Superman Returns

Five years have passed since Clark Kent vanished, and he returns to a city that has learned to live without him. Lois Lane has moved on with her career and her stories, while Lex Luthor is back on the loose, plotting something dangerous again. The world seems to tolerate a symbol of hope only at a distance, as new dangers threaten millions and threaten a planet that might not be ready to forgive its protector. Clark must juggle the weight of his secret identity with the longing to be seen as more than a legend. The conflict tests loyalty, courage, and the trust people place in heroes, and it presses Clark to decide what kind of guardian the world deserves.

Directed by Bryan Singer, Superman Returns marks a return to the DC film universe after five years. Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris wrote the screenplay, based on DC Comics character created by Jerry Siegel, with Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth.

The film performed solidly at the box office, earning about 391 million worldwide and signaling a strong return for the franchise. It drew international appeal and helped revive interest in scale superhero cinema during a period of evolving franchise strategies.

Fans debated the film for its tribute to the Christopher Reeve era and its modern tone. The action sequences and visual effects underlined the era's big budget blockbuster look, keeping Superman in the cultural conversation and shaping future superhero spectacles. It sparked debates about reboot timing and legacy casting choices.

Critics were mixed, praising the scale and performances while noting pacing and script issues. The film wrestles with duty, identity, and the burden of public trust, asking whether a hero can remain hopeful when the world doubts him. Some critics praised its moral questions; others felt the script missed opportunities.