×
- Underworld (2003)
- Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
- Underworld: Evolution (2006)
- Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
- Underworld: Awakening (2012)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- Back to the Future Part II (1989)
- Back to the Future Part III (1990)
- Sonic the Hedgehog 4
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin
3/10
CMDB Score
–/10
User Score
Tap to rate this movie
0
Fan Reactions
Join the conversation ↓
How do you feel about Steel (1997)?
Overview
Steel (1997) Storyline
Steel follows John Henry Irons, a brilliant weapons designer who leaves the military after seeing his technology used for criminal destruction. When dangerous new weapons hit the streets and threaten his city, he builds a powerful suit of armor and becomes Steel. Based on the DC Comics hero created by Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove, the film brought one of Superman’s allies to the big screen. Steel (1997) is a DC Comics screen adaptation from 1997, sitting in the wider Comic Movie DB archive as one of the movie entries that helps connect page-to-screen storytelling beyond the obvious cape-and-cowl crowd. The page is especially useful for readers tracking the people involved, with Annabeth Gish, Irma P. Hall, Judd Nelson, Richard Roundtree, Shaquille O’Neal among the main names connected to the project. Behind the camera, Kenneth Johnson gives the adaptation its shape, helping define whether it leans more into spectacle, character drama, genre thrills or straight-up comic-book chaos. We have rated this 3 out of 10, which makes it a worthwhile entry to revisit when comparing how well comic properties translate across different studios, eras and audience expectations. For SEO and fan discovery, it belongs here because it adds context to the bigger comic movie timeline: not every adaptation has to be perfect, but each one says something about the genre, the audience it was chasing and the kind of stories studios believed could work on screen.
Director
Kenneth Johnson
Released
15/08/1997
Runtime
1 hr 38 min
Genres
action
adventure
fantasy
Rated
12
Studio
Array
Universe
DC Comics Extended Universe
Updated
12 May 2026
Where to Watch
Who's In It
Cast of Steel (1997)
Watch
Trailer & Media
Expert Review
Steel (1997) Review 3/10
We have rated this 3 out of 10. Steel is very much a late-90s superhero movie, and that means it is equal parts sincere, cheesy and unintentionally hilarious. Shaquille O’Neal brings real likeability to John Henry Irons, even if subtle acting was never the mission. The film lacks the polish of bigger comic adaptations, but there is something genuinely fun about how earnestly it tries. It is far from great cinema, but for comic fans it remains an oddly nostalgic DC curiosity.
Did You Know?
- Steel is based on the DC Comics character John Henry Irons.
- Shaquille O’Neal stars as Steel.
- The film was released in 1997.
- Annabeth Gish plays Sparks.
- Judd Nelson plays villain Nathaniel Burke.
- The character was introduced in the comics during The Death of Superman era.
- Steel is one of Superman’s major allies.
- The film was critically panned but remains a cult superhero oddity.
- It was one of the earliest solo DC hero films outside Batman and Superman.
- Many fans remember it purely because Shaq wore the suit.
Fans
Community Reactions
Fan Art & Cosplay
Cosplay Corner
Be the first to submit cosplay for Steel (1997)!
Show the CMDB community your best look. Fan photos, convention shots and cosplay all welcome.
Latest
Related News
×
![Gallery image]()
Comic News
Comic Movie News & TV Series For Fans, By Fans.
Get your fix on all comic movie trends, updates, but no movie leaks, we aim to post the right news without major spoilers.
Jun 2, 2026 · 2 weeks ago
Sony invited us to attend a private screening of Masters of the Universe
May 29, 2026 · 3 weeks ago
Toy Story 5 London Premiere: Celebrating 30 Years of Pixar Magic
May 26, 2026 · 3 weeks ago
Sebastian Stan Confirms Harvey Dent Role in The Batman: Part Two as Filming Begins in Liverpool
May 24, 2026 · 3 weeks ago
A Weekend at MCM Comic Con London May 2026
Comic Book News
- Masters of the Universe Post-Credits Scene Explained
- Sony invited us to attend a private screening of Masters of the Universe
- Toy Story 5 London Premiere: Celebrating 30 Years of Pixar Magic
- Sebastian Stan Confirms Harvey Dent Role in The Batman: Part Two as Filming Begins in Liverpool
- A Weekend at MCM Comic Con London May 2026
- Ahsoka Season 2 Confirmed for Early 2027 – Everything We Know So Far
- Vision Quest Release Date Confirmed for October 14 – Everything We Know About Marvel’s New Disney+ Series
- The Mandalorian & Grogu London Premiere Brings Star Wars Magic to the UK
- Comic Con Liverpool May 2026
- Warner Bros Unveils Major Upcoming Slate at CinemaCon 2026
- Avengers: Doomsday Star Robert Downey Jr. Shares Doctor Doom Art Easter Eggs
- Rumoured Comic-Related Films (Not Officially Announced Yet)
- Spider-Man Brand New Day trailer
Comic Book Movies
- Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013)
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
- The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
- The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
- The Matrix Resurrections
- The Golden Compass
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- The Spiderwick Chronicles
Blue Tower, Blue,
Media City Uk, Salford Quays,
Manchester. M50 2ST
Copyright 2026 Comic Movie Database - Registered in England and Wales
Website By Stepholt