Superman in film

Further information:SupermanandSuperman (franchise)

DC Comics'sSupermanfranchise,based onthe characterof the same name created byJerry SiegelandJoe Shusterin June 1938, has seen the release of various films since its inception.The character debuted in cinemas in a series ofanimated shortsbeginning in 1941 and was the protagonist of twomovie serialsin 1948 and 1950. An independent studio,Lippert Pictures,released the first Superman feature film,Superman and the Mole Men,starringGeorge Reeves,in 1951. In 1973, thefilm rightsto the Superman character were purchased byIlya Salkind,Alexander Salkind,andPierre Spengler.After multiple scripts and several years in development,Richard Donnerwas hired as director, and he shot two films,Superman(1978) (marketed asSuperman: The Movie), andSuperman II(1980), at the same time, both starringChristopher Reeve.Donner had filmed eighty percent ofSuperman IIbefore it was decided to finish shooting the first film. The Salkinds fired Donner afterSuperman's release and commissionedRichard Lesteras the director to finishSuperman II.Lester returned to directSuperman III(1983). The Salkinds also produced the spin-offSupergirl(1984). They then sold the rights toCannon Films,which produced the poorly reviewedSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace(1987). Ilya Salkind commissioned a fifthSupermanscript before Warner Bros. acquired the rights in 1993.

Official logo

Over the course of 11 years, Warner Bros. developed and cancelled three projects:Tim Burton'sSuperman Lives,which would have starredNicolas Cage;Wolfgang Petersen'sBatman vs. Superman;and theJ. J. Abrams-scriptedSuperman: Flybywhich went between directorsJoseph "McG" NicholsandBrett Ratner.In 2004, the studio hiredBryan Singerto take over the films and releasedSuperman Returnsin 2006, starringBrandon Routh.Donner'sdirector's cut forSuperman IIwas also released that year. Despite positive reviews, Warner Bros. was disappointed with the financial performance ofSuperman Returns,and canceled a sequel, which would have been released in 2009. The studio nearly started production of aJustice Leaguefilm withGeorge Millerdirecting andD. J. Cotronaas Superman for a 2009 release, but it was shelved in 2008.

The film series wasrebootedin 2013 withMan of Steel,directed byZack SnyderwithHenry Cavillstarring as Superman.Man of Steellaunched what became known as theDC Extended Universe,a cinematic franchise intended to rival the highly successfulMarvel Cinematic Universe.Cavill next appeared as Superman in the DCEU filmsBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016) andJustice League(2017) (both again directed by Snyder), and in the director's cut ofJustice League,Zack Snyder's Justice League(2021); he then made acameo appearancein themid-credits sceneofBlack Adam(2022).The Flash(2023) featured Superman cameos portrayed by Henry Cavill,Nicolas Cage,George Reeves,andChristopher Reeve.Sasha Calle,along withHelen Slater,appeared as Supergirl in the film.

A new film starring the character, titled simplySuperman,is scheduled for release in July 2025. Written and directed byJames Gunn,and co-produced by Gunn andPeter Safran,it is intended to be the first live-action film of theDC Universe(DCU) media franchise and shared universe.David Corenswethas been cast as Superman for the film.

List of films

Film	U.S. release date	Director	Lead	Story by	Screenplay by	Produced by	Music by	Distributor
Early films
Superman	January 5, 1948(1948-01-05)	Spencer Gordon BennetandThomas Carr	Kirk Alyn	Lewis Clay, Royal K. Cole,Arthur Hoerl,George H. PlymptonandJoseph F. Poland		Sam Katzman	Mischa Bakaleinikoff	Columbia Pictures
Atom Man vs. Superman	July 20, 1950(1950-07-20)	Spencer Gordon Bennet		David Mathews, George H. Plympton and Joseph F. Poland
Superman and the Mole-Men	November 6, 1951(1951-11-06)	Lee Sholem	George Reeves	Robert J. MaxwellandWhitney Ellsworth(collectively credited under the pseudonym "Richard Fielding" )		Barney A. Sarecky	Darrell Calker	Lippert Pictures
1978-1987 film series
Superman	December 15, 1978(1978-12-15)	Richard Donner	Christopher Reeve	Mario Puzo	Mario Puzo,David Newman,Leslie NewmanandRobert Benton	Pierre Spengler	John Williams	Warner Bros.
Superman II	June 19, 1980(1980-06-19)	Richard Donner andRichard Lester			Mario Puzo, David Newman, andLeslie Newman		Ken Thorne
Superman III	June 17, 1983(1983-06-17)	Richard Lester		David Newman and Leslie Newman		Ilya SalkindandPierre Spengler
Supergirl	November 21, 1984(1984-11-21)	Jeannot Szwarc	Helen Slater	David Odell		Timothy Burrill	Jerry Goldsmith	Tri-Star Pictures(United States) Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment(United Kingdom)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace	July 24, 1987(1987-07-24)	Sidney J. Furie	Christopher Reeve	Lawrence Konner,Mark RosenthalandChristopher Reeve	Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal	Menahem GolanandYoram Globus	John Williams Alexander Courage	Warner Bros.
Superman Returns	June 28, 2006(2006-06-28)	Bryan Singer	Brandon Routh	Michael Dougherty,Dan Harrisand Bryan Singer	Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris	Jon Peters,Bryan Singer andGilbert Adler	John Ottman
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut	November 28, 2006(2006-11-28)	Richard Donner	Christopher Reeve	Mario Puzo, David Newman, andLeslie Newman	Mario Puzo	Pierre Spengler	John Williams
DC Extended Universefilms
Man of Steel	June 14, 2013(2013-06-14)	Zack Snyder	Henry Cavill	David S. GoyerandChristopher Nolan	David S. Goyer	Christopher Nolan,Charles Roven,Emma ThomasandDeborah Snyder	Hans Zimmer	Warner Bros.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	March 25, 2016(2016-03-25)			Chris Terrioand David S. Goyer		Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder	Hans Zimmer Junkie XL
Justice League	November 17, 2017(2017-11-17)	Zack Snyder andJoss Whedon		Zack Snyder & Chris Terrio	Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon	Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg andGeoff Johns	Danny Elfman
Zack Snyder's Justice League	March 18, 2021(2021-03-18)	Zack Snyder		Zack Snyder, Chris Terrio andWill Beall	Chris Terrio	Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder	Junkie XL	HBO Max
DC Universefilms
Superman	July 11, 2025(2025-07-11)	James Gunn	David Corenswet	James Gunn		James Gunn andPeter Safran	John Murphy	Warner Bros.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow	June 26, 2026(2026-06-26)	Craig Gillespie	Milly Alcock	Ana Nogueira			TBA

Direct-to-video, cameos, and others

• 1954:Stamp Day for Superman— a short film produced for theU.S. Treasuryto promote "Stamp Day", featuringGeorge ReevesasSupermanandNoel NeillasLois Lane.
• 1992:Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation– direct-to-video, featuringJonathan Wintersas Superman.
• 2006:Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut— the director's cut ofSuperman II,featuring around 80% new footage originally shot by directorRichard Donner,including material featuringMarlon Brando.
• 2006:Superman: Brainiac Attacks—direct-to-videofilm utilizing character designs fromSuperman: The Animated Series;starringTim DalyandDana Delany.
• 2017:DC Super Heroes vs. Eagle Talon— animated film in which Superman is voiced byKenichi Suzumura.
• 2018:Teen Titans Go! To the Movies— animated film in which Superman is voiced byNicolas Cage.
• 2019:Shazam!— part of theDC Extended Universein which Superman cameos, portrayed using Ryan Hadley as a stand-in for Henry Cavill. Superman was also seen controlling a crowd of fans who wanted to have their pictures taken with Aquaman and arm-wrestling with Shazam in the film's animated end credits sequence.
• 2022:DC League of Super-Pets— animated film in which Superman is voiced byJohn Krasinski.
• 2022:Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons– direct-to-video film in which Superman is voiced byTravis Willingham.
• 2022:Black Adam— part of the DC Extended Universe in which Superman cameos, played byHenry Cavill.
• 2023:The Flash— Superman cameos are portrayed by Henry Cavill,Nicolas Cage,Christopher ReeveandGeorge Reeves.Sasha Callestars as Supergirl along with a cameo byHelen Slater.

