No Lois Lane in new Superman: Man of Steel (2012) movie?

Updated 2/5/11: Lois Lane IS in Superman: Man of Steel (2012)! So is Ursa!

Earlier we heard reports that there was a short list of actresses set to play Superman’s love interest, Lois Lane, in the upcoming Zack Snyder/Christopher Nolan Superman movie set to debut December 2012.

They were Kristin Stewart (Twilight) and Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes). Reportedly, Stewart either wasn’t offered the role or didn’t make the grade.

Now, word comes from CinemaBlend that Lois Lane may not even be in the movie.

Regarding Stewart and McAdams even having a role, Variety reports the creators behind the new Superman didn’t want a lead actress that would “overshadow” lead man, Henry Cavill.

Not overshadow? Well, I may be mistaken, but not too many are familiar with the British actor as it stands.

Variety reports Alice Eve, Diane Kruger, and Rosamund Pike are now up for the lead roles (for pics see below).

Alice Eve was apparently up for a role in both X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger.

Diane Kruger with the National Treasure movies, Troy and Inglourious Basterds.

Rosamund Pike was a Bond-girl in Die Another Day.

Back to Lois Lane: CinemaBlend reports that the new Superman will be set before Clark lands the job at the Daily Planet – before he meets Lois Lane. CinemaBlend states Clark will be “wandering the world experiencing local cultures…” then makes a crack about spicey food or something(?).

Hmm…that almost sounds similar to the 2003-04 series from DC Comics, Superman: Birthright, from writer Mark Waid and artist Leinil Francis Yu. In this “re-telling” of Superman’s origin, Clark wanders the world trying to discover himself, what he is and what he is supposed to do – as a freelance reporter in between his days at Smallville and living/working in Metropolis. Childhood friend from Smallville, Lex Luthor, and Superman battle it out for the sake of the planet. Superman eventually ends up at the Daily Planet and with Lois Lane. This was a very good series, and is really accessible to new readers. I recommend this highly. Fans of Smallville, would love this, I’m sure.

Could the studio be borrowing from this? If so, sounds good to me!

Look for the new Superman in 2012 directed by Zack Snyder, produced by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises) and starring Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel.

Pics of Alice Eve, Diane Kruger, and Rosamund Pike. Click to enlarge: