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Superman Returns

Superman Returns is a 2006 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Superman Returns is a 2006 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film serves as a sequel-homage to Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), while ignoring the events of Superman III, Supergirl, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. It stars Brandon Routh as Superman/Clark Kent, alongside Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.

Plot

The story begins after Superman has spent five years searching for Krypton. He returns to Earth to find that life has moved on without him. Lois Lane has a child and a new relationship, while Lex Luthor is again plotting against Superman.

Production and release

The film was directed by Bryan Singer and written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris from a story by Singer, Dougherty, and Harris. It was released in 2006 and has a runtime of 154 minutes.

Cast

Brandon Routh stars as Superman/Clark Kent, with Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Supporting cast includes James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, and Parker Posey.

Placement in the Superman film series

Superman Returns functions as an homage sequel, using the earlier Richard Donner films as its primary continuity. It disregards the events of Superman III, Supergirl, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Key facts

  • The film follows Superman after a five-year absence from Earth.
  • It is a continuation of Superman (1978) and Superman II, ignoring later sequels.
  • Brandon Routh plays Superman/Clark Kent, with Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.
  • The plot centers on Superman's return to a changed world and Lex Luthor's new plan.
  • The film was released in 2006.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of the global release of a major Hollywood superhero production, and it remains relevant to Canadian audiences through its ties to the internationally popular Superman franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Superman Returns?
A 2006 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman.
Who directed Superman Returns?
Bryan Singer directed the film.
Who plays Superman in Superman Returns?
Brandon Routh plays Superman, also credited as Clark Kent.
Is Superman Returns a sequel?
Yes. It is described as an homage sequel to Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).
What is the main plot of Superman Returns?
Superman returns to Earth after five years away and confronts a changed personal life and a new scheme by Lex Luthor.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_Returns
    Supports: Release year, director, writers, cast, premise, continuity placement
  2. DC — https://www.dc.com/movies/superman-returns-2006
    Supports: Official film page, cast, director, genre, premise
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/
    Supports: Plot overview and premise
  4. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/superman-returns-review-brandon-routh-bryan-singer-movie-1236308924/
    Supports: Release context, runtime, box office note
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_returns
    Supports: Release date, rating, runtime, genre
  6. The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1452-superman-returns?language=en-US
    Supports: Synopsis and plot context