Sequels Already Slated for "Superman" and "Batman"

Warner Bros. Pictures is already planning the next installments to "Batman Begins" and "Superman Returns," with respective helmers Christopher Nolan and Bryan Singer in line to return, according to Variety.

Neither director's deal has been finalized yet, but the studio has hired Jonah Nolan -- Christopher's brother -- to write the screenplay for the untitled "Batman" project. The studio also has options with "Batman Begins" star Christian Bale and "Superman Returns" star Brandon Routh to return in the sequels.

Since "Batman Begins" was released last summer, it is farther along in the production process than "Superman Returns" which doesn't open until June 30th of this year. The studio is looking for a 2008 release of a "Batman" sequel with 2009 as the goal for "Superman."

"Superman Returns" - which has been in the works for the nearly a decade - is already considered one of the more costly films in Hollywood history. Studio execs have unofficially put the production budget at $185 million ($200 million if you don't count the tax breaks it received while filming in Australia).

Nolan's "Batman Begins" had a budget of $150 million and took in $371.8 million world-wide.

Christopher Nolan is presently shooting "The Prestige," a Disney release that Jonah Nolan scripted from the Christopher Priest novel.

After "Superman Returns," Singer will finish the sci-fi thriller "Logan's Run," which he is also expected to direct. --Shannon Nolley

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