10 Upcoming Comic Book Films (And Who Should Direct Them)

9. Untitled Man Of Steel Sequel: Brad Bird

You'd think that the director behind The Incredibles would be attached to big franchises more often, but that isn't the case for Brad Bird, who only got given the keys to an established franchise in 2011's Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

The director's name has, however, been thrown into discussions surrounding just who, exactly, will replace Colin Trevorrow for Episode IX. And yes, while he'd make a great fit for that franchise, having already flexed his sci-fi credentials on Tomorrowland and Iron Giant, we'd love to see Bird take a stab at the comic book genre again - away from the animated realm.

Although Man of Steel gave Superman fans the action that had been sorely lacking in most of the character's previous live action endeavours, it felt particularly soulless, and even cruel in parts. Doubts do, of course, also remain regarding Henry Cavill's performance as the character, but perhaps what's missing is a director to really eek out the big blue scout's more heartfelt qualities.

Brad Bird gets the kind of warmth that needs to reverberate from a comic book feature - particularly one as iconic and uplifting as Superman - and it's because of that he should get the nod to direct a Man of Steel sequel. It's a warmth that's been found wanting in most DC tales, but when it is there - as Wonder Woman so eloquently displayed - it can really elevate a given project. Bird is the man that can make it happen.