Superman Returns

A 2006 American superhero film directed by Bryan Singer, based on the DC Comics character Superman. The film serves as a continuation of "Superman II" (1980), ignoring the events of "Superman III" (1983) and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987). The main cast includes Brandon Routh as Superman/Clark Kent, Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, James Marsden as Richard White, Parker Posey as Kitty Kowalski, Frank Langella as Perry White, and Eva Marie Saint as Martha Kent. After a five-year absence, Superman returns to Earth to find that Lois Lane is now married to Richard White and raising a son, Jason. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is released from prison and steals crystals from the Fortress of Solitude, planning to create a new continent that would submerge much of the existing landmass. Superman faces the challenge of stopping Lex's destructive plan while trying to reconnect with Lois and navigate his own emotions. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for its visual effects and the performances of Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey. However, some critics noted a lack of action sequences and the film's length. With a budget of approximately $204 million, "Superman Returns" grossed around $391 million worldwide, which was below the studio's expectations. A planned sequel was canceled, and the franchise was rebooted in 2013 with "Man of Steel."