Superman ‘Man Of Steel’ Sequel In 2014: Henry Cavill Could Reprise Role Next Year After Hit Box Office Numbers, But Who Will Be The Villain?

Superman "Man Of Steel" opened to blockbuster numbers this weekend, prompting Warner Bros. Pictures to pick up the pace and produce another Henry Cavill Superman movie as early as next year, in 2014.

Warner Bros.' Superman reboot opened to $125.1 million, including $12 million from Thursday evening shows, in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Superman opening is the second-biggest debut of the year, just behind Marvel's "Iron Man 3."

Because "Man of Steel" had such a strong start at the box office, DC Comics is considering what to do next with its superheroes.

"It's more than just a franchise for us, it really opens up the door to do combinations of the DC Comics characters," said Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. President of Domestic Distribution. "We can build them up like Marvel did and benefit from the history of DC."

The Wall Street Journal reports that Warner Bros. and DC Comics are already developing a sequel to "Man of Steel," which could be released as early as 2014, according to anonymous sources close to the studio.

"Warner is already in development on a sequel to 'Man of Steel' and is expected to fast track that for release as soon as 2014, said knowledgeable people close to the studio," wrote Ben Fritz of the WSJ.

There has also been speculation about the development of a "Justice League" film that would bring characters like Flash and Wonder Woman from across the DC multiverse, like "Avengers" did for Marvel, which could be released as soon as 2015.

"Man of Steel" could provide the momentum that DC Comics needs to catch up with Marvel, who releases two superhero films each year and has had consistent hits since 2008.

Warner Bros has continually lagged behind Marvel, despite Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" Batman trilogy.

DC Comics has struggled to keep up with the Superhero movie trend; it's last recent superhero film not directed by Nolan, "Green Lantern," performed poorly both in theaters and in reviews.

Even their last Superman film, "Superman Returns" in 2006, was considered a box office disappointment. Despite the flop, DC decided to revive the Kryptonian hero, as he is their best-known character.

Warner Bros. had been hoping that "Man of Steel" would prove to be a hit to compete with Marvel and Disney's successful Marvel superhero universe.

Executives had such confidence in the Zack Snyder-helmed Superman reboot that before "Man of Steel" opened, Warner Bros. announced that Snyder would return for "Man of Steel 2," as would screenwriter David S. Goyer and star Henry Cavill.

"Man of Steel" screenwriter David Goyer talked to Bleeding Cool about some of his thoughts for the Superman sequel.

"To me, the interesting challenge is could he solve hunger in the horn of Africa? What would he do with the Arab Spring? What would he do in Syria? Partly you could argue, 'How could he not intervene in something like the situation in Syria?' But the other argument is, 'Is it a hornet's nest if he intervenes? Does he have the wherewithal or the knowledge to intervene in something like this?"

One of the most important questions for fans thinking about the "Man of Steel" sequel is: Who is the villain?

Goyer hinted at Lex Luthor on the "Man of Steel" press tour to Crave Online, supporting rumors based on the numerous allusions to Lex Luthor sprinkled throughout the Superman film currently in theaters.

"Zack has said that, clearly, Lex Luthor is in this world, as is Wayne Industries..." Goyer said. "... If Lex is going to exist in the world, we would presumably have to give him the same treatment that we gave Lois Lane in the first film, which is make him a credible character. He's the corollary to being a good love interest; he's gotta be a man of incredible intelligence, and presumably a man of incredible wealth and incredible resources."

Despite mixed reviews from critics and fans of DC superheroes, "Man of Steel" looks to be a strong box office contender and just what DC Comics needs to boost its superhero game.

"Man of Steel," starring Henry Cavill, is in theaters across the U.S. and worldwide now.

Check out the trailer for "Man of Steel" here: