Ratner Explains Super Exit
By Beth Hannan Rimmels
Six months after he agreed to direct a new Superman film for Warner Bros. Pictures' and producer Jon Peters, Brett Ratner has left the project. Pre-production has been difficult, in part due to the studio's inability to find someone to play the lead role. This new Superman launch was planned as a trilogy based on scripts written by J.J. Abrams (Alias, Felicity).
"I have chosen to withdraw as director of Superman," Ratner said. "The difficulty of casting the role of Superman has contributed to my decision. I appreciate the efforts of Warner Bros. and the entire production team during this process."
Josh Hartnett screen-tested for the lead role in February and ended up with an offer from Warner Bros. but he was unwilling to shoot three consecutive films. By the end of last month, Warner Bros. was then testing and considering Brendan Fraser (The Mummy), Paul Walker and Matthew Bomer, but two weeks ago Walker withdrew. Then Ratner's contract option expired on Saturday (March 15). The studio and actors then went separate ways on Monday (March 17). Warner Bros. is still reportedly committed to the project but there's no word on a new director or lead actor.