Zack Snyder, the director behind 300 and Watchmen, has been tapped to helm Warner Bros.’ upcoming remake of Superman.

Snyder, who most recently directed Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, will work with producer Christopher Nolan on the project. His name was chosen from a field of contenders that included Matt Reeves, Darren Aronofsky, Tony Scott and Ben Affleck.

The story – as Nolan hinted earlier this summer – will have close ties to the Richard Donner versions. General Zod will reportedly be included in the script by David Goyer (Batman Begins).

No casting decisions have yet been announced. Production on the film should begin by next year.