Superman Returns (2006)

Last updated:
July 28, 2025

Directed by Bryan Singer, Superman Returns (2006) is a semi-sequel and soft reboot of the earlier Superman films from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Positioned as a continuation of Superman II (1980), the film ignores the events of Superman III and IV and brings back the Man of Steel after a long absence. The tone is nostalgic, dramatic, and introspective, focusing on Superman’s role in a world that may no longer need him.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Return of Superman

After a mysterious five-year absence, Superman (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth. He had left to search for remnants of his destroyed home planet, Krypton, but finds nothing. When he comes back to Earth, he resumes his identity as Clark Kent, rejoining the Daily Planet in Metropolis.

To his dismay, much has changed. The world has moved on without him. Most notably, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has a child and is engaged to Richard White (James Marsden), the nephew of Daily Planet editor Perry White. Her Pulitzer-winning article? “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.”

Lex Luthor’s Plan

Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) is back and as deviously ambitious as ever. Recently released from prison thanks to Superman not testifying at his appeal (since he was in space), Lex travels to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. There, he steals Kryptonian crystals and hatches a plan: create a new landmass in the Atlantic Ocean using Kryptonian tech, which will destroy much of the United States coastline in the process. Real estate, but on a cosmic scale.

Luthor’s new continent will be infused with Kryptonite, making it uninhabitable for Superman. The resulting landmass will allow Luthor to control vast territory and power.

Superman’s Dilemma

Superman slowly tries to reconnect with the world—and with Lois. He saves the world from several disasters (including a crashing plane sequence, one of the movie’s most thrilling scenes) and starts to uncover Luthor’s plot.

Lois, still haunted by Superman’s disappearance, investigates a blackout linked to Luthor’s experiments and ends up discovering his evil plan. She’s captured, along with her son Jason, and taken to the growing landmass.

The Shocking Truth About Jason

During the captivity, it becomes clear that Jason may not be Richard’s son, as previously believed. In a moment of danger, Jason throws a piano at one of Luthor’s thugs, revealing superhuman strength—strongly suggesting that he is, in fact, Superman’s biological son.

This revelation changes everything, adding emotional weight to Superman’s return and to Lois’s anger at being left behind without explanation.

Confrontation on the Kryptonite Island

Superman tries to stop Lex’s plan and confronts him on the growing Kryptonite island. However, because the entire mass is laced with Kryptonite, Superman becomes weak and is savagely beaten by Lex and his goons.

Lex stabs him with a Kryptonite shard and throws him into the ocean. Just before drowning, Superman is rescued by Lois and Richard in a daring sea-plane rescue.

After recovering, Superman flies back to the island. Despite the intense Kryptonite exposure, he lifts the entire landmass into space—pushing himself to near death—to prevent it from causing catastrophic damage to Earth. The act nearly kills him, but he succeeds and hurls it into outer space.

Movie Ending

Superman is rushed to a hospital in critical condition. He remains in a coma-like state while the world holds its breath. Lois visits him and whispers something into his ear—presumably about their son and their past.

Later, Superman awakens and quietly visits Jason, who is asleep. Echoing the words his own father, Jor-El, once told him, he whispers to Jason: “You will be different. Sometimes you will feel like an outcast. But you’ll never be alone. You will make my strength your own.”

The movie ends with Superman flying once again above the Earth, ready to resume his role as protector of humanity.

There is no post-credits scene in Superman Returns.

Type of Movie

Superman Returns is a superhero drama and sci-fi action film with strong romantic and emotional undertones. It leans heavily on nostalgia and character development rather than non-stop action.

Cast

Brandon Routh as Superman / Clark Kent
Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor
James Marsden as Richard White
Frank Langella as Perry White
Parker Posey as Kitty Kowalski
Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen
Kal Penn as Stanford (Luthor’s henchman)
Archival footage and voiceovers of Marlon Brando as Jor-El

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by John Ottman, who also edited the film. He incorporated and reorchestrated John Williams’ legendary Superman theme, giving the movie a strong connection to the 1978 original. Ottman’s music mixes heroic themes with more somber, introspective tones—mirroring Superman’s emotional journey.

Filming Locations

Sydney, Australia was the main production location, with Fox Studios Australia used extensively.
New South Wales landscapes stood in for various global locations.
Several CGI-enhanced locations (such as the Fortress of Solitude and the Kryptonite continent) were created digitally.

While not filmed in the U.S., the sets were designed to look distinctly American, especially Metropolis, which retains its retro-futuristic look from the earlier films.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects
Won multiple Saturn Awards, including Best Science Fiction Film
Recognized for its cinematography, production design, and musical score

Behind the Scenes Insights

Bryan Singer left the X-Men franchise to direct this film, causing controversy among fans.
Brandon Routh was chosen for his physical resemblance to Christopher Reeve and his ability to capture Superman’s humble demeanor.
Marlon Brando’s footage was digitally resurrected from the 1978 film using advanced CGI.
The movie’s plane rescue sequence was so technically complex that it took months to complete.

Inspirations and References

Primarily inspired by Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980).
Many visual and thematic references to biblical stories, especially Superman as a Christ-like figure.
Also inspired by Richard Donner’s vision of Superman—mythic, noble, and conflicted.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A major deleted scene featured Superman visiting the ruins of Krypton. It was fully completed but removed for pacing reasons. Warner Bros later released this scene separately.
Another cut scene showed more tension between Lois and Clark, expanding on their strained emotional connection.
An alternate ending was discussed where Lex is caught rather than escaping, but Singer opted to let him flee and leave the door open for sequels.

Book Adaptations and Differences

A novelization of Superman Returns was released alongside the film. It includes:

Extended internal monologues from Superman
More clarity about Jason’s powers and his connection to Superman
Extra backstory on Lex Luthor’s motivations and time in prison

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Superman catching the falling plane and landing it in a baseball stadium
Lex stabbing Superman with Kryptonite
Superman lifting the Kryptonite island into space
Jason revealing his powers
The final bedside scene between Superman and his son

Iconic Quotes

“You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.”
“You will make my strength your own. See my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine.”
“I’m still Superman. And I’m still here.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The number “1938” (Superman’s comic debut year) is hidden on building addresses.
Lex’s yacht is named “Gertrude,” after the old rich widow he seduced for her fortune.
Clark’s return to the Daily Planet mirrors Christopher Reeve’s entrance in the original film.
One of Lex’s goons is played by Kal Penn but has almost no dialogue—a bizarre casting choice since he was a rising star at the time.

Trivia

Brandon Routh’s Superman suit had to be digitally de-enhanced in some scenes to avoid being too revealing.
Kevin Spacey shaved his head for the role of Lex Luthor, despite wearing wigs throughout the film.
It was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time (over $200 million budget), due to prior failed Superman projects absorbed into its development cost.
Bryan Singer initially wanted Jude Law to play General Zod, who was ultimately cut from the script.

Why Watch?

If you’re a fan of character-driven superhero stories with heart, emotion, and a sense of grandeur, Superman Returns is worth your time. It’s a thoughtful tribute to the Christopher Reeve legacy, with modern effects and deeper emotional stakes. While not action-packed by modern standards, it’s a beautifully made and often underappreciated Superman film.

Director’s Other Movies

X-Men (2000)
X2: X-Men United (2003)
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – uncredited completion
Valkyrie (2008)

Superman Returns (2006)