Variety is reporting that Kevin Spacey will return as Lex Luthor in what is now tentatively known as Superman: The Man of Steel, the sequel to Superman Returns, which Bryan Singer will direct for a release in the summer of 2009.  Michael Dougherty, who worked on the script for Superman Returns, is writing the screenplay for The Man of Steel. Spacey, who is the artistic director of London's prestigious Old Vic, told Variety: 'Theater is the number one thing in my life.  But I love movies and will continue to make movies when I can.'

Bryan Singer, who directed the first two X-Men films as well as Superman Returns, will also helm The Man of Steel, but evidently not before he finishes Valkyrie and The Mayor of Castro Street.  In addition to Kevin Spacey reprising his role as Lex Luthor, Brandon Routh will return as Superman/Clark Kent (see 'Singer's Superman Sequel Set').