Everyone’s favorite son from Krypton, Superman, is back in full force in next year’s Man of Steel, which was showcased in a great session today which was part of the Warner Brothers panel in Hall H at San Diego’s Comic-Con.

The film, which is rebooting the storied franchise that arguably almost singlehandedly ushered in the success of comic book films to the silver screen, brings British actor Henry Cavill in to wear the famed tights this time around, following in the pressure filled red boots previously filled by Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and even by Tom Welling as the young growing pained Kal-El on the television series Smallville.

Hosted by the witty and bright Chris Hardwick, the panel was comprised of director Zack Snyder and Cavill. Snyder felt that taking on the franchise was a big responsibility, but that it was important to bring it to a new generation. He went on to say that he was pleased with how the film was progressing, which will be debuted next summer. The biggest challenge was to try and humanize him to a fault.

A trailer for the film was then shown, which was exhibited on three huge screens, two of which had been extended to the left and right of the standard large middle screen in the hall. The trailer showed Smallville and Krypton, with clips of Russell Crowe as Jor-El, and also Metropolis. It had the energy and soul and elements of the classic fable that is Superman, but also had a dark, emotional edge to it ala The Dark Knight. No surprise considering that Christopher Nolan is an executive producer on the film.

The square jawed, chiseled Cavill was introduced then, physically a perfect choice to play the character. Standard Q and A followed, with typical questions asking Snyder why he chose to make the production and if he based it on the franchises past mediums such as the comics or the past films. A low rent dressed bargain basement dressed Superman asked Cavill what he hopes to add to the predecessors who played him, and he stated how he hoped to bring a modern version of the comic legend to fruition. Another fan, a gentleman, was crying at how amazing this all was, only to have Hardwick run into the Q and A well and hug him. He wound up asking who the villain in the film was to unfortunately no response. Awkward moments abounded afterward to audience laughter.

A question was asked if Batman fought Superman, who would win and Snyder responded with a simple, “Really?” When asked why John Williams’ memorable theme and score wasn’t retained for the new film, Snyder said that if this was going to be a brand new reboot, it would have to be completely new, Hans Zimmer’s new score notwithstanding. Cavill also gave his name card to an eager and much appreciative fan which prompted Hardwick to exclaim when Cavill was on his way to where she was standing, “Don’t step in the pee puddle.” And finally, Snyder was asked if maybe there could be a future Justice League of America film ala Marvel Comics’ The Avengers, he said, “Who knows what’s possible.”

A fun panel overall and one for a film that seems to be destined to bring the Man of Steel back to the comic book film forefront next summer.

Panel Photos

All Photos by Dave3 for Geeks Of Doom.