From The Hollywood Reporter, July 12, 2004
McG flies out of Warners' 'Superman'
By BORYS KIT

Director McG is no longer attached to the next installment of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Superman."

A Warners spokesperson confirmed that the studio and the director have amicably parted ways. The primary reason given was the inability to agree over a budget. Casting also was an issue.

Part of the conflict between the director and the studio was the shooting location. McG favored a New York shoot, while the studio favored Australia.

"When I flew to New York to scout, I became enamored with our greatest American city," McG said in a statement. "It was clear to me that this was Metropolis. As a filmmaker, I felt it was inappropriate to try to capture the heart of America on another continent. I look at Superman as a character that embodies all that is beautiful about America."

Warners is now on the lookout for a new director. McG's departure also does not tie the studio to the script, which was written by "Alias" creator J.J. Abrams.

McG is repped by Endeavor.