It was just a few years ago that director Zack Snyder declared Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice a sequel to Man Of Steel. It may very well be, depending on how you look at it. But that hasn’t stopped the studio from actively looking into developing a direct sequel to the 2013 film. Snyder seems to be heading towards a break after Justice League, leaving the director’s chair vacant. There have been some rumblings that George Miller could step into Snyder’s place, given that his Mad Max: Fury Road was a critical and commercial hit. But that never came to fruition. However, it seems that the studio has their eyes set on a new director.

According to a new report, WB is eyeing X-Men: First Class and Kingsman: The Secret Service director Matthew Vaughn to helm Man Of Steel 2.

More on the story below.

Sources tell Collider that Vaughn is one of WB’s top choices to direct. But these discussions are in the very early stages; in fact, it hasn’t even reached the deal-making stage. Moreover, there is a chance that Vaughn could end up not directing. Still, that does not mean he’ll be out of the picture completely. WB would still like him to direct a DCEU feature.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Vaughn has directed a superhero film. In 2010, we saw the hilariously dark and gritty Kick-Ass. He then followed that up with X-Men: First Class, the prequel reboot to FOX’s X-Men film franchise. He is in the midst of directing Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the sequel to his Kingsman: The Secret Service.

The DCEU has struggled lately, with each film being one critical disappointment after the next. However, Wonder Woman has received positive early reactions, and the studio has managed to find the outstanding Matt Reeves to replace Ben Affleck as director of The Batman. Not to mention James Wan has Aquaman. So, if the WB does come to an agreement with Vaughn, it would be a major step in the right direction for the DCEU.

Given what we have seen so far, Vaughn’s take would be a huge 180 from the story that Snyder told. Where Snyder’s plan for the film was dreary and cold, Vaughn’s could be bubble gum pop fun. Which is something that the DCEU is desperately missing. Of course, if we are to believe what Snyder says, Justice League won’t be as dark.

It should be interesting to see how all of this plays out, and of course, we will keep you up to date as the story develops.

[Source: Collider]