Lego DC Comics films

• 2013:Lego Batman: The Movie - DC Super Heroes Unite— Superman is voiced byTravis Willingham.
• 2014:The Lego Movie— Superman appears brieftly, voiced byChanning Tatum.
• 2014:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Batman Be-Leaguered— TV special featuringNolan Northas Superman.
• 2015:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League— direct-to-video with Superman voiced by Nolan North.
• 2015:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Attack of the Legion of Doom— direct-to-video with Nolan North reprising his role as Superman.
• 2016:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Cosmic Clash– direct-to-video with Nolan North reprising his role.
• 2017:The Lego Batman Movie— animated film featuring Superman with Channing Tatum reprising his role.
• 2019:The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part— animated film featuring Superman with Channing Tatum reprising his role.

Unofficial adaptations and parodies

• 1960:Return of Mr. Superman— IndianHindi-language retelling of Superman, with the title role played byPaidi Jairaj.
• 1979:The Return of Superman(Turkish:Süpermen Dönüyor;also known as "Turkish Superman" ) — aTurkishadaptation directed by Kunt Tulgar and starring Tayfun Demir as Superman.
• 1980:Superman— IndianTelugu-language film starringN. T. Rama Raoas Superman.
• 1987:Superman— Indian Hindi-language film withPuneet Issaras Superman.
• 2012:The Death and Return of Superman— short film released on YouTube by writerMax Landis.

Animated Original Movies universe

TheDC Universe Animated Original Moviesis adirect-to-videoanimated film series that often features Superman in a leading or supporting role.

DC Universe Animated Original Movies

Title	Release date	Voice actor	Notes
2007	Superman: Doomsday	Adam Baldwin
2008	Justice League: The New Frontier	Kyle MacLachlan
2009	Superman/Batman: Public Enemies	Tim Daly
2010	Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths	Mark Harmon
	Superman/Batman: Apocalypse	Tim Daly
	Batman: Under the Red Hood	N/A	Superman is only referenced throughAmazo.
	Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam	George Newbern	short film
2011	All-Star Superman	James Denton
2012	Justice League: Doom	Tim Daly
	Superman vs. The Elite	George Newbern
2013	Batman: The Dark Knight Returns(part 2)	Mark Valley	Superman only appears in the second part of this two-part adaptation ofthe graphic novel.
	Superman: Unbound	Matt Bomer
	Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox	Sam Daly	Sam Daly is the son of Tim Daly.
2014	JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time	Peter Jessop
	Justice League: War	Alan Tudyk
2015	Justice League: Throne of Atlantis	Jerry O'Connell
	Justice League: Gods and Monsters	Benjamin Bratt	Features a reimagined version of Superman who is the son ofGeneral Zod.
	Justice League vs. Teen Titans	Jerry O'Connell
2017	Justice League Dark
2018	The Death of Superman
2019	Reign of the Supermen
	Batman: Hush
	Justice League vs. the Fatal Five	George Newbern
2020	Superman: Red Son	Jason Isaacs
	Justice League Dark: Apokolips War	Jerry O'Connell
	Superman: Man of Tomorrow	Darren Criss
2021	Justice Society: World War II		Criss portrays the same character fromMan of Tomorrowand a parallel reality version nicknamed as 'Shakespeare'.
	Injustice	Justin Hartley	Hartley also portrays the Earth-1 version of the character.
2022	Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons	Travis Willingham
2023	Legion of Super Heroes	Jeff Wamester
	Justice League: Warworld
2024	Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths

Pre-Donner films (1941–1951)

Superman(1941–1943)

Main article:Superman (1940s animated film series)

Supermanfirst appeared in cinemas in a 17-part series of theatricalanimated shorts,between 1941 and 1943. They were released byParamount Pictures.Of those 17 shorts, 9 were produced byFleischer Studios,and the further 8 by its successor,Famous Studios.

#	Title	Original release date
Fleischer Studios
1.	Superman	September 26, 1941
2.	The Mechanical Monsters	November 28, 1941
3.	Billion Dollar Limited	January 9, 1942
4.	The Arctic Giant	February 27, 1942
5.	The Bulleteers	March 27, 1942
6.	The Magnetic Telescope	April 24, 1942
7.	Electric Earthquake	May 15, 1942
8.	Volcano	July 10, 1942
9.	Terror on the Midway	August 28, 1942
Famous Studios
10.	Japoteurs	September 18, 1942
11.	Showdown	October 16, 1942
12.	Eleventh Hour	November 20, 1942
13.	Destruction, Inc.	December 25, 1942
14.	The Mummy Strikes	February 19, 1943
15.	Jungle Drums	March 26, 1943
16.	The Underground World	June 18, 1943
17.	Secret Agent	July 30, 1943

Kirk Alyn serials

Kirk Alyn as Superman in a publicity still (1948).

Superman(1948)

Main article:Superman (serial)

The first appearance of Superman in live-action film was inSuperman(1948), a 15-partfilm serialfromColumbia Pictures,starringKirk Alynas the titular character (uncredited),Noel NeillasLois Lane,andTommy BondasJimmy Olsen.

Atom Man vs. Superman(1950)

Main article:Atom Man vs. Superman

The 1948Supermanwas followed up byAtom Man vs. Superman,another 15-part serial fromColumbia Pictures,the first installment of which was released in 1950. The serial featured the same main cast including Kirk Alyn asSuperman,with the addition ofLyle TalbotasLex Luthor,also known as the "Atom Man".

Superman and the Mole Men(1951)

George Reevesas Superman inStamp Day for Superman(1954).

Main article:Superman and the Mole Men

Shot on a low budget,Lee Sholem'sSuperman and the Mole Men(1951) served as a trial run for the syndicated TV seriesAdventures of Superman(airing 1952–58), for which the 1951 film became a two-partpilotepisode titled "The Unknown People".

Both the film and the subsequent TV series starredGeorge ReevesasSuperman.Lois Lane,on the other hand, was played byPhyllis Coatesin the film and the first season of the show, but was re-cast in later seasons withNoel Neill(who also played the character in the previousKirk Alynfilms). The film was produced byBarney Sareckywith the original screenplay by Richard Fielding (apseudonymforRobert MaxwellandWhitney Ellsworth).

In 1954, the short filmStamp Day for Supermanwas produced for theU.S. Treasuryto promote "Stamp Day", featuring Reeves and Neill.

Salkind/Cannon film series (1978–1987)

Main article:Superman (1978 film series character)

Christopher Reeve in 1985

In 1973, producerIlya Salkindconvinced his fatherAlexanderto buy the film rights to Superman. They hiredMario Puzoto pen a two-film script and negotiated withSteven Spielbergto direct, though Alexander eventually landed on Richard Donner.Superman(1978) andSuperman II(1980) were shot simultaneously.

Superman(1978)

Main article:Superman (1978 film)

Guy Hamiltonwas hired to direct, withMarlon BrandoandGene Hackmansigning on to playJor-ElandLex Luthor,respectively. With pre-production taking place inRome,complication arose when it was discovered that Brando could not film in Italy as he faced an obscenity lawsuit overLast Tango in Paris(1972). As a result, production would subsequently move to England in late 1976, but Hamilton was unable to shoot in England as he hadviolated his tax payments.To replace Hamilton, the Salkinds hiredRichard Donner,who in turn brought onTom Mankiewiczto polish the script, giving it a serious feel with Christ-like overtones.

There was a lengthy search for a lead, and a number of famous figures turned down the role, includingRobert RedfordandBurt Reynolds.Eventually,Christopher Reevewas cast, and underwent an exercise regimen to bulk up, gaining 24 pounds (11 kg) before filming.Margot Kidderwas cast as Lois Lane.

With a budget of US$55 million, the 1978Supermanwas themost expensive filmmade up to that point.It was a success both critically and commercially.

Superman II(1980)

Main articles:Superman IIandSuperman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Despite the success of 1978'sSuperman,directorRichard Donnerdid not return to finish its sequel. Evidently, production of both films were marred by Donner's bad relationship with the Salkinds, for whichRichard Lesteracted as mediator.

