This is one on those movies that I can see that The Hollywood News will be covering a lot in the coming months. Superman Returns has kicked off shooting in Australia, according to an official press release from the studio behind the movie, Warner Brothers.

The film stars newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth (Beyond the Sea, Blue Crush), Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey (Beyond the Sea, American Beauty), James Marsden (X2: X-Men United, The Notebook), Academy Award-winner Eva Marie Saint (North By Northwest), Parker Posey (Blade: Trinity, Best in Show), Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Love Don't Cost a Thing) and Sam Huntington (Detroit Rock City).

"We are thrilled to have such a stellar cast starring in this exciting and innovative new chapter in the 'Superman' legend," WB president Jeff Robinov said. "With Bryan Singer at the helm, we look forward to creating a film that electrifies audiences and deepens the rich mythology that continues to make Superman one of the most popular and intriguing superheroes of all time."

"Rather than being a remake of the original movie," Singer explained, "this film explores Superman's influence on our global culture and the impact of his return to Earth after an absence of several years. It's my great pleasure to bring this new chapter of the Superman legacy to the screen with this incredible cast."

The film is all set for a June 30th 2006 release. Shooting will finish around the mid-August 2005 mark.

The fansite Blue Tights have posted a new video journal from the shoot, where little Stephan Bender, who plays the young Clark Kent, takes around his flying, jumping and running training.