Superman Returns (2006)

Name: Superman Returns (2006)
Director: Bryan Singer
Genre: action, adventure, scifi
Released: 2006-07-19
Duration: 2 hr 34 min
Rating: 7
Cast: Brandon Routh, James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, Parker Posey

DC Comics Extended Universe

2 hr 34 min

2006

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Trailer

Superman Returns (2006) Storyline

Directed by Bryan Singer, Superman Returns is both a sequel and a spiritual successor to Richard Donner’s original Superman films, particularly Superman: The Movie (1978) and Superman II (1980). With Brandon Routh stepping into the iconic red-and-blue suit, the film reintroduces the Man of Steel to a world that has learned to live without him.

After a mysterious five-year absence, Clark Kent/Superman returns to Earth — only to find Lois Lane has moved on, the world no longer believes it needs a savior, and his greatest enemy, Lex Luthor, has been released from prison and is plotting his most dangerous scheme yet.

Combining classic Superman nostalgia with modern visual effects and emotional themes, Superman Returns seeks to explore what it means to be a hero in a world that may no longer believe in heroes.

Director Bryan Singer

Release date 14/07/2006

Genres

action adventure scifi

Content rating 12

Duration 2 hr 34 min

Last Updated 07/08/2025

Cast

Brandon Routh James Marsden Kate Bosworth Kevin Spacey Parker Posey Sam Huntington

Superman Returns (2006) Cast & Crew

Brandon Routh

James Marsden

Kate Bosworth

Kevin Spacey

Parker Posey

Sam Huntington

Superman Returns (2006) Review - 7/10 Rating

We’re giving Superman Returns a respectable 7/10 — not perfect, but definitely underrated and visually stunning.

The film’s strength lies in its respect for the legacy of Superman. Brandon Routh, while relatively unknown at the time, channels the spirit of Christopher Reeve beautifully. His portrayal is earnest, noble, and filled with quiet strength — everything we love about Kal-El.

Kevin Spacey brings charisma and menace to Lex Luthor, leaning into the character’s theatrical villainy with just enough modern flair. And while Kate Bosworth’s Lois Lane drew mixed reactions, the dynamic between her and Superman reflects the film’s central theme: loss and distance.

The story takes a more emotional, slower-paced route than fans expected. Instead of big action from start to finish, it offers a more introspective Superman, grappling with his place in the world. That worked for some — but felt too slow for others hoping for more of a modern superhero punch.

Still, the plane rescue scene, Superman floating above Earth listening to voices, and the Christ-like imagery during the finale are cinematic and memorable. It may not have reinvented the genre, but Superman Returns is a love letter to the character — and for fans of classic Supes, that’s something to admire.

Superman Returns (2006) Trivia

Did You Know?

Brandon Routh was cast after an extensive search — he was relatively unknown at the time but impressed Bryan Singer with his resemblance to Reeve and natural charm.
The movie is a direct continuation of Superman II and ignores Superman III and IV entirely.
The film cost around $204 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time.
Marlon Brando’s footage as Jor-El was digitally restored and reused from the original Superman films, marking one of the earliest uses of legacy character footage in Hollywood.
The plane rescue sequence is one of the most acclaimed Superman action scenes ever, often cited as one of the best in the genre.
The script originally had General Zod returning, but the idea was scrapped to focus more on Luthor’s revenge plot.
Composer John Ottman incorporated John Williams’ original Superman theme, helping bridge the gap between generations of fans.
Superman lifting the kryptonite island at the climax was meant to parallel the weight of the world — literally and metaphorically.
A sequel, Superman: Man of Steel, was planned but cancelled due to mixed reception and box office performance.
Despite its reception, Superman Returns inspired future DC projects and helped pave the way for Man of Steel (2013) — though with a very different tone.