Director wants 'Superman' sequel

SAN DIEGO, July 22 (UPI) -- "Superman Returns" director Bryan Singer tells fans in California he has been discussing a sequel with Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Hollywood Reporter says Singer is planning to release the sequel in summer 2009. He told fans about the project at Comic-Con International in San Diego Friday.

"Superman Returns," which came out this summer and stars Brandon Routh, has grossed $169 million domestically -- regarded by some as a disappointment given the costs of production, which totaled more than $200 million.

Although Singer said that plans for the sequel are still tentative, he expressed his interests in keeping the franchise alive, the newspaper said.

Making a Star Trek reference, Singer said he plans to get the "Wrath of Khan" on it. The Star Trek sequel is credited with rescuing the franchise after the first film in the series was panned, The Hollywood Reporter said.

"We haven't concluded a deal. That's always iffy," Singer added. "The intention is to do it for 2009."