Superman: According to Variety, Bryan Singer appears to have found his Man of Steel.

Though a deal has not yet been inked, relative unknown Brandon Routh is expected to take on the role of Superman for the long-in-the-works feature. Singer and his crew are headed to Australia next month to begin production.

Routh's credits include "One Life to Live," "Gilmore Girls," "Will & Grace" and "Cold Case." He recently wrapped his first feature role in "Deadly," starring opposite "That '70s Show" star Laura Prepon.

Routh, 25, was raised in Norwalk, Iowa, just 100 miles south of Woolstock -- the hometown of TV's original Superman, George Reeves.

Josh Hartnett was at one time in contention for the role but rejected an offer from then-director Brett Ratner. Matt Bomer was Ratner's next choice, but the studio rejected "The Guiding Light" star.

When McG came on the project, he shot test footage with candidates including Jason Behr, Henry Cavill and Jared Padalecki.

Superman Returns was released June 28th, 2006 and stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella, Sam Huntington, Eva Marie Saint. The film is directed by Bryan Singer.