With the filmgoing over budget, the filmmakers decided to temporarily cease production ofSuperman IIaltogether, moving its climax into the first film.Eventually, it was completed with Lester, who gave it a moretongue-in-cheektone relative to the first film. Nonetheless,Superman IIwas another financial and critical success, despite stiff competition withRaiders of the Lost Arkthe same year.

In 2006, after many requests for his own version ofSuperman II,Donner and producer Michael Thau produced their owncutand released it on November 28 that year. TheDonner Cutreceived positive response from criticsas well as from the stars of the original film; according to the studio, the cut made Donner "the first director in history to be able to complete a film he left during production with nearly all his footage in the can".

Superman III(1983)

Main article:Superman III

For the third installment, Ilya Salkind wrote a treatment that expanded the film's scope to a cosmic scale, introducing villainsBrainiacandMister Mxyzptlk,as well asSupergirl.Warner Bros.,however, rejected and retooled the script into their own film,trimming Brainiac down into the film's evil "ultimate computer". The final product co-starred comedianRichard Pryoras computer wizardGus Gorman,who—under the manipulation of a millionaire magnate—creates a form ofKryptonitethat turns Superman into an evil self.

Despite its success, fans were disappointed, in particular with Pryor's performance diluting the serious tone of the previous films, as well as controversy over the depiction of the evil Superman.Salkind's rejected proposal was eventually released online in 2007.

Supergirl(1984)

Slater atFlorida Superconin 2016.

Main article:Supergirl (1984 film)

Along with gaining the film rights to Superman, Alexander and Ilya Salkind also purchased the rights to the character of Superman's cousin, Supergirl.

Supergirlwas released in 1984 as a spin-off of the Reeve films; Reeve was slated to have acameobut he ultimately backed out, though his likeness appears in a photo.It starsHelen Slaterin her first motion picture in the title role, withFaye Dunaway(who received topbilling) playing the primary villain,Selena,along withMarc McClurereprising his role asJimmy Olsen.

Although the film received mostly negative reviews from critics and fared poorly at the box office,Slater was nominated for aSaturn Awardfor her performance.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace(1987)

Main article:Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Cannon Filmspicked up an option for a fourth film, directed bySidney J. Furie,with Reeve reprising the role due to his interest in the film's topic regarding nuclear weapons. Several others reprised their roles as well, including Kidder (Lois Lane) and Hackman (Lex Luthor). However, Cannon decided to cut the budget, resulting in poor special effects and heavy re-editing, which contributed to the film's poor reception.

Although the film was a minor financial success, Warner Bros. decided to end the series, following the mixed to negative reception of the last two films.

Superman Returns(2006)

Main article:Superman Returns

Brandon Routh in 2006

Following several unsuccessful attempts to reboot the franchise,Bryan Singer,who was said to be a childhood fan ofthe 1978 film,was approached by Warner Brothers to direct a new Superman film. He accepted, abandoning two films already in pre-production,X-Men: The Last Stand(which would come to be directed byBrett Ratner) and a remake ofLogan's Run.To work on the film, Singer brought his entire crew fromX2.

For the lead role,Brandon Routhwas chosen in part because of his resemblance toChristopher Reeve;in fact, Routh had been signed by his manager several years earlier due to this resemblance. Singer followedRichard Donner's lead in casting a relatively unknown actor as the titular character and more high-profile actors in supporting roles, such asKevin SpaceyasLex Luthor.Through digitally-enhancedarchive footage,Marlon Brando,who had died in 2004, appears in the film asJor-El.

As backstory, the film uses the events of the 1978 film andSuperman II,while ignoring the events ofSuperman IIIandSuperman IV: The Quest for Peaceand its spin-offSupergirl.Singer's story tells of Superman's return to Earth following a 5-year search for survivors ofKrypton.He discovers that, in his absence,Lois Lanehas given birth to a son and become engaged.

Superman Returnsreceived positive reviews and grossed approximately US$391 million worldwide.

DC Extended Universe (2013–2023)

Main articles:DC Extended UniverseandClark Kent (DC Extended Universe)

Henry Cavill in 2013

Man of Steel(2013)

Main article:Man of Steel (film)

In June 2008, Warner Bros. tookpitchesfrom comic book writers, screenwriters and directors on how to restart theSupermanfilm series.During story discussions forThe Dark Knight Risesin 2008,David S. Goyer,aware that Warner Bros. was planning aSupermanreboot, toldChristopher Nolanhis idea on how to present Superman in a modern context. Impressed with Goyer's concept, Nolan pitched the idea to the studio in February 2010,who hired Nolan to produce and Goyer to writebased on the financial and critical success ofThe Dark Knight.Nolan admired Singer's work onSuperman Returnsfor its connection toRichard Donner's version, and previously used the1978 filmas casting inspiration forBatman Begins.Zack Snyderwas hired as the film's director in October. Principal photography started in August 2011 inWest Chicago, Illinois,before moving toVancouverandPlano, Illinois.The film starsHenry CavillasKal-El / Clark Kent / Superman,Amy AdamsasLois Lane,Michael ShannonasGeneral Zod,Diane LaneasMartha Kent,Kevin CostnerasJonathan Kent,Laurence FishburneasPerry White,andRussell CroweasJor-El.The film was released in June 2013.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016)

Main article:Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

David S. Goyerand Zack Snyder respectively wrote and directedBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016), a follow-up toMan of Steeland the 2nd film in the DC Extended Universe.Christopher Nolanreturned as producer, albeit in a lesser role than he had in the first film.Goyer stated at the Superman 75th Anniversary Panel at the 2013San Diego Comic-Conthat Batman and Superman would battle, and titles under consideration wereSuperman Vs BatmanandBatman Vs Superman.Over the next six months,Ben Affleck(asBatman),Gal Gadot(asWonder Woman),Jesse Eisenberg(asLex Luthor) andJeremy Irons(asAlfred Pennyworth)were added to the cast. All have since appeared in other DCEU movies as well.

The film was released on March 25, 2016; initially was slated to July 2015, but was delayed in order to give the filmmakers "time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story".

Justice League(2017)

Main article:Justice League (film)

Shortly after filming had finished forMan of Steel,Warner Bros hiredWill Beallto script a newJustice Leaguefilm in June 2012.With the release ofMan of Steelin June 2013, Goyer was hired to write a newJustice Leaguescript, with the Beall draft being scrapped.Zack Snyderwas hired to direct Goyer'sJustice Leaguescript.Warner Bros. was reportedly courtingChris Terrioto rewriteJustice League,after having been impressed with his rewrite ofBatman v Superman.During post-production of the film, Zack Snyder left the film due to the death of his daughter.Joss Whedontook over the project and wrote and directed reshoots.

Zack Snyder's Justice League(2021)

Main article:Zack Snyder's Justice League

The divisive reaction toward the theatrical cut ofJustice League,with Zack Snyder leaving directorial duties and the theatrical cut of the film in the hands of Joss Whedon, led to an argument comparing the situation to the one experienced by the filmSuperman II.BothJustice LeagueandSuperman IIhad a director who was replaced before the completion of the film (for different reasons), which led to a second director coming in and making substantial changes to the tone of the film.Richard Donnerwas able to complete his cut ofSuperman IIin 2005.In the belief that Snyder had shot enough material for a finished film, a campaign for a "Snyder Cut" began online, to allow Snyder to receive a similar treatment to Donner. Arguments were made that Snyder's vision would be more cohesive to the previous films than the actual theatrical cut, which Snyder has not yet seen. Warner Bros. initially remained silent regarding any intention of making a "Snyder Cut".

In March 2019, Snyder confirmed his original cut did exist, and stated that it was up to Warner Bros. to release it.In November,Varietyreported that Warner Bros. was unlikely to release Snyder's version ofJustice Leaguein theaters or onHBO Max,calling it a "pipe dream".In December, however, Snyder posted a photo on hisVeroaccount, which showed boxes with tapes labeled "Z.S. J.L Director's cut", and with the caption "Is it real? Does it exist? Of course it does".In May 2020, Snyder officially announced his cut ofJustice LeagueforHBO Maxfor 2021 release date.The cut cost $70+ million to complete the special effects, musical score, editing, and additional shooting. Initially the cut was planned to be a four partminiseries,but was instead eventually released as a four-hour movie.Snyder said that this version is non-canonical to DC Extended Universe continuity, existing in a slightly alternate universe.However,Jason Momoasaid thatJames Wan'sAquaman(2018) takes place afterZack Snyder's Justice Leaguerather than Whedon's version.Similarly,Wonder Woman(2017) directorPatty Jenkinssaid that no DC director considers Whedon'sJustice Leaguecanonical, and that she had worked with Snyder to ensureWonder Womanmaintained continuity with his film.

