Let's not. It's SuperMAN not SuperPensiveMaleModel. Jon Hamm please.

I don't have a problem with ressurecting the actor. It's the part I want to drive a stake through and saw off the head.

I agree.
Routh was probably the best thing about "Returns". It would be a senseless shame to go through the search for a new Superman all over again, only to end up comparing whoever gets the part to Brandon.

Amen! Bring Routh Back!

He was the strongest part of Superman Returns! The thought of seeing him as Big Blue again gives me shivers of excitement!

DAVE, you ought to mail your article to Syncopy and Warners right now!

I liked Routh too and I'd love to see him back. I'd be ok though if they gave it to Tom Welling. It would make sense to cast Welling because they are prohibited from telling the origin story anyway. With Welling, you already got 10 years of origin story in the can.

I completely agree. The shortcomings of Superman Returns had to do with the story and not the acting. Brandon Routh was very good as Superman/Clark and I would like to see him revisit that role(s).

Just as long as they don't bring back Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. Brian Bosworth would've been better casting.

I totally agree with you, sir…though I am sure that the legion of fat asses that regularly post on this site would beg to differ…yeah, that's right bring it, tubbies!!

and btw this captcha crap is pissing me the fuck off

AGREED!!!

Rebooting the story or whatever is fine. I get it! But PLEASE don't do another origin story…is there anyone who watches superhero movies / reads comics that doesn't know where Kal-El came from???

And at least give us the consistency of being able to recognize the character. You're keeping the 'S' right? You're keeping the powers, right?

SO KEEP ROUTH!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Bryan Singer has proven time & again that he excels at one thing: CASTING.

Hugh Laurie as House
Hugh Jackman as Logan
Routh as Superman

I agree. Routh was very good in both roles though he was hampered by some poor choices in script and casting (kate 'beach ball on a stick' bosworth and superboy).

7 Words. Nicholas Cage.

Bring Back Brandon!!!

He didn't play superman, he did an impression of christopher reeve playing superman. Though he wasn't the reason the movie was bad, he sure didn't have any charisma or charm to improve the movie either.

I Co-sign this.

"However much you may have liked or disliked the story in that movie, put that squarely on Bryan Singer. His film, his vision." But his vision was to recreate the Richard Donner films, including the star. Brandon Routh was cast because he looks like Christopher Reeve. "There were instances when I thought he was very reminiscent of Christopher Reeve, whom, I've previously stated, embodied the character for me as much as any actor in any other role ever has." So part of Bryan Singer's vision succeeded, at least for you. But if they're going to separate a new Superman franchise from the mistake that was SUPERMAN RETURNS, don't you think it would be a huge error in judgment to repeat Bryan Singer's callback to the Donner films? A fresh start is what we need. If you're looking for someone to blame for Brandon Routh going the way of George Lazenby, blame Singer's pandering take on Superman and his myopic lack of vision.

Totally agree. Routh was the best thing about "Returns". FIX THE VERIFICATION!!!!

I agree…dont reboot it…just do a Superman: Man of Steel and go over the origin in the credits. Have the state size piece of kryptonite he tossed into space floating around in the cosmos. A familiar skull looking ship floats to it showing the cybornetic kryptonian killing machine Brainiac trace the elements or whatever back to earth. Wala. Theres your story. Maybe as a backend have Luthor have a drop of Supes blood from when he stabbed him on his coat and he clones him at the end showing Bizaro theres part 3…its easy man…

No.

Seconded.

Yerp. He was pretty much the best part of Superman returns. For me it was Christopher Reeve; but for my kids it Routh.

Fuck Routh. I want to wash all memories of Singer's abonimation out of my brain – and that includes Routh. The Nolans will give us a new vision and a new Superman.

I think it's rather cruel to compare Brandon Routh to George Lazenby. Lazenby has gone down as one of the worst casting mistakes in history, even though he starred in a film which was otherwise excellent. Nevertheless, he brought it down because he couldn't play the part of James bond.

Routh, on the other hand, was perfectly cast in a mediocre film. So I agree. Give the man another chance. he was the best thing in "Returns," a film where everyone else missed the mark, even the great Kevin Spacey.

Ultimately, it's Singer's vision that sucked the life out of that one. It was just plain limp.

Ummm…. no, don't.

…everybody's got their opinion…

that's mine.

He was pretty great in Zack and Miri Make a Porno as well.

