Superman Returns?

Christopher Nolan is to play a "godfather" role on the next Superman movie.

The 39-year-old Oscar nominee, who has previously helmed Batman films 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight', is being lined up to oversee production on the superhero story - but will not direct.

A source told Deadline.com: "We know what we don't want to do. But we don't know what we want to do. We learned a lot from the last movie, and we want to get it right this time.

"Warner Bros need to hear a great story that makes sense."

Details for the move have not yet been announced - including whether Brandon Routh will reprise his role as the titular superhero - but bosses are believed to not want a direct sequel to 2006's 'Superman Returns'.

Chris has had a successful run as a director and writer in the past, with 'The Dark Knight' grossing $1 billion, while 2005's 'Batman Begins' took $496 million.

He is believed to be contracted for a third Batman movie, however there has been much speculation to his commitment to the franchise.

Recently, Morgan Freeman - who played Lucius Fox in 'The Dark Knight' - hinted that another Batman film was likely.

He told BANG Showbiz: "I'm fairly certain that Warner Brothers is not going to let a billion dollar franchise die. As for whether or not I will be involved, that depends on the writer."