DCEU cameos (2019–2023)

• Superman made acameo appearancein the DCEU filmShazam!(2019), in which he appears briefly at the end. He is played by Ryan Hadley,Zachary Levi's body double, owing to Cavill's unavailability.He appears from the neck down afterBilly Batsonannounces toFreddy Freemanthat he invited another person to sit with them at lunch. Upon seeing him, Freddy gasps in shock.
• Superman is referenced inThe Suicide Squad(2021).Amanda Wallerstates thatBloodsport,a new member of Task Force X, was arrested and imprisoned for shooting Superman with a Kryptonite bullet.
• Superman has made a cameo appearance in the DCEU TV seriesPeacemaker(2022), in which he appears briefly in thefinal episodeof the first season. He and theJustice League,with the exception ofBatmanandCyborg,are called by Waller to assistChristopher Smith / Peacemakerin facing the Butterfly army but arrive too late, missing the fight. He is played by Brad Abramenko.
• Cavill reprised his role as the character in a cameo, filmed for the mid-credits scene ofBlack Adam(2022). In the scene, Superman is dispatched by Amanda Waller toKahndaq,to talk withBlack Adam.
• Nicolas Cagemakes a cameo appearance as an alternate version of Superman inThe Flash.CGI versions ofHenry Cavill,George ReevesandChristopher Reevealso appear as Superman. Additionally,Sasha Callestars as Supergirl with a CGI version ofHelen Slateras Supergirl also making an appearance.

DC Universe (2025 onwards)

Main article:DC Universe (franchise)

Superman(2025)

Main article:Superman (2025 film)

David Corenswetin costume as Superman in an on-set image in 2024

After filmmakerJames Gunnand producerPeter Safranwere appointed in October 2022 to serve as the co-chairmen and co-CEOs of the then-newly formedDC Studiosto develop plans for a new DC shared universe slate, Gunn stated in December that Superman was a huge priority for the studio,before announcing that he was writing a new Superman film that would focus on a younger version of the character,who would be depicted as a cub reporter interacting with key characters such asLois Lane.As such,Henry Cavillwas not expected to return, although Gunn and Safran met with the actor to discuss potentially working together in the future,including potentially portraying a different character.There was potential for Gunn to also direct the film,which was not expected to be anorigin storyfor the character.The film's title was revealed to beSuperman: Legacyin January 2023, with Gunn describing it as the "true start" to the studio's overarching narrative of the new DCU franchise and is scheduled to be released on July 11, 2025.In June,David Corenswetwas cast as Superman, andRachel Brosnahanwas cast as Lois Lane.In July,Isabela Merced,Edi Gathegi,andNathan Fillionwere cast asHawkgirl,Mister Terrific,andGuy Gardnerrespectively.Anthony Carriganwas cast asMetamorphoright after.In November,Nicholas Houltwas cast to play Lex Luthor.

By February 2024, the film had been retitled toSuperman.A first look at Superman'ssuit emblemwas also released,visually referencingSuperman's appearance inDC Comics'Kingdom Comecomic book miniseries.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow(2026)

In January 2023, James Gunn announced a standalone film featuring the characterSupergirlset in the new DCU franchise, which would derive significantly from theSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrowminiseries by writerTom King.BothSuperman(2025) andSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrowwill be part of Chapter 1 of the DCU which is titled asGods and Monsters.In November,Ana Nogueirawas set to write the screenplay.In January 2024,Milly Alcockwas cast as Supergirl to debut in another DCU project, reported to beSuperman.Craig Gillespieentered talks to direct the film in April 2024, and was confirmed as director the next month when the film was given its release date. Filming is expected to begin in late 2024 and is scheduled to release theatrically on June 26, 2026.

Elseworlds

Untitled Black-led film

In February 2021,Ta-Nehisi Coateswas revealed to be writing a new Superman film for the DCEU that was in early development.J. J. Abramswas set as producer alongside Hannah Minghella, with no director or actors attached to the project yet.The film was expected to feature a Black actor portraying Superman, with potential forMichael B. Jordanto still take on the role after previously pitching himself as a Black version of the character.Coates said he was looking forward to "meaningfully adding to the legacy of America's most iconic mythic hero", while Abrams said the film would tell a "new, powerful and moving Superman story".This was reported by outlets as being arebootof the franchise, but Richard Newby ofThe Hollywood Reporterfelt the film starring a Black actor could indicate a new version of Superman that could exist alongside Cavill's portrayal within theDC Multiverse.Newby also noted that Coates' history as a non-fiction author and journalist focusing on African-American issues would give him "the insight and experience to delve further into the [Superman] mythos in a way never seen on screen".

Jordan said at the end of April that suggestions he star in the film were a compliment, but he would not be signing on to the role. The studio was in the early process of finding a director for the film at that point, and had committed to hiring a Black filmmaker for the project. They had met with potential directors by early May, working from a list that includedSteven Caple Jr.,J. D. Dillard,Regina King,andShaka King;Dillard later said that he had not been approached for the film.Coates was not expected to deliver his script for the film until mid-December, and was believed to be introducing a new version of Kal-El / Superman in what was potentially a 20th-centuryperiod piece.The film was believed to be set in a separate universe from the DCEU at that point.In July, Jordan's reasoning for distancing himself from the film was reported to be due to the decision to portray Kal-El as Black rather than introduce a different Superman character that is already portrayed as Black in the comics such asCalvin EllisorVal-Zod.This was seen by some asracebendinga white character while "erasing" existing Black characters, a conversation that Jordan did not want to engage in.Instead, he began developing a limited series forHBO Maxfocused on the Val-Zod version of the character.In October 2022, Abrams and Coates' film was revealed to be set in a separate continuity from other DC franchises, similar toJoker(2019),and the film remained in active development by December under the then-recently formedDC Studioswhen its co-chairman and co-CEO James Gunn announced that he was writing a new Superman film.

Abandoned projects

Superman V(1980s/90s)

Before the failure ofSuperman IV: The Quest for Peace,Cannon Filmsconsidered producing a fifth film withAlbert Pyunas director. Cannon's bankruptcy resulted in the film rights reverting toIlyaandAlexander Salkind.The story had Superman dying and resurrecting in the shrunken, bottledKryptoncity ofKandor.The premise of Superman's death and rebirth coincidentally predated 1992 "The Death of Superman"comic book storyline.

Superman Reborn(1995)

"In any good Superman movie, the fate of the whole planet should be at stake. You've got to have villains whose powers and abilities demand that Superman (and only Superman) can be the one who stops them. That's the only way to make the movie exciting and a dramatic challenge".

—Writer Jonathan Lemkin on writingSuperman Reborn

With the success of "The Death of Superman"comic book storyline, Warner Brothers purchased the film rights of Superman from the Salkinds in 1993, and hired producerJon Petersto develop a new Superman film. Peters in turn hiredJonathan Lemkinto write a new script.Major toy companies insisted on seeing Lemkin's screenplay before the deadline of the 1993American International Toy Fair.

Lemkin's script in March 1995,titledSuperman Reborn,featured Lois Lane and Clark Kent with relationship troubles, and Superman's battle withDoomsday.When Superman professes his love to Lois, his life force jumps between them just as he dies, giving Lois avirgin birth.Their child, who grows to adulthood in three weeks, becomes the resurrected Superman and saves the world.Warner Brothers did not like the script because of the similar underlyingthemeswithBruce Wayne's obligations of heroism found inBatman Forever(1995).

To rewrite Lemkin's text, Peters hiredGregory Poirier,whose December 1995 scripthadBrainiaccreating Doomsday, infused with "Kryptoniteblood ". In Poirier's script, Superman has romance problems with Lois Lane and visits apsychiatristbefore he is killed by Doomsday. An alien named Cadmus, a victim of Brainiac, steals his corpse. Superman is resurrected and teams with Cadmus to defeat Brainiac. Powerless, Superman wears a robotic suit until his powers—which, according to the script, are a mental discipline called "Phin-yar" —return.At Peters' request, Poirier had Superman wear an all-black suit at the end of the script.Other villains includedParasiteandSilver Banshee.Though Poirier's script impressed Warner Brothers,Kevin Smithwas hired to rewrite;Smith thought that Poirier's script did not respect the Superman mythos properly.

