Though 'Man of Steel' won't be released until Friday, Warner Brothers is so confident in the film they just announced they've begun working on a sequel, and have already got screenwriter David S. Goyer and director Zack Snyder lined up to return.

This comes from Deadline, and it matches up with what we'd previously heard about 'Man of Steel 2.' But where the actors -- like stars Henry Cavill and Amy Adams -- are usually signed on for multiple picture deals (sometimes as many as eight films, though in the case of the latest style of franchise-building, that can often mean supporting parts in other superhero movies), the talent behind the camera is rarely locked in for sequels. That they want everyone to return is a good sign.

And with word of mouth about to hit, and with the film expected to do at least $100 million over the course of its opening weekend, the studio is right to press ahead. The big question about this announcement is what it means for the 'Justice League' movie, which was originally targeted for a 2015 launch (but is currently rumored to hit in 2021). Warner Brothers had a writer working on the project, but they were unhappy with his material, and are now back at square one with it. There was word that if 'Man of Steel' was a success, they might launch right in to 'Justice League,' but perhaps they're taking a page from Marvel and plan to do more universe-building before the big team up film. Deadline noted that "Goyer’s deal is part of a huge 3-picture deal he signed at Warner Bros for 'Man Of Steel,' the sequel, and 'Justice League'" so it sounds like the game plan is to start on 'Justice League' once they're done with 'Man of Steel 2.'

Also of note is that Christopher Nolan will be in a more hands-off position for the follow up. Likely he was there to help establish the right tone for the first film, and to get 'Dark Knight' fans excited. Perhaps his work here is done. If they have a script idea in place, it's possible we could see 'Man of Steel 2' by 2015.

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