The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Superman Returns executive producer Chris Lee and director Bryan Singer are in Honolulu this week to celebrate Lee's birthday, and to begin planning the next Superman film, which will likely begin production mid to late next year in a location yet to be determined. Superman Returns was shot in Sydney, Australia.

Lee, who will return as executive producer, confirmed that the sequel will likely hit theaters in 2009.

Singer acknowledged that he has also been approached to direct the next X-Men movie, but said he wouldn't have time to take on another large-scale project before the next Superman gets underway. He is interested, however, in seeing the script for the X-Men spin-off Wolverine.

Dont't forget to also check out: Superman: The Man of Steel