Every year, it’s fun to see the new and original concepts cranked out by major studios. Some of them are sleeper ideas that turn out to be huge, such as District 9 or Hot Tub Time Machine, but then there is an idea that two separate studios end up tackling at the same time. Back in 2006, The Illusionist and The Prestige, two different films about classic magicians and prestidigitator, came out within months of one another and it looks like we’ll be seeing the same thing happen this year.

Hitting theaters in July, Universal is releasing their next major animated film about two super villains duking it out for world supremacy in Despicable Me, starring Jason Segel and Steve Carell. Now, animation giant Dreamworks is throwing their hat into the same ring with their super villain flick, Megamind.

The latter stars Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill, with Madagascar director Tom McGrath behind the wheel. The first trailer just got it’s release, and we’ve got it to show you. Who will be the victor between Universal’s Despicable Me and Dreamworks’ Megamind? We’ll have to wait to find out.

Check out the first trailer for Megamind, hitting theaters on November 5th, after the jump.

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I imagine most writers dream of being the star of their novel or screenplay — unless the lead is  some kind of unrepentant serial killer, and even then I suspect it’s still a sleazy kind of catharsis. But unless your name is Jason Segel, your dreams of headlining the poster and getting the girl will never be fulfilled.

But don’t be too bitter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Segel didn’t nab that sexy of a lead.  He’ll be starring in the untitled Muppet movie he penned for Disney, so the only girls he might get will be made of felt. Not much is known about the film, which will be directed by James Bobin, except that it centers on a man (Segel) who seeks to reunite the Muppets so that they can save their studio.

We can laugh that he penned himself into the leading role, but he does love the Muppets,  so it’s only natural.   I know I dreamed of being of in a Muppet movie. In my heart of hearts, I probably still do.

Then again, he did write and star in Forgetting Sarah Marshall too. Look what that got him.  A posh Hawaiian shoot. Beautiful actresses.  Cool costars. Fame. Fortune. A Muppet movie.  He’s going to have an enviable habit of this, isn’t he?

Oh well.   Again, let’s not begrudge him.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to finish that script about a entertainment reporter who has to choose between  Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, and Viggo Mortensen before nabbing the female lead in a remake of The Outlaw Josey Wales ….