Warner Bros Discovery Underwhelmed By Man Of Steel 2 Script

Written By Mikey Sutton • Editor-in-Chief • Owner

Steven Knight’s script treatment for Man of Steel 2 left Warner Bros Discovery underwhelmed. Once DC Studios’ co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran began, they paused Man of Steel 2‘s development. Granted, they didn’t kill the project. After all, Superman is priority for Warner Bros. Discovery.

Just not Knight’s version. What Knight’s ideas were remain unknown. Perhaps they didn’t fit within DC Studios’ 10-year plan. Maybe they hit the bottom of the barrel like director Patty Jenkins Wonder Woman 3. They simply didn’t click.

Warner Bros Discovery Underwhelmed By Man Of Steel 2 Script

Warner Bros Discovery Underwhelmed By Man Of Steel 2 Script

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

Sources tell us Steven Knight, the creator of TV series Peaky Blinders and See and writer of movies Spencer and Eastern Promises, penned a treatment for the project in the fall. Unfortunately, it didn’t thrill Warner executives, who gave notes. (There’s that word again.)

Before things could go to the next level, which may or may not have included hiring another writer given Knight’s very busy schedule, Gunn and Safran were hired, and development promptly ended.

First of all, Knight and Steven S. DeKnight are two different people. When the news broke, some fans confused Knight with the Daredevil veteran. It was DeKnight, not Knight, who became Daredevil‘s show runner in Season One on Netflix.

In any case, there hasn’t been a solo Superman film since 2013’s Man of Steel. Director Zack Snyder’s movie introduced Henry Cavill as Superman. Furthermore, his darker vision separated it from that of his predecessors. In fact, Snyder’s interpretation of the Kryptonian was closer in spirit to writer Alan Moore’s Miracleman.

Warner Bros Discovery Underwhelmed By Man Of Steel 2 Script

Warner Bros Discovery Underwhelmed By Man Of Steel 2 Script

Image: Warner Bros.

Moore’s post-punk makeover of Miracleman turned Shazam! upside down. On the other hand, it showed what could happen if a superhero had the powers of a god. Thus, his arch enemy as well. Given that Snyder adapted Moore’s Watchmen, I’d be shocked if he didn’t love Miracleman, too.

However, Warner Bros. Discovery prefers a brighter take for Man of Steel 2. Certainly, it’ll be up to Gunn and Safran to see exactly where the tone goes. Will it be Snyder grim or Richard Donner light?

Realistically, probably somewhere down the middle.

The CW’s Superman & Lois has found that sweet spot between the two. What it lacks is IMAX spectacle. Indeed, perhaps Knight went too far one way. Until it leaks, we won’t know. By that time, they possibly would’ve selected a new screenwriter for Man of Steel 2.