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Warner Bros. Reportedly Eyeing Matthew Vaughn to Direct MAN OF STEEL Sequel

While Superman has been playing a crucial role in the DC Extended Universe’s team-up films, fans have been waiting for a standalone sequel to 2013’s Man of Steel. A second solo Superman movie was mentioned as part of Warner Bros.’ 2016-2020 plans, and last year, it was reaffirmed that the sequel is a top priority for the studio. Now, it looks like we know who WB wants to direct it.

According to Collider, Warner Bros.’ top choice to direct Man of Steel 2 is none other than Matthew Vaughn. While this is obviously far from a done deal, preliminary discussions have already taken place. And if for whatever reason Vaughn doesn’t take it, then the studio would still like him to tackle another DC film.

io9 backs up Collider’s report while sharing its own scoop. According to the site, Man of Steel 2 may not actually be a direct sequel to the 2013 film (which Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice pretty much was). Rather, it might serve as a “soft reboot or reimagining.” However, that hasn’t been decided upon yet. The storyline begun by Man of Steel was continued in BvS and will likely be concluded in Justice League. Killing off Superman and resurrecting him could lead to a “clean slate” of some sort for future stories. But, that’s just my speculation.

Vaughn certainly has a lot of experience in the comic book movie genre. He has directed Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and the two Kingsman films. He was also attached to direct X-Men installments The Last Stand and Days of Future Past, but he dropped out of both.

In fact, when Warner Bros. was in the early stages of rebooting Superman a few years ago (ultimately leading to Man of Steel), Vaughn and Mark Millar pitched a story idea for a Superman movie to the studio. Of course, that didn’t go anywhere, but Vaughn did comment on how he would approach the character back in 2010. He said a Superman movie should be “about color and fun,” rather than something overly dark and serious.

Ironically enough, Man of Steel and Batman v Superman were both heavily criticized for their darker take on Superman. I personally love this iteration of Supes, but a lot of people prefer to see the character depicted in a more lighthearted setting. So, if Vaughn’s 2010 comments are any indication, then he would likely make Man of Steel 2 with a lot more of that fun factor. And adopting a lighter tone and new storyline may make this movie more of a “soft reboot” than a direct sequel.

Collider’s report adds that Toby Emmerich, the new WB president and chief creative officer, mentioned Vaughn as an option for Man of Steel 2. He was also said to play a key role in hiring Matt Reeves to direct The Batman, and he wants everyone to know that WB is serious about hiring major directors for the studio’s DC films.

Would you like to see Matthew Vaughn direct Man of Steel 2? Or should Warner Bros. hire another filmmaker? Stay tuned for more news as we have it.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.