There have been rumors since 'Man of Steel' began filming that Lex Luthor - despite not being the film's villain - would somehow make an appearance in the film, setting up 'Man of Steel 2' and other possible sequels. Today, we have even more fuel for the fire as the film's writer, David Goyer, has spoken out about whether we should expect to see Lex Luthor in 'Man of Steel.'

One of the many early rumors had it that Bradley Cooper would be making a cameo as Lex Luthor in 'Man of Steel' but it's fair to say that was just some really bad information. But still - could Lex Luthor make a 'Man of Steel' cameo, setting up further appearances in the sequels?

Writer David Goyer was asked by I Am Rogue about why Lex Luthor wasn't included as the film's villain to which he responded rather mysteriously, "I don’t think anyone has ever confirmed that we haven’t included him."

This is true but considering security surrounding 'Man of Steel' has been at Fort Knox levels, there's no way to really confirm or deny anything on this level. Asked whether they would use Lex to tease 'Man of Steel 2' Goyer says one of the main notes he got from producer Christopher Nolan was, "Put everything you have in this film and worry about the sequel once the movie is done."

Which would indicate that there is no Lex Luthor in 'Man of Steel'...yet, the film has quietly screened in Hollywood and from what we've heard, Lex doesn't make an appearance in the film but his presence is very much felt and he is name-dropped at least once, similar to what 'The Amazing Spider-Man' did with Norman Osborn and Oscorp.

And despite the "worry about the sequel" later maxim, we still believe there will be a post-credits 'Man of Steel' scene that will somehow set up 'Man of Steel 2' (very similar to what Marvel has successfully been doing with their films).

More From ScreenCrush