There is a certain reversion to origin story that is to be expected in a reboot of a superhero film franchise, a revisiting of an iconic character's most basic roots. Often times, the particulars are tweaked and changed, to set a different course for the retelling and new adventures for the hero.
There are few origin stories as well known as that of Superman's, his retreat from a dying Krypton leading him to crashland in Smallville, Kansas. As such, a radical revision of early days would be seen as heretical, and earn the upcoming big screen reboot, "Man of Steel," instant scorn from taste-making fans.
Still, with Christopher Nolan producing the film, one should expect some darker shading applied to the age-old tale. Nolan is the man who revived a foundering, parody-of-itself Batman franchise into the powerhouse, Oscar-nominated trilogy-to-be that it is today, bringing gloom and psychotic evil to a decrepit Gotham. And while Superman has, historically, been a much brighter, positive figure than the caped crusader, it seems that a new, foreboding psychological element has indeed been added.
A casting call for the film was discovered in Vancouver and relayed to Supermanhomepage.com, which published the synopsis included in the ad:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone's imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question - Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as "Superman," not only to shine as the world's last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.
Cavill, of course, refers to Henry Cavill, while Lane and Costner are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner, respectively. What goes unsaid in the passage is that the attack comes from Kryptonian General Zod, who will be played by Michael Shannon, but overall, it provides a good first glance at the inner struggle that the hero will have to deal with and put aside for the better of his adopted planet.
The film is already well in to shooting, with some of the most recent action coming in the Chicago metro area. Recently, Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane, was spotted shooting scenes in what is being used as Smallville.
For more, click over to Superman Home Page.