'Superman: Man of Steel' Flying Into Chicago

By Prescott Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 27, 2011 6:30PM

After years of stalling, the latest in the Superman movie franchise is finally taking off as it begins filming this summer for several months in Chicago and the suburban hinterland.

Crain's Chicago Business reports that "industry sources" say production of Superman: Man of Steel will take place in various locations in the area starting this August, with much of the filming happening in Plano, presumably because there is plenty of open space to simulate Kent Farm. The choice of Chicago was likely influenced by the film's co-producer, Chris Nolan, who used the city as a backdrop for his two Batman films, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight (sadly, the third film, The Dark Knight Rises, is likely to shoot elsewhere).

Directed by Zach Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Sucker Punch), Clark Kent/Superman will be played by Henry Cavill (The Tudors), with Diane Lane and Kevin Costner on board to play Kent's parents. The film has a tentative release date of December 2012.

Crain's says it confirmed via email communication with Plano Mayor Robert Hausler that Warner Brothers had indeed informed him they would be filming a movie there this summer, but the company did not provide any further details to him, telling Crain's, "You have heard more than we have."

Director of the Chicago Film Office Richard Moskal was quoted as saying that Superman "would be a tremendous windfall" for the city.