BURBANK,
California, October 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Pictures
announced today that Brandon Routh, a 25-year-old native of
Iowa with television and film acting experience, has been
cast as The Man of Steel in the Studio's upcoming Superman
epic, to be directed by Bryan Singer. The announcement was
made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production for Warner
Bros. Pictures.
The
untitled Superman movie is expected to begin principal photography
in Australia early next year for release in summer, 2006.
It is produced by Jon Peters, Bryan Singer and Gilbert Adler
from a screenplay by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. No
other casting has been announced.
Stated
Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer of Warner
Bros., "We are so pleased to have put this extraordinary
team of filmmakers and talent together and to be moving forward
with a project we've all anticipated so much. I think we're
going to make a Superman movie that all of us can be very
proud to bring to our audience around the world."
Routh
was chosen for the role of Superman following an exhaustive
search that spanned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada
and Australia. Thousands of candidates were interviewed before
the final selection was made.
Singer
commented on his choice of a star, saying "Contrary to
speculation, it was always my absolute intention to hire an
unknown for this role. Brandon is an extremely fine actor
who possesses the physical qualifications of Clark Kent/Superman.
But he also embodies the legacy and history of this character
in a way that makes me certain he's the right choice."
"We
respect and appreciate the intense interest that our fans
around the world have in Superman, and we went everywhere
in search of a talented actor who would represent his look,
character and presence," said Robinov. "We think
Brandon is a gifted young performer who can re-energize this
iconic character and excite new audiences about the legend
of Superman."
Routh's
television credits include One Life to Live, Gilmore Girls,
Will & Grace and Cold Case. He recently wrapped his first
feature role in the upcoming film Deadly, starring opposite
Laura Prepon.