Director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen), and Warner Bros. producer Chris Nolan have begun their search for the new Superman: Man of Steel!

Who will be the new Son of Krypton? Well, it most likely wont be someone who is a household name.

The team behind the latest Superman franchise is casting a “wide net” in it’s search for the new sexy superhero. Sources say that the likely candidate will either be a complete unknown, new to the industry, or someone who is a television actor.

The production must begin next summer owing to issues with the rights which will be in jeopardy come 2013. That being said, the shooting schedule will be a problem for a TV actor if they are a principal cast member. So it would most likely eliminate them from the running.

Even though the search has just begun and will likely take some time to cast, there are already a few names being thrown around; Joe Manganiello (True Blood), Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries), and Armie Hammer (The Social Network).

Whoever does get the part, I hope beyond hope they are better than that dork Brandon Routh who played Kal-El in the disappointing Superman Returns. Only thing he had going for him was his resemblance to beloved actor Christopher Reeve (RIP).

Which actor would you like to see in the role? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Source: EXCLUSIVE: Casting Search For Superman Begins [Deadline NY]