Superman Lives(1998)

See also:The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened?

Kevin SmithpitchedJon Petershis story outline in late 1996, and he was allowed to write the screenplay under certain conditions:

• Peters did not want Superman to fly,arguing that the character would "look like an overgrownBoy Scout".Smith wrote Superman flying as "a red-and-blue blur in flight, creating asonic boomevery time he flew ".
• Peters also wanted Superman to fight a giant spider in the third act.

Smith accepted the terms, realizing that he was being hired to execute a preordained idea.Peters would go on to insist further additions:

• Smith was also forced to write a scene involvingBrainiacfighting a polar bear at theFortress of Solitude.
• TheStar Wars20th anniversary re-release in theaters prompted Peters to commission a "space dog" that Brainiac could present to Luthor purely for merchandising appeal and toy sales.
• Peters also insisted that Brainiac's robot assistantL-Ronwas to be voiced byDwight Ewell,calling the character "a gayR2-D2with attitude ".

Smith's script, titledSuperman Lives,had Brainiac sendingDoomsdayto kill Superman, as well as blocking out the sun to make Superman powerless, as Superman is fueled by sunlight. Brainiac teams up withLex Luthor,but Superman is resurrected by a Kryptonian robot, theEradicator.Brainiac wishes to possess the Eradicator and its technology. Powerless, the resurrected Superman is sheathed in a robotic suit formed from the Eradicator itself until his powers return, courtesy of sunbeams, and defeats Brainiac.Smith's casting choices includedBen Affleckas Clark Kent/Superman,Linda Fiorentinoas Lois Lane,Jack Nicholsonas Lex Luthor,Famke JanssenasMercy Graves,John MahoneyasPerry White,David Hyde Pierceas the Eradicator,Jason Leeas Brainiac, andJason MewesasJimmy Olsen.Affleck would go on to portray Superman actorGeorge Reevesin the 2006 filmHollywoodland,and Batman in theDC Extended Universe,beginning withBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justicein 2016.

Robert Rodriguezwas offered the chance to direct, but turned down the offer due to his commitment onThe Faculty(1998), despite liking Smith's script.

Smith originally suggestedTim Burtonto direct his script,and Burton signed on with apay-or-play contractof $5 million. Warner Brothers originally planned on a theatrical release date for summer 1998, the 60th anniversary of the character's debut inAction Comics.Nicolas Cage,a comic book fan, signed on as Superman with a $20 million pay-or-play contract, believing he could "reconceive the character".Peters also felt Cage could "convince audiences he [Superman] came from outer space".Burton explained Cage's casting would be "the first time you would believe that nobody could recognize Clark Kent as Superman, he [Cage] could physically change his persona".Kevin Spaceywas approached for the role ofLex Luthor,whileChristopher Walkenwas Burton's choice for Brainiac,a role also considered forJim CarreyandGary Oldman.Sandra Bullock,Courteney CoxandJulianne Moorehad been approached for Lois Lane, whileChris Rockwas cast asJimmy Olsen.Michael Keatonconfirmed his involvement, but when asked if he would be reprising his role asBruce Wayne / Batmanfrom Burton'sBatmanfilms, he would only reply, "Not exactly".

Filming was originally set to begin in early 1998.

Rewrites and production

In the summer of 1997,Superman Livesentered pre-production,with an art department employed under production designerRick Heinrichs.Burton hiredWesley Strickto rewrite Smith's script, which disappointed Smith, who commented:

The studio was happy with what I was doing. Then Tim Burton got involved, and when he signed his pay-or-play deal, he turned around and said he wanted to do his version of Superman. So who is Warner Bros. going back to? The guy who madeClerks,or the guy who made them half a billion dollars onBatman?

When Strick read Smith's script, he was annoyed with the fact that "Superman was accompanied/shadowed by someone/something called the Eradicator".He also felt that "Brainiac's evil plot of launching a disk in space to block out the sun and make Superman powerless was reminiscent ofan episodeofThe Simpsons,withMr. Burnsdoing the Brainiac role ".However, after readingThe Death and Return of Superman,Strick was able to understand some of the elements of Smith's script. Strick's rewrite featured Superman as anexistentialist,thinking of himself to be an outsider on Earth. Superman is threatened by Brainiac and Lex Luthor, who lateramalgamateinto "Lexiac", described by Strick as "a schizo/scary mega-villain".Superman is later resurrected by the power of 'K', a natural force representing the spirit ofKrypton,as he defeats Lexiac.

Art designer Sylvain Despretz claimed the art department was assigned to create something that had little or nothing to do with the Superman comic book, and also explained that Peters "would bring kids in, who would rate the drawings on the wall as if they were evaluating the toy possibilities. It was basically a toy show".Peters saw a cover ofNational Geographic,containing a picture of a skull, going to art department workers, telling them he wanted the design for Brainiac's spaceship to have the same image. Burton gave Despretz a concept drawing for Brainiac, which Despretz claims was "a cone with a round ball on top, and something that looked like an emaciated skull inside. Imagine you takeMerlin's hat, and you stick a fish bowl on top, with a skull in it ".Concept artist Rolf Mohr said in an interview that he designed a suit for the Eradicator for a planned scene in which it transforms into a flying vehicle.

"We got the Kevin Smith script, but we were told not to read it, because they knew he wasn't going to stay on the movie. So we used Kevin Smith's script as a guide to the sets we might be doing, and we waited and waited for the new script to come in, but it never did".

—Art designer Sylvain Despretz on designingSuperman Lives

Burton chosePittsburgh,Pennsylvania as his primary filming location forMetropolis,while start dates for filming were pushed back.A minor piece of the Krypton set was constructed but then destroyed, and Cage had even attended a costume fitting.

The studio was also considering changing the titleSuperman Livesback toSuperman Reborn.Deeming Wesley Strick's script too expensive, Warner Bros enlisted the help ofDan Gilroyto rewrite it into something more economically feasible. Gilroy lowered the $190 million budget set by Strick's draft to $100 million. However, the studio was still less willing to fast track production, due to financial reasons with other film properties, having Gilroy turn in two drafts.

Abandonment

In April 1998, Warner Bros ultimately chose to put the film on hold;at this point in production, the studio had spent $30 million on developing the film.Burton, having left to directSleepy Hollow(1999), cited various differences with Peters and the studio: "I basically wasted a year. A year is a long time to be working with somebody that you don't really want to be working with".

Disappointed by the lack of progress on the film's production, aspiring screenwriter/comic book fan Alex Ford was able to have a script of his (titledSuperman: The Man of Steel) accepted at the studio's offices in September 1998. Ford pitched his idea for a film series consisting of seven installments, and his approach impressed Warner Bros. and Peters, though he was later given a farewell due to creative differences.Ford said:

I can tell you they don't know much about comics. Their audience isn't you and me who pay $7.00. It's for the parents who spend $60 on toys and lunchboxes. It is a business, and what's more important, the $150 million at the box office or the $600 million in merchandising?

With Gilroy's script, Peters offered the director's position toMichael Bay,Shekhar KapurandMartin Campbell,though they all turned down the offer.Brett Ratnerturned down the option in favor ofThe Family Man.Simon WestandStephen Norringtonwere reportedly top contenders as well.In June 1999,William Wisher Jr.was hired to write a new script, and Cage assisted on story elements.Cage dropped out of the project in June 2000, while Wisher turned in a new script in August, reported to have contained similar elements withThe Matrix.Oliver Stonewas then approached to direct Wisher's script, but declined.Peters offeredWill Smiththe role of Superman, but the actor turned it down over concerns hisethnicitycould result in him facing retaliation from the film industry for taking the role.

Retrospective development (2015–2018, 2023)

The film's backstory was covered in the 2015 documentary filmThe Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened?.Kevin Smith would go on to direct the ninth episode of the second season ofSupergirl,which was titled "Supergirl Lives"as homage toSuperman Lives.

