Superman Returns is a 2006
superhero film based on the
DC Comics character
Superman. Directed by
Bryan Singer, the film stars
Brandon Routh as Superman, as well as
Kate Bosworth,
Kevin Spacey,
James Marsden and
Parker Posey.
Superman Returns reboots the
Superman film series, however, the film is also a
continuation of
Superman (1978) and
Superman II (1980). According to Singer,
Superman III (1983) and
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) serve as "vague history".
The film tells the story of Superman returning to Earth after a five year absence. He finds that Lois Lane has moved on with life and Lex Luthor is plotting a scheme that will kill billions of people worldwide.
After
a series of unsuccessful projects to resurrect
Superman on the screen, Bryan Singer was hired to direct and develop
Superman Returns in July 2004. The majority of
principal photography took place at
Fox Studios Australia, while the visual effects sequences were created by
Sony Pictures Imageworks. Filming ended and in November 2005, which constituted hiring thousands of local workers, generating over $100 million into the local
New South Wales, Australia economy.
Superman Returns was released with positive reviews, and grossed $391 million in worldwide
box office totals.
Warner Bros. was disappointed with the box office return. The studio has announced their plans to
reboot the
Superman film series once again, with release in 2011.