Please God no reboots, no retelling of the Superman origin story. Nobody needs to know who Superman really is and why he has his powers. Just take the character, craft a story around that character that's worth telling, and then do it. This goes for about 90% of superhero films. At this point in the genre, we don't need anymore explanations on why a superpowered being might exist. Skip that identical first act and get to some original idea or theme. Marvel films, I'm looking at you.

NO NO NO!!!

People need to get over their nostalgia for the original Superman films. The only thing this guy has going for him is his resemblance to Christopher Reeves.
Get a new Superman that actually looks something like the comic books instead of a whispy, metro-sexual dude with painted on muscles.

I have been 100% on board with this, almost to the point that I don't see any logic in replacing him.

Dont reboot a reboot, make it the rare circumstance where the first movie is the worst because the next two were Nolan gems.

Bravo! Yes Bring Routh Back!

I second your motion! Routh was the bomb.

Routh was a perfectly cromulent Superman…given some decent material,I could see him make this work.

Superman is the lamest hero ever. Hell even Green Lantern with his magic ring is a tad cooler. God does DC suck. Thank god they have Batman

Why bring back someone who is bland and boring?

Why bring back Superman?

Bring him back, Chris.

I would like to see him get another shot.

Fully agree. As disappointing as Superman Returns was to me, Routh definitely wasn't.

I'm with you, David. Why risk a shaky franchise on an unknown quantity? We already know Routh works.

Being like Reeve is the exact reason everyone should just move on. Singer's movie was a valentine to Donner but absolutely useless in terms of reigniting the franchise. Look, we *all* loved Reeve as Supes. But those days are done and the series needs a fresh start.

As great as Routh was as both Clark and Kal El, I just can't see the heads of the studio backing it but hopefully Brandon gets his tsunami of support that he deserves.

Hear Hear! My sentiments exactly, and everything said in your article reflect note for note my feelings on the film and Routh. He was the glue that held the entire picture together and he shouldn't be blamed for its disappointing receipts. And just reading Mr. Routh's comments make me want him more in the role. And finally how cool are his remarks? By not pointing fingers or assigning blame, he shows the positive attitude I want to see in anyone playing Supes.

yeah, I could see him back — I liked him in Returns..

"Everybody's got their opinion on this and that's fine. This is mine. I liked him as Superman and would prefer to see him continue. Bring back Brandon Routh. Reboot and rework anything and everything else in the film that you want to and need to. But bring back Routh."

AGREED! Bring Routh Back, PLEASE! He's so perfect in the Superman role and totally deserves to continue.

Routh was fine, and if they use him again I'd have no problem with it, but I think they just need to move on. Yes, Reeve was a fantastic Superman, but it was Singer's unhealthy attachment to all things Donner that derailed Returns. Personally, I wouldn't mind an Incredible Hulk style reboot so you can start with Superman as an established hero and skip his origin (since everyone has seen that a billion times already) that would let you use an older, more mature actor for Superman (like, say, John Hamm?)

I completely agree, but has there ever been a "reboot" with the same actor before? Never say Never Again? Maybe? Kinda? Hollywood isn't known for doing something that hasn't been done before, and sadly I doubt Nolan(s) care enough to make it a sticking point. (of course, these are the same suits who okayed Supes as a deadbeat dad… Worst Idea Ever). But yes, Routh did a great job I thought. Superman is a tough character to hit all the right notes with, and Routh did it.

I can agree with this. Not much more to add than that. I dug him in Chuck too.

I thing Routh was eerily channeling Reeve in this role, therefore was very convincing However, I feel the role should have gone to Brendan Frazier in the first place.

Agreed! Routh shouldn't suffer do to Singers Donner fetish. He was the best part of Superman, and brought a vulnerability and heart to the character, I could only imagine how great he would be with a director that has a clear and original vision.

If Judy Dench can play M in a "reboot"/first mission of Bond, Routh can certainly play The Man Of Steel.

Look, I liked Superman Returns for what it was but if there's one thing that needs to change in the reboot it's the cast, especially Routh. Routh and Bosworth felt way too young to be in the place they are supposed to be in that film. Instead of dealing with a relationship that's run it's course and child abandonment, they should have been dealing with their careers and the love they have for one another. I mean, they're only in their mid-twenties for christ-sakes, they're not a bitter old divorced couple. Casting older actors in those two parts would have made Superman Returns a much better film. But none of this matters because there's no way they'll recast Routh, even if it's a reboot/sequel like The Incredible Hulk.