In November 2016, Kevin Smith said that he was open to having theSuperman Livesscript be adapted as an animated film, withNicolas CagevoicingSupermanandMichael RookervoicingLex Luthor.The following year,Batman vs. Two-FacewriterMichael Jelenicrevealed that he originally pitched an animated film based on Smith'sSuperman Livesscript, saying that Warner Bros seriously considered it for a long time.According to Jelenic, Cage would have loved to voice Superman in the film, but the idea never materialized and his pitch was abandoned.

Cage was ultimately cast to voice Superman in the animated filmTeen Titans Go! To the Movies,based on theTeen Titans Go!cartoon show, which was released on July 27, 2018.In 2019, Cage was approached to play Superman, in live-action form, byMarc Guggenheimand the producers of theArrowversefive-partcrossoverevent "Crisis on Infinite Earths",which aired from December 2019 to January 2020, but Cage's inclusion was ultimately dropped for unknown reasons.In May 2023,The FlashdirectorAndy Muschiettiofficially revealed that among the film's numerouscameo appearances,Cage would finally play Superman in live-action, with Muschietti expressing his enthusiasm over working with Cage, something he had planned to do for a long time and hopes to do again.The film includes a scene rendered through computer-generated imagery where Cage as Superman, exactly as he looks in the 90s test footage, fights a robotic spider, as an homage to the demand that Jon Peters gave Kevin Smith.

Batman vs. Superman: Asylum(2004)

In the early 2000s, Warner Brothers wanted torebootthe Superman film series with an origin story and ignore the "Death of Superman"storyline that had been stuck indevelopment limbothrough the late 1990s.

In 2001, screenwriterPaul Attanasiowas almost signed to pen a new script for producerJon Peters;althoughMcGbeing widely reported as attached to Attanasio'sSupermanscript, which wasgreenlit,he dropped out in favor ofCharlie's Angels: Full Throttle(2003).Ultimately,Andrew Kevin Walkerwas hired in August that year after pitching Warner Bros an idea titledBatman vs. Superman,attachingWolfgang Petersenas director.

In February 2002, filmmakerJ. J. Abramswas hired to write a new screenplay for a stand-alone Superman film,going under the title ofSuperman: Flyby,again approaching Petersen to direct.In July, Abrams turned in his script, designed to be the first of a trilogy.Lorenzo di Bonaventura—Warner Bros' executive vice president for worldwide motion pictures—though liking Abrams' script, nonetheless planned to releaseBatman vs Supermanfirst. Abrams' script was thereby put on hold in favor of Walker'sBatman vs. Supermanidea.

Walker's draft was thought of as too dark by the studio, who hiredAkiva Goldsmanto do a rewrite, which was codenamedAsylum.Goldsman's draft,dated June 21, 2002, introducedBruce Wayneattempting to shake all of the demons in his life after his 5-year retirement from crime-fighting.Dick Grayson,Alfred Pennyworth,andCommissioner Gordonare all dead. Meanwhile,Clark Kentis down on his luck and in despair after his divorce fromLois Lane.Clark serves as Bruce's best man at his wedding to the beautiful and lovely Elizabeth Miller. After Elizabeth is killed by theJokerat the honeymoon, Bruce is forced to don theBatsuitonce more, tangling a plot which involvesLex Luthor,while Clark begins a romance withLana LanginSmallvilleand tries to pull Bruce back. In return, Bruce blames Clark for her death, and the two go against one another, prodded on byLex Luthor.After Batman decides not to succumb to his rage, the two team up, stop Luthor in his mechanized suit and an incoming meteor storm.The studio wantedJohnny DeppasBatmanandJosh HartnettasSuperman.

Christian Bale,who was being considered for the lead inDarren Aronofsky'sBatman: Year Oneadaptation at the time (another cancelled film),was simultaneously approached by Petersen for the Batman role. Petersen confirmed in a 2010 interview that the only actor he approached for Superman wasJosh Hartnett.Warner Bros canceled development to focus on individual Superman and Batman projects after Abrams submitted another draft forSuperman: Flyby.Christopher Nolancast Bale as Batman the following year inBatman Begins.

In the opening scene ofI Am Legend,a large banner displays the Superman symbol within the Batman symbol inTimes Square.It is meant as anin-jokeby writer Goldsman, who wrote the scripts for bothBatman vs. SupermanandI Am Legend.

Superman: Man of Steel(2004)

Turning in his script in July 2002,J. J. Abrams'Superman: Man of Steel,commonly referred to asSuperman: Flyby,was an origin story that included Krypton besieged by a civil war betweenJor-Eland his corrupt brother Kata-Zor. Before Kata-Zor sentences Jor-El to prison, Kal-El is launched to Earth to fulfill a prophecy. Adopted byJonathan and Martha Kent,he forms a romance withLois Lanein theDaily Planet.However, Lois is more concerned with exposingLex Luthor,written as a government agent obsessed withUFOphenomena. Clark reveals himself to the world as Superman, bringing Kata-Zor's son, Ty-Zor, and three other Kryptonians to Earth. Superman is defeated and killed, and visits Jor-El (who committed suicide on Krypton while in prison) in Kryptonian heaven. Resurrected, he returns to Earth and defeats the four Kryptonians. The script ends with Superman flying off to Krypton in a spaceship.

Brett Ratnerwas hired to direct in September 2002, originally expressing an interest in casting an unknown for the lead role, while filming was to start sometime in late 2003.Christopher Reevejoined as project consultant, citingTom Welling,who portrayed the teenageClark KentinSmallville,as an ideal candidate. Reeve added that "the character is more important than the actor who plays him, because it is an enduring mythology. It definitely should be an unknown".Ratner approachedJosh Hartnett,Jude Law,Paul WalkerandBrendan Fraserfor Superman, but conceded that finding a famous actor for the title role had proven difficult because of contractual obligations to appear in sequels: "No star wants to sign that, but as much as I've told Jude and Josh my vision for the movie, I've warned them of the consequences of being Superman. They'll live this character for 10 years because I'm telling one story over three movies and plan to direct all three if the first is as successful as everyone suspects".Hartnett in particular was offered $100 million for a three-picture deal.Walker explained that "I could have made a gazillion dollars on that franchise. I could probably have bought my own fleet of jets or my own island. You know what? I don't need it".Law immediately felt he was wrong for the part upon putting on the costume, admitting that it was a "step too far".David Boreanaz,Victor WebsterandAshton Kutcherauditioned, along withKeri Russellas Lois Lane,but Kutcher decided not to pursue the role, citing scheduling conflicts withThat '70s Show,theSuperman curseand fear of typecasting,while Boreanaz had to back out due to obligations withAngel.James Marsdenstated in a 2006 interview that at one point he was approached by Ratner.Although it was never formally announced,Matt Bomerconfirmed that he was in the running for the lead role, being Ratner's preferred choice at the time. Bomer would later voice the character in the 2013 animated filmSuperman: Unbound.Bomer later felt that the reason he ultimately did not get the role was due to him coming out as gay.Amy Adamshad also auditioned for Lois Lane, and would eventually win the role eight years later when she was cast inMan of Steel.

Superman: Man of Steelwas being met with a budget exceeding $200 million, not including money spent onSuperman Reborn,Superman LivesandBatman vs. Superman,but Warner Bros. was still adamant for a summer 2004 release date.Christopher Walkenwas in negotiations forPerry White,while Ratner wanted to castAnthony Hopkinsas Jor-El, andRalph Fiennesas Lex Luthor, two of his cast members fromRed Dragon.Joel Edgertonturned down a chance to audition as Superman in favor of the villain Ty-Zor, before Ratner dropped out of the project in March 2003, blaming casting delays,and aggressive feuds with producerJon Peters.

