Superman Returns story

movie: Superman Returns (2006) · 2006-06-21

Superman Returns is a 2006 American superhero film directed and produced by Bryan Singer. It is based on the DC Comics character Superman and serves as a homage sequel to the motion pictures Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), while ignoring the events of Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), including its spin-off Supergirl (1984). The film stars Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman, Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, with James Marsden, Frank Langella, and Parker Posey. The film tells the story of the title character returning to Earth after a five-year absence. He finds that his love interest Lois Lane has moved on with her life, and that his archenemy Lex Luthor is plotting a scheme that will destroy Superman and the world.

12 total · 7 major · 5 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
boyfriend and girlfriend major Lex Luthor and his wealthy girlfriend Kitty.
facing a genius adversary major It was up to Superman to stop the criminal genius Lex Luthor from dominating the United States real estate market.
father and son major In the end, Superman turned out to be Jason's real father, not Richard White.
greed for riches major Lex Luthor created a massive island in the Atlantic Ocean with a view toward making a killing in the real estate market.
mother and son major Martha Kent and her adoptive son Clark Kent. Lois Lane and her young asthmatic son, Jason.
speculative artificial island major Lex Luthor created a massive island in the Atlantic Ocean using ancient Kryptonian crystal technology.
super strength major Superman was more powerful than a locomotive. The youngster Jason also manifested super strength.
engaged couple minor Lois Lane was engaged to Richard White.
flying ability minor Superman was essentially flying around under his own power.
orbital spaceflight minor The Genesis space shuttle was described as an orbital space craft.