During the Warner Bros. panel at Comic Con, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder announced that another Superman movie is in the works, and most titillating, the Man of Steel sequel will reintroduce Batman into the mix. In a press release Snyder said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”

At the panel Synder had actor Harry Lennox (who played General in Man of Steel) read an excerpt from the comic book The Dark Knight Returns: “I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in your most private moments, I want you to remember, my hand, at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.” And then the logo formed on the giant screen behind him. Cue insane applause and cheers from the crowd. (Note: Snyder says the upcoming pic will not adapt that comic but will use it as a springboard to tell a new story.)

With Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy complete, Warner Bros. and Snyder’s crew are looking for a new Batman to step into the iconic role and join Cavill’s Superman “in one explosive new film.” I mean, the simple yet powerful logo hanging here says it all. This is going to be epic in ways it’s currently hard to imagine. Personally I’ve been holding out for a Batman versus Superman flick since the ’90s and now the pieces are finally in place. Snyder, bring it.

Synder is directing and co-writing the story with David S. Goyer. Production begins next year with a tentative Summer 2015 release. Official PR is after the break.

BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyderis bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen.  The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.

The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing.  Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcomingfilm brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.  The new Batman has yet to be cast.

Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay.  Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.

Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre.  We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.”   Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie.  The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters.  We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”

Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted,“Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DCEntertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”

Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter.  Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”

The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.

Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction.  His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.