The search is over. Christopher Nolan, David Goyer, and the studio, have chosen who will direct the highly anticipated Superman reboot. The winner = Director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen, Sucker Punch.

THR reports:

Zack Snyder has been chosen to direct the new Superman movie, which Christopher Nolan is producing for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Negotiations began earlier today.

Snyder, who directed “300” and “Watchmen,” had been on the list of helmers ensconced in meetings with Nolan and Warners execs, who in recent weeks have talked to Darren Aronofsky, Ben Affleck, Matt Reeves and Tony Scott.

Nolan, who revived Batman, teamed up with David Goyer for a new a way to revive the last son of Krypton. Goyer is writing the script, which is rumored to have, like “Superman Returns,” a Richard Donner Superman connection. In the movie’s case, it’s a villain connection: General Zod.

Nolan is producing with his wife and producing partner Emma Thomas, along with Charles Roven, and Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder’s wife and partner.

Because Nolan was godfathering “Superman,” it initially was though that any filmmaker coming on baord would be someone who would be more of a mentee in a mentor-style relationship. Snyder, however, brings not only box-office clout but also, like Nolan, a reputation for being a visionary.

Snyder, who told Heat Vision that he was “psyched” about the gig, played down potential class differences.

“In the initial meetings, he’s been super amzaingly smart and also amazingly kind, filmmaker-to-filmmaker,” he said of Nolan. “I have great respect for him. The process has been amazing so far, and it looks like nothing but pluses.”

Snyder first met with Nolan about a month ago, and while he didn’t do any dog-and-pony show, “I definitely expressed my love for the character and interest in seeing him treated right.”

Added Snyder: “The character deserves to be loved. It’s his time”

The director said he and the movie’s makers would work on the script a little bit before jumping to the next stage.

“We’re moving quick,” he said.

CinemaBlend reports:

UPDATE: Deadline has spoken with the director who has now not only confirmed the news, but has said that he will start working on it as soon as post-production on Sucker Punch is completed. He also dropped this quote, expressing his feelings about the character:
I’ve been a big fan of the character for a long time, he’s definitely the king of all superheroes, he’s the one. It’s early yet, but I can tell you that what David and Chris have done with the story so far definitely has given me a great insight into a way to make him feel modern. I’ve always felt he was kind of awesome. I’ll finish Sucker Punch and get right at it.”

Can’t tell you how freaking excited/pumped up I am about this selection. I was rooting for this guy. This has the potential of becoming truly a great Superman film. You’ve got Nolan and Goyer writing the story. Nolan supervising and also producing the film. And with them, you’ve got Zack Snyder, with his insanely awesome visuals, directing? Damn. Also, Gernal Zod will be involved in this? Damn! Can’t wait, Can’t wait! Superman is gonna rock!

What do you guys think of this news? Are you as pumped up as I am?