McGreturned as director in 2003, while Fraser continued to express interest, but had fears of typecasting.ESC Entertainment was hired forvisual effectswork, with Kim Libreri as visual effects supervisor andStan Winstondesigning a certain "prototype suit".McG approachedShia LaBeoufforJimmy Olsen,with an interest to cast an unknown for Superman,Scarlett Johanssonas Lois Lane andJohnny DeppforLex Luthor.Robert Downey Jr.was soon afterward cast as Lex Luthor.Neal H. MoritzandGilbert Adlerwere set to produce the film. McG also commissionedJosh Schwartzto rewrite the Abrams script. He also shot test footage with several candidates, includingJason Behr,Henry Cavill,Jared Padalecki,andMichael Cassidy.McG left the project soon afterward, blaming budgetary concerns and disagreement over filming locations. He opted to shoot in New York City and Canada, but Warner Bros. wantedSydney,Australia,which would have cost $25 million less. McG released a statement saying that he felt "it was inappropriate to try to capture the heart of America on another continent".He eventually admitted in a 2012 interview that hisfear of flyingwas the real reason for his objection to Australia.Abrams lobbied for the chance to direct his script,but Warner Bros. replaced McG withBryan Singerin July 2004, resulting inSuperman Returns,that was released in 2006.

In August 2013,Geoff Johnsmentioned thatWarner Bros.was considering turning unproduced scripts and screenplays into original animated films and had expressed interest in making an animated adaptation of the"Flyby"screenplay.

Superman Returnssequel (2008/09)

Four months before the release ofSuperman Returns,Warner Brothers announced a summer 2009 theatrical release date for a sequel, withBryan Singerreturning as director,along withBrandon Routh,Kevin Spacey,Kate Bosworth,Sam Huntington,Frank Langella,andTristan Lake Leabuexpected to reprise their roles.

However, with the release ofSuperman Returnsin July 2006, the studio was hesitant on moving forward with development. Warner Brothers PresidentAlan F. Hornexplained thatSuperman Returnswas a very successful film, but that it "should have done $500 million worldwide" and that they "should have had perhaps a little more action to satisfy the young male crowd".Singer reacted incredulously to the studio complaints, saying that the "movie made $400 million! I don't know what constitutes under-performing these days".

Filming was supposed to start in March 2008.While no screenplay was ever written, Singer would have titled itMan of Steel,stressing that it would have been more action-packed thanSuperman Returns.

Though Singer had an interest inDarkseidas the main villain, writerMichael Doughertywas interested in usingBrainiacfor the proposed sequel:

In my mind, if the Kryptonians really were a space-faring race... it would only make sense that there would've been colonies and off-planet missions... other Kryptonians making their way to Earth seemed like a pretty big one. It wouldn't necessarily be evil right off the bat. That's too easy and cliché... I think it'd be interesting to see how these other Kryptonians show up, land and have all these powers and [have to learn] how to adapt to them.

In February 2007, the studio commissioned husband and wife duo Michele andKieran Mulroneyto write a script for aJustice Leaguefilm,halting development for theSuperman Returnssequel. TheJustice Leaguescript was submitted to Warner Brothers the following June,which prompted the studio to immediately fast-track production of what was to be titledJustice League: Mortal.As Singer went on to filmValkyrie(2008) the next month,George Millersigned to direct in September.

The script would have featured a different Superman in a separate continuity from Singer's film; Routh was not approached to reprise his role forJustice League: Mortal,which ended up going toD. J. Cotrona.The film nearly went into production in March 2008,but theAustralian Film Commissiondenied Warner Brothers their 40%tax rebateand Cotrona'soptionseventually expired.WithJustice League: Mortalcanceled, Singer renewed his interest in theSuperman Returnssequel that same month, stating that it was in early development.Paul Levitz,president ofDC Comics,still expected the title role to be reprised by Routh,whose contract for a sequel expired in 2009.

In August 2008, the studio's President of Production Jeff Robinov admitted:

Superman Returnsdidn't quite work as a film in the way that we wanted it to.… It didn't position the character the way he needed to be positioned.… HadSupermanworked in 2006, we would have had a movie for Christmas of this year or 2009. Now the plan is just to reintroduce Superman without regard to a Batman and Superman movie at all.

Routh later reprised his role as Superman in the 2019Arrowversetelevision crossover "Crisis on Infinite Earths".

Justice League: Mortal(2009)

Main article:Justice League: Mortal

In February 2007, during pre-production forThe Dark Knight,Warner Brothers hired husband and wife screenwriting duo Michelle andKieran Mulroneyto script aJustice Leaguefilmfeaturing a younger Batman in a separate franchise.

George Millerwas hired to direct the following September,withD. J. Cotronawas cast as Superman,along withArmie Hammeras Batman.Filming had nearly commenced atFox Studios Australiain Sydney, but was pushed back over theWriters Guild of America strike,and once more when theAustralian Film Commissiondenied Warner Bros. a 45 percent tax rebate over lack of Australian actors in the film.Production offices were moved toVancouver Film Studiosin Canada for an expected July 2008 start and a planned summer 2009 theatrical release date,but Warner Bros. ultimately canceledJustice Leaguefollowing the success ofThe Dark Knight.Hammer's option on his contract lapsed and the studio was more willing to proceed with Christopher Nolan to finish his trilogy separately withThe Dark Knight Rises.

Man of Steelsequel (2014-2022)

Warner Bros. Picturesannounced release dates for a full slate ofDC Comics-based films in October 2014, forming a newshared universeknown as theDC Extended Universe(DCEU). At the same time, the company said that an un-datedSupermanfilm was in development, withHenry Cavillset to reprise his role ofClark Kent / SupermanfromMan of Steel(2013).Warner Bros. chose to prioritizeBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016) as the second DCEU film afterMan of Steelfailed to meet the company's financial expectations, despite turning a profit. DirectorZack Snydersaid thatBrainiacand theKryptoniansimprisoned in thePhantom Zonewere considered as antagonists for theMan of Steelsequel before Warner Bros. decided to proceed withBatman v Superman.TheWrapreported that a sequel toMan of Steelentered active development in August 2016, that the studio wanted to get the character right for audiences, and that it was a top priority for them.Cavill's managerDany Garciaconfirmed the following month that the actor was in development on another standalone Superman film.That November,Amy Adams,who portrayedLois LaneinMan of Steel,said the studio was working on a screenplay for the sequel.Matthew Vaughnwas Warner Bros.' top choice to direct the film, and he had preliminary conversations about the project by March 2017.Vaughn had previouslypitchedan idea for a new Superman trilogy with comic book writerMark Millar,prior to the development ofMan of Steel,in which the destruction of the planetKryptonwould not take place until after Superman had already grown-up on the planet.Afterthe troubled productionof the DCEU filmJustice League(2017), Warner Bros. re-thought its approach to DC projects.By the end of 2017, aMan of Steelsequel was not coming "anytime soon, if at all".Justice LeagueproducerCharles Rovensaid that the story ideas for the film had been discussed, but there was no script.

Before the release ofMission: Impossible – Falloutin July 2018, directorChristopher McQuarrieand co-star Cavill pitched their take on a new Superman film, but Warner Bros. did not pursue the idea.Later that year, the studio askedJames Gunnto write and direct a Superman film, but he chose to makeThe Suicide Squad(2021) instead;Gunn was uncertain if he wanted to take on Superman, so Warner Bros. told him that he could adapt any DC property he liked.In September, negotiations for Cavill to reprise his role for acameo appearanceinShazam!(2019) ended due to contract issues,as well as a scheduling conflict with Cavill'sFalloutcommitments.The actor was reported to be parting ways with the studio, with no plans for him to reprise his role in future projects,but, in November 2019, Cavill said that he had not given up on the character and still wanted to do the role justice.At that time, Warner Bros. was unsure which direction to take the character and was talking to "high-profile talent" about the property, includingJ. J. Abrams—whose companyBad Robotsigned an overall deal with Warner Bros.' parent companyWarnerMedia—andMichael B. Jordan,who pitched himself as a Black version of the character.By May 2020, Warner Bros. was no longer developing aMan of Steelsequel, but Cavill was in talks to appear in a different future DC film.

In October 2022, Warner Bros. was revealed to be developing a project that was described as being a sequel toMan of Steelwith Roven serving as a producer and Cavill expected to reprise his role. The studio was searching for writers by then, and had a wishlist of directors that included McQuarrie, who reportedly had not been contacted and could be unable to direct due to his commitments toMission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One(2023) andMission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning(2025). Cavill appeared that month in his role in thepost-credits sceneof the DCEU filmBlack Adam(2022).Cavill was revealed to have signed a one-off deal forBlack Adam,though Warner Bros. was interested in having him return for future projects including another solo film,though there was only a verbal agreement on this.Shortly after, Warner Bros. had Cavill announce that he would return as Superman for future projects,and the actor said hisBlack Adamcameo was intended to be a "very small taste" of plans for the character,who he said would be "enormously joyful" going forward.Steven Knighthad written a script treatment around that time,which reportedly included Brainiac as the antagonist.Warner Bros. executives were not thrilled about it and provided notes on it, and another writer was potentially hired due to Knight's busy schedule soon after.Andy Muschietti,who had directedThe Flash(2023) for the studios, had expressed interest in directing a Superman project with a similar tone toRichard Donner'sSuperman(1978).Cavill had been paid $250,000 for each of his cameos inBlack AdamandThe Flashbefore the latter appearance was cut.

