James Gunn (SLITHER) and Rainn Wilson (THE OFFICE) have been fast at work, tirelessly fighting for their film SUPER to get made. A while back, Rainn described SUPER's story as an “f’ed up low rent Watchmen.“ Wait, isn't WATCHMEN pretty "f'ed up" enough? Regardless, the duo rallied behind this project, feeling that it has the potential to become huge. Well, it looks like all their blood, sweat, and tears are finally paying off, for they have added quite a slew of big names to the project. And by big names, I'm talking Ted Hope, Liv Tyler, and Ellen Page. Ted Hope (THE SAVAGES and 21 GRAMS) is set to produce the film, while Liv Tyler (THE INCREDIBLE HULK) will play Frank D’Arbo/Crimson Bolt's (Rainn Wilson) wife, and Ellen Page (JUNO) will play a psychopath. Check out what Gunn has to say about the plot - which is a little bit different than what Variety wrote - as well as learn more about its interesting characters after the jump.

James Gunn describes SUPER as "an examination of what it means to try to be something more than human. I think of it as The Passion for rebels, oddballs, fanboys, and freaks everywhere. I’ve never been more excited or committed to any project in my life, and I can’t wait to share more with you all."

And now for details on the players involved, straight from the blog of James Gunn:

"Rainn will be playing the lead role of Frank D’Arbo who dresses up as a superhero called the Crimson Bolt; he’s got no superpowers other than a pipe wrench. Rainn and I both worked hard to get the best possible folks involved. We were lucky to get Ted Hope to produce – he’s done such movies as Happiness, The Ice Storm, The Savages, American Splendor, and 21 Grams. This is not a wacky, over-the-top comedy. Super is a dark, comedic, gritty, very unusual, and grounded film and I think Ted is just the guy to help us get it done right."

"Liv will be playing Sarah, Frank’s wife, who leaves him for a drug dealer, and Ellen will play the role of Libby, a young sociopath who dons a costume and forces herself into Frank’s life as his “kid sidekick.”'

It seems that, along with the great wave of super-hero films, that we are beginning to get a growing number of wannabe hero films as well. This film does share some elements with two upcoming films, KICK-ASS and DEFENDOR. I really dig the real and gritty issues that come hand in hand with attempting to become a vigilante. I also love a good laugh that springs from a do-gooder in self-aware super-hero uniforms. SUPER looks to be a film to watch out for. It has an interesting plot, and a cast of very talented people.

Source: Slash Film