If you've been paying any attention to the world of Hollywood, you'll notice that superhero movies are ruling the day. You can't turn a corner without seeing another superhero in tights attempting to save the world through a mix of gritty action sequences and lighter comedic moments. As such, it seems like every top actor and director is itching to get into the genre, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC Extended Universe, and X-Men franchise all producing new installment regularly. It has since become customary for those players to be asked which superhero property they'd join in press junkets and interviews. And Jurassic World 2 and A Monster Calls director J.A. Bayona is no exception.
J.A. Bayonna recently did a Reddit AMA, where fans were able to ask the director a thing or two about his latest film projects. One such fan asked Bayonna what his dream film to direct would be, and the answer was downright super. He said,
The first movie I saw in my life was Superman. I was three years old. The first memory I had was Christopher Reeve flying in the suit. Directing a Superman film would be great. I always wanted to be Superman. That's the film that made me want to become a director.
It looks like J.A. Bayona is ready to direct a Superman flick. And I think I speak for DC fans when I say we're all ready to watch him do it.
1978's Superman is truly groundbreaking for the superhero genre. It was the biggest production film to date, and featured visual affects that were ahead of its time. Additionally, the story told was rooted firmly in humanity and human issues, as we saw both Christopher Reeves' Superman and Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor slowly peeled back throughout the run time. It's the best Superman movie to date, but perhaps J.A. Bayona's perspective can change that in the future.
There have been quite a few Superherman movies since Christopher Reeves wore the red and blue. Aside from the various sequels that the original spawned, 2006 saw the release of Superman Returns. Starring Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey, and Parker Posey, Superman Returns was set within the canon of the original film franchise, and was met with mixed results.
The latest version is Zack Snyder's muted and dull adaptation starring Henry Cavill which began with 2013's Man of Steel. While Snyder also directed the character for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, the future of a possible Man of Steel sequel is still up in the air. The DCEU seems to be distancing itself from Zack Snyder as the universe moves forward, so it's possible that a sequel will need a brand new director. And now, we know exactly who to call.
J.A. Bayonna's A Monster Calls is now in theaters.
