois Lane and Justin Timberlake is being considered for the role of Jimmy Olsen. A rep for Russell said, "Nothing’s finalized. There’s been interest, but they’re probably waiting to find Superman before they pin down who they want for Lois." And word from Timberlake’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, is that Timberlake is in Japan promoting his album and hasn’t seen the screenplay yet. He also would not confirm which role Timberlake was being approached for. With rumors of Timberlake’s ambiguous sexual nature, he might feel very comfortable playing a gay Jimmy Olsen. The only constant has been Anthony Hopkins, who has signed on to play Superman’s birth father Jor – El.