In 1957, the producers considered a theatrical film "Superman and the Secret Planet". A script was commissioned from David Chantler, who had written many of the TV scripts. In 1959, however, negotiations began for a renewal of the series, with 26 episodes scheduled to go into production. By mid 1959, contracts were signed, costumes refitted, and new teleplay writers assigned. Noel Neill was quoted as saying that the cast of "Superman" was ready to do a new series of the still-popular show.