We've got yet more news on the sequel-that-might-be, the sequel-that-will-be, the prequel, and the franchise-to-be.

Still more news on the "Superman" front, this time with casting.  Variety reports that Kevin Spacey will be reprising his role as Lex Luthor in "Man of Steel," due out in 2009.  Director Bryan Singer met with Spacey to talk sequels and Spacey intends to rejoin the cast.

Over at Marvel, the word is not a sequel exactly, but films revolving around characters from the "X-Men" stable.  The Hollywood Reporter says the next film from the franchise will indeed be "Wolverine," with filming to start as soon as Hugh Jackman finishes principal photography on "Australia."  As for "X-Men 4," producer Lauren Shuler Donner said, "There is no script for an 'X-Men 4,' and there is none in the works."  That doesn't mean we won't be seeing some of Wolvie's pals in his solo flick, but don't hold your breath.

In Trek news, we've got more confirmation that Shatner is out and Nimoy is in.  From Shatnervision itself, the man has said: "There's a Star Trek movie and I called Leonard [Nimoy]. I said, 'Leonard, have you heard?' He said, 'Yes, I have.' I said, 'What do you mean?' He said, 'I've read the script.' I said, 'Is it a good script?' He says, 'Yeah.' I said, 'Am I in it?' And there was a pause. He said no and then he began to laugh. I went through the phone as I grabbed him by the throat. He's in it. I'm not in it."   Since Nimoy is 76 and will not pass for a recent Academy graduate, the going theory is that this is a flashforward of some sort.

For Heroes fans, you may be seeing a familiar face too.   Zachary Quinto, who played brain gourmand Sylar, told the Pittsburg Post-Gazette that he'd love a shot at wearing the most famous pointy ears in history.  “People are constantly telling me I bear some resemblance to Leonard Nimoy," said Quinto.

Finally, we've got a few pics from the set of upcoming Will Smith superhero flick "John Hancock."  Smith plays a less-than-heroic superhero who begins romancing the wife (Charlize Theron) of the PR agent (Jason Bateman) he's hired to help repair his image.  The film is looking at a July 2008 release.  Smith is an underappreciated genre staple, considering his roles in "Independence Day," the "Men in Black" movies, and "I, Robot."  He will also be starring in this December's hotly-anticipated vampire  flick "I Am Legend."


 (pictures courtesy JustJared)