Superman Returns is the 2006 Warner Bros. live-action feature film based on the DC Comics character Superman. It is direct sequel to Richard Donner's 1980 film Superman II.
The film stars then-unknown Brandon Routh playing the iconic role in a performance designed to evoke Christopher Reeve's portrayal. Director Bryan Singer aimed to make a movie that bypassed the two lesser films in the Reeve cycle and continue the story, tone and emotional quality of the first two.
In this movie Superman has left earth to seek his home planet, and has now returned after a five year absence. Once again Lex Luthor (this time played by Kevin Spacey) is trying to assert his dominance over the world in a plot that unfortunately mimics the same land-grab aspirations of the first movie. Kate Bowsworth takes over as Lois Lane.
The movie had a mixed reception and failed to be the franchise reboot that Superman fans were hoping for.
