Interview With SuperMan Returns Writer Dan Harris

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[Scifind.co.uk]It seems that Superman, as a character, is criticized for being somewhat two-dimensional. Was there a conscious effort to try and add some greater dimension to the character, for example, Superman having to cope with Lois moving on with her life in his absence?

[Dan Harris] To me Superman has always seemed two dimensional because he’s able to overcome any obstacle – therefore there isn’t the usual kind of struggle a person has trying to overcome something. In our movie we made some big changes to his relationships and realized that we could put him in a situation with Lois and her family which could not be overcome with his brawn; therefore he has to deal with very human emotions and becomes really fully realized.

[Scifind.co.uk]It seems that a lot of Superman fans have desperately wanted a dramatic, epic and emotional Superman film. The trailers indicate exactly that, but what were your initial dreams for a Superman film and do you feel they have been realised in the final film?

[Dan Harris] I think we’ve accomplished our goal – this movie is huge, classic, epic, and very emotional. It’s hard to balance the amazing set pieces and necessary action that will give the movie kick, but the story between our characters is so strong that it will get the extra touch. Initially we just wanted to tell a great Superman story and it spiraled into the complex, heart-wrenching one we’ve now finished.

[Scifind.co.uk]Did you use many previous comics and graphic novels as inspiration and if so, which?

[Dan Harris] Not really – the story came pretty fast, and if anything was based on Superman: The Movie. We do however have a lot of moments or ideas that later we realized are already in previous comics – but that’s what you get when you have 60 years of comic books – everyone’s thought of Superman in one situation or another!

[Scifind.co.uk] What are your writing methods? Do you outline first? Do you go straight into a draft?

[Dan Harris] Mike and I outline openly with Bryan and just talk out ideas, then we go back and do a very complete outline. Bryan reads it, makes changes with us, and when it’s approved, we lock ourselves away. Usually 3-4 weeks later the first draft makes its way out of the printer.

[Scifind.co.uk]Which scripts have inspired you?

[Dan Harris] When I was in college I interned for Scott Rudin, the producer at Paramount, and I was able to read every draft of THE TRUMAN SHOW as it came in and went into production. It should be published as a screenwriting course in itself – because they were all brilliant, but all so different. Over the course of a few years it was a totally different film and yet the same film. So much changed that I learned how re-writing makes a difference and how nothing is sacred. Other than that, the scripts for THE SIXTH SENSE and BEING JOHN MALKOVICH blew me away.

[Scifind.co.uk] You've added new mythology to the Superman universe with Lois being a mum in a new relationship after Superman returns from exile. How hard was it to reign yourself in and not add too much and go too wild with one of the most popular and powerful superheroes?

[Dan Harris] We’re fans, first and foremost. We know how to push things only if they will serve the story and push it forward. We’ve changed the mythology a tiny bit with Lois, but that is what our film is about – we’re dealing with it very seriously and would never callously just change something for the sake of changing it.

[Scifind.co.uk] Were there any moments where you guys, as a duo, just didn't agree with when writing. Is there a particular scene where it's just Dan's scene or just Mike's scene?

[Dan Harris] There are always moments like that! The great part about the team here is that we can provide Bryan with both scenes and let him choose!

[Scifind.co.uk] When writing the film and perhaps laying ground work for possible sequels is there any mention of other characters from Superman lore hidden in the film for the eagle-eyed or eared viewer to look out for?

[Dan Harris] There are Easter eggs, and sadly some of them have been cut out of the movie (though they’re still on the script) – and there are hints for what’s coming next, but it’s really a big setup and less of a puzzle hidden throughout.


[Scifind.co.uk] Was there anything the actors/actresses brought to their roles that you didn't expect or predict when writing the script?

[Dan Harris] Kevin Spacey’s Lex is amazing, and yet far more sinister, scary, and sadistic than I thought he was originally written. But that’s a great thing! Lex has been in prison for years, and this time he’s out for blood!

[Scifind.co.uk] Apart from revenge on Superman for his jail time, can you tell us anything more about Luthor's motives in this film?

[Dan Harris] Let’s just say that Lex secretly wants to be a God on earth, and really the only God on earth is Superman. There is a lot of resentment for a lot of reasons behind Lex doing what he does to Superman with the method in which he does it (god that sounds vague). Let’s just say Lex wants to hit him where it really hurts.

[Scifind.co.uk] Will the audience learn what Superman was doing during his absence?

[Dan Harris] Yes, it’s a major point of Superman’s emotional journey in the film.

[Scifind.co.uk] How relevant do you think a quintessentially American icon like Superman can be in a post 9/11 world?

[Dan Harris] More relevant than ever. The world is a difficult place, but more than that, the boundaries between good and evil have blurred. People no longer know who to trust and what to believe. What we need is a hero who can never lie and is always around for the good of the world – that hero is simply Superman.