Cavill expressed interest in November for a future project to explore Superman's "capacity to give and to love" the people of Earth and to inspire others,and said he was looking forward to meeting with James Gunn, who was then-recently appointed as the co-chairman and co-CEO of the newly formedDC StudiosalongsidePeter Safran,and was excited about future opportunities to work together.TheWrapsoon reported that the project was not moving forward quickly as Gunn and Safran were fine-tuning their long-term plans for a DC shared universe, and that Cavill had not yet signed a formal deal to return and no writer or director were attached.The Hollywood Reporterreported in December that aMan of Steelsequel with Cavill was unlikely as Gunn and Safran were set to share their still-in-flux plans withWarner Bros. DiscoveryCEODavid Zaslavthe following week,before reporting that development had ended,and was replaced with a new film written by Gunn.

Recurring cast and characters

List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in multiple film series that featured Superman.

• An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
• ^Aindicates an appearance through archival footage or audio.
• ^Cindicates a cameo role.
• ^Pindicates an appearance in onscreen photographs.
• ^Sindicates an appearance through use of special effects.
• ^Uindicates an uncredited appearance.
• ^Vindicates a voice-only role.
• ^Yindicates a younger version of the character.

Character	Fleischer / Famous Studio animated shorts (1941–1943)	Serial films (1948–1950)	Superman and the Mole Men (1951)	Salkind series (1978–1987)	Superman Returns (2006)	DC Extended Universe (2013–2023)	DC Universe (2025)
Kal-El / Clark Kent Superman	Bud Collyer Sam Parker	Kirk Alyn	George Reeves	Christopher Reeve Jeff EastY Aaron SmolinskiY	Brandon Routh Stephan BenderY	Henry Cavill Dylan SprayberryY Cooper TimberlineY George ReevesCS Christopher ReeveCS	David Corenswet
Lois Lane	Joan Alexander	Noel Neill	Phyllis Coates	Margot Kidder	Kate Bosworth	Amy Adams	Rachel Brosnahan
Perry White	Julian Noa	Pierre Watkin		Jackie Cooper	Frank Langella	Laurence Fishburne	Wendell Pierce
Jimmy Olsen	Jack Mercer	Tommy Bond		Marc McClure	Sam Huntington	Michael CassidyC	Skyler Gisondo
Jonathan Kent		Edward Cassidy		Glenn Ford	Glenn FordP	Kevin Costner	Pruitt Taylor Vince
Martha Kent		Virginia Caroll		Phyllis Thaxter	Eva Marie Saint	Diane Lane	Neva Howell
Lex Luthor		Lyle Talbot		Gene Hackman	Kevin Spacey	Jesse Eisenberg	Nicholas Hoult
Eve Teschmacher				Valerie Perrine			Sara Sampaio
Jor-El		Nelson Leigh		Marlon Brando	Marlon BrandoA	Russell Crowe	TBA
Lara Lor-Van		Luana Walters		Susannah York		Ayelet Zurer
General Zod				Terence Stamp		Michael Shannon Greg PlittS
Lana Lang				Annette O'Toole Diane SherryY		Jadin Gould Emily PetersonO	TBA
Kara Zor-El / Linda Danvers Supergirl				Helen Slater		Sasha Calle Helen SlaterCS	Milly Alcock

Reception

Box office performance

Film	Release date		Box office gross				Ref(s)
	North America	Other territories	North America	North American gross when adjusted for inflation	Other territories	Worldwide
Superman	December 15, 1978		$134,451,603	$628,081,060	$166,000,000	$300,218,018
Superman II	June 19, 1981	December 4, 1980	$108,185,706	$400,059,905	$108,200,000	$216,385,706
Superman III	June 17, 1983		$59,950,623	$183,397,228	$20,300,000	$80,250,623
Supergirl	November 21, 1984	July 19, 1984	$14,296,438	$41,927,670	—	$14,296,438
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace	July 24, 1987		$15,681,020	$42,054,897	$14,600,000	$30,281,020
Superman Returns	June 28, 2006		$200,081,192	$302,400,692	$191 million	$391,081,192
Man of Steel	June 14, 2013		$291,045,518	$380,687,538	$377 million	$668,045,518
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	March 25, 2016		$330,360,194	$419,409,032	$542.2 million	$872,637,528
Justice League	November 17, 2017		$229,024,295	$284,679,126	$432.3 million	$661,326,987
Total			$1,383,076,589	$2,103,213,275	$1,828.6 million	$3,211,448,133

Critical and public response

Film	Rotten Tomatoes	Metacritic	CinemaScore
Superman	94% (68 reviews)	81 (11 reviews)	—
Superman II	83% (52 reviews)	83 (11 reviews)	—
Superman III	30% (53 reviews)	44 (9 reviews)	—
Supergirl	8% (32 reviews)	41 (12 reviews)	—
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace	10% (46 reviews)	24 (10 reviews)	C
Superman Returns	74% (268 reviews)	72 (40 reviews)	B+
Man of Steel	56% (340 reviews)	55 (47 reviews)	A−
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	29% (435 reviews)	44 (51 reviews)	B
Justice League	39% (407 reviews)	45 (52 reviews)	B+
Zack Snyder's Justice League	71% (305 reviews)	54 (45 reviews)

Home media

Collections

The initial fourSupermanfilms starringChristopher Reevewere released previously onVHS,and throughout the film series' history, threebox setsof the films have been released by Warner Bros. The first occurred on May 1, 2001, whenThe Complete Superman Collectionwas released both on DVD and VHS, containing that year's DVD/home video releases ofSuperman,II,III,andIV: The Quest for Peace.The set was valued at US$49.99 for the DVD release and US$29.99 for the VHS release, and received positive reviews.

The four Christopher Reeve films were again released on November 28, 2006, in new DVD releases to coincide withSuperman Returns,also released in that year.Superman(1978) was released in a four-disc 'special edition' similar toSuperman II,which was released in a two-disc special edition. BothSuperman IIIandIVwere released in single disc 'deluxe editions', and all four releases were available together inThe Christopher Reeve Superman Collection,an 8-disc set that was valued at US$79.92 and received positive reviews (like the 2001 set before it).

Also on November 28, 2006, a 14-disc DVD box set titledSuperman Ultimate Collector's Editionwas released, containing the four Reeve films, along withSuperman II: The Richard Donner Cut,Superman Returns,andLook, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman,among other releases. All contents of the set were housed within atincase. The set was valued at US$99.92, and received extremely positive reviews when first released.However, after only a day on the market, Warner Bros announced that there were two errors discovered within the set: the first was that the 2.0 audio track onSuperman,was instead the 5.1 audio track already on the disc; and the second was that theSuperman IIIdisc was not the 2006 deluxe edition as advertised, but the 2001 release instead. The set was soon recalled, and Warner Bros offered a toll-free number to replace the faulty discs for people who had already purchased the set.Due to popular demand, a corrected set was released andSuperman Ultimate Collector's Editionreturned to store shelves on May 29, 2007.

On October 14, 2008, another Christopher ReeveSupermanfilm collection was released, entitledSuperman: 4 Film Favorites,containing all four films, but with far less bonus material than previous sets. The collection was a 2-discDVD-18set that included the first disc of both special editions from the 2006 release and both deluxe editions.

The entireSupermananthology was released onBlu-rayfor the first time on June 7, 2011.

All of the Christopher ReeveSupermanfilms were released onUltra HD Blu-rayin 2023.

See also

• Superman curse— a series of supposedly related incidents, sometimes fatal, that have affected many associated in producing Superman in film and animation
• Superman franchise media
• Category:Fan films based on Superman
• Batman in film
• Steel (film)