There have been many rumors about Man of Steel 2, a.k.a. Batman vs. Superman, though most of them have been ruled out thus far in production.

While Warner Bros. has made a few announcements regarding Man of Steel 2, the film is still very much in the pre-production stage as filming has not even properly begun yet. What is known so far is some of the main cast of characters that will be in the film.

Henry Cavill is reprising his role as Superman after a successful turn earlier this year in Man of Steel. Ben Affleck is taking over as the new Batman, despite Internet backlash over the casting decision. Fast & Furious actress Gal Gadot will be playing a supporting role as Wonder Woman.

Other Man of Steel actors reprising their roles include Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.

Speculation about who the villain will be has been following the film since the project was first announced in the summer. The film's director Zack Snyder unofficially announced in November that Lex Luthor, a.k.a. Superman's nemesis, will be a character in the film.

Batman vs. Superman Producer Reveals Excitement for Wonder Woman 

As for who will play the iconic villain, rumored actors have included Bryan Cranston, Terry O'Quinn, Mark Strong, Denzel Washington and more. Joaquin Phoenix is also rumored to be on the shortlist of actors to appear as a villain. None of these casting rumors have proven to be true as of late December and should be taken with a grain of salt.

There are many titles that have been trademarked by Warner Bros. that mostly revolve around darkness, such as Man of Steel: Knight Falls. Warner Bros. has not officially made a title announcement yet, despite most publications calling it Batman vs. Superman.

Love Triangle in Batman vs. Superman? 

Fans should expect several announcements, whether official or unofficial, within the next few months as production begins in early 2014.

Man of Steel 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on July 17, 2015.