Superman Returns is much better than its reputation suggests, but it never quite connected with audiences.
But even aSuperman Returnsdefender (like this writer) is often perplexed by some of the films decisions.
That one proved deadlier than Kryptonite to the Man of Steels box office prospects for nearly 20 years.
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The logic here, in theory, is sound.
Watch Superman Returns on Amazon
The youth of the core cast accentuated the problem with the new timeline.
Brandon Routh did a fine job with that material, though.
On paper, this vision of Superman sounds brilliant, and even subversive.
Other than a handful of big moments, the movie never quite develops a sense of pacing or urgency.
And yes, that could have included the kid and the leaving Earth angle.
But the deck was stacked againstSuperman Returnsfrom the outset.
When you consider that the budget for the movie was reportedly $270 million, something doesnt add up.
Abrams pennedSuperman: Flyby.
Of course, that wasnt to be.Superman Returnsjust didnt generate a lot of heat at the box office.
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But even that muted emotional response is a problem.
Everyone has a strong opinion aboutX-Men 3.
A sequel that never materialized.
Bryan Singer admitted that he only discussed the possibility,tellingEmpire, We did explore it a little.
Just hammering out ideas.
I think Darkseid was going to be the villain.
It was pretty world-destroying, actually.
Even Brandon Routh never really knew the shape it would have taken.
read more: Does Superman Have a Future in the DCEU?
And maybe its appropriate that it never happened.
