Superman Will Fight Batman in Movie 'Man of Steel' Sequel for Release in 2015

Jul 20, 2013 08:18 AM EDT

For the first time on big screen, Batman and Superman, two biggest names in DC Comics, will be fighting each other to the end in the “Man of Steel” sequel, which will be released in 2015, announced the film's director Zack Snyder.

“I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world,” said Snyder, who appeared to the surprise of man at the San Diego's Comic-Con International panel held Saturday morning.

A logo for the movie was revealed that combines Superman’s “S” shield with the Bat-symbol, which looked different than the one in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy.

The new movie would include elements of the Batman/Superman rivalry from Frank Miller’s graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns” where Batman and Superman engage in a fight to the finish, but won’t be a straight adaptation.

A line that Batman will say in the sequel: "I want you to remember, Clark. In all the years to come. In all your most private moments. I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you."

Cavill will reprise the role of Superman in the sequel, and "Man of Steel" stars Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne will also return, Warner Bros. said. Christian Bale is not expected to return as Batman, as the actor has indicated publicly that he has moved on from his days as Bruce Wayne.

Just behind “Iron Man 3,” “Man of Steel” is the #2 movie at the box office for 2013, taking in over $280 million in the US and over $620 million worldwide.

Nolan is expected by some to produce the project, but the exact nature of his involvement is unclear. Snyder will reunite with screenwriter David S. Goyer (who also worked on “The Dark Knight” series).

The Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times confirmed Saturday morning that Batman will indeed team up with Superman in the next film to be released in 2015.

Another movie that successfully combined two superheroes is the $1.5 billion box-office hit with “The Avengers,” which was produced by Marvel, primary competitor of Warner Bros. and DC Comics.

Batman and Superman have a long history of teaming up in the comic book universe. Starting in 1954, D.C. published a comic titled Worlds Finest, which featured the two as best pals who joined forces.

The dynamic between the two changed with Frank Miller’s 1986 The Dark Knight mini-series in which the two were on opposite sides of the philosophical and political fence.