Can someone explain why they didn't make a sequel to superman returns? They made a sequel to batman begins. They both made around 200 domistic each and batman begins was on the fence with a sequel.

Routh was fine, but I don't think they couldn't do better. Get someone with gravitas, or at the very least someone who will bring something new to the role.

#7) I saw Brian Bosworth at a card show about a month ago. He's still a pretty big dude, probably bigger than Routh. But, put a wig on him, and you might have better chemistry with Routh than Kate.

Superman Returns was just fine…better than fine. And of course bring back Routh…

Bring back Routh. He is the perfect Superman/Kent.

Jon Hamm??? They'd have to CGI replace his receding hairline and de-age him. We don't want a middle-aged, alcoholic-looking Supes.

I know many will disagree with this, but I just don't think the average moviegoer now gives a crap about SUPERMAN: It's been there, done that and in the eyes of most moviegoers, SUPERMAN died with Christopher Reeve.. He was the real deal, not some underwear model like Routh was.. Reeve was built like a linebacker when he played this role.. In the end, how many ways can you tell the story of SUPERMAN that we haven't already heard or seen, whether Nolan and his little bother are making it or not???? And for the love of God, don't try turning a SUPERMAN reboot into a movie like The DARK KNIGHT.. You can't change the essence of the character of SUPERMAN just cause BATMAN is dark.. Doesn't work like that folks..

Nobody can pass a definitive statement and say if this will happen or not. I like Routh for very much the same reasons as David. Plus from whatever I've read about him he seems like a "swell" guy – down to earth, humble and mild mannered. Perfect embodiment of the character, no? My only concern is if it'll confuse the audience especially if the remove/change a great many elements which were in Superman Returns (e.g the son of Superman).

You do realize this could back-fire. Doesn't seem like the Nolan(s) care what the fans want and will side-step any of their preferences and choose someone out of left field that will have everyone in an uproar until they see the chosen actor in action. The more people clamor for Routh the less likely it will happen.

Dear Nolan(s), after Batman 3, DON'T make a Superman movie!!! Make an original film! You are part of the holy trinity of "best directors alive", the other being P.T. Anderson and The Coen Bros(counting as one in order for biblical reference to be relevant) and should be winning awards, whatever that's worth. Love what you've done with Batman and can't wait for you to put what I know will be a brilliant finishing touch on the greatest comic book trilogy in cinematic history, but don't get involved with Supe. The reason Batman worked so well for you Chris, is because the subject matter is very compatible with your style. The Gotham you have created is very similar to the world we live in, therefor we connect with it on higher level than the more fantastic tales of vigilante justice. We ALMOST believe this could happen in our city!(Oh, and how I wish the Joker was real, and Bin Laden was a comic book villain.) This might cause some fanboy(which I am, just for the bats, not the S) anger but Superman is below you, Chris. Batman should be your last comic book film for at least a while. Make another Inception (metaphorically, not a sequel) and blow our fucking minds over and over with your brilliance and genius ability to craft the most original films out there. Everyone's got there opinion on this and that's fine. This is mine.

I loved Superman Returns, and Brandon Routh was definitely one of the best parts of the movie. As far as I'm concerned, he made a perfect Superman/Clark Kent. I definitely want to see him back in the role, sequel, reboot, or whatever. Make it happen Mr. Nolan! Bring Routh Back!

Enjoyed Superman Returns (despite what setbacks it did and didn't have) and Routh was certainly no setback. I enjoyed his performance, but fear he may be recast; would love to see that NOT happen.

Everyone knows Jon Hamm would be perfect but is probably 10 years older than the studio wants… so, oh well. Routh was okay, but was mainly just cast because of his resemblance to Christopher Reeves. Calling him the best part of SUPERMAN RETURNS is faint praise… anyone would look like a genius next to Kevin Spacey's godawful Lex Luthor.

Yes, bring Brandon Routh back as the Man of Steel. He did a terrific job and embodies the values I associate with this wonderful character.

Routh was the ONLY great thing about "Superman Returns". I want him back in the role, he was fucking brilliant. Fuck everyone clamoring for Jon Hamm. The fuck is wrong with people? I like "Mad Men" as much as the next guy who really wishes sexual harassment were still the cool thing to do, but NOTHING about that guy says SUPERMAN. NOTHING! BRING BACK ROUTH!!!

ThinkMcFlyThink says Nolan wants Jon Hamm. Most Superman fans are very excited by that pick.

Jon Hamm would be perfect. Why second guess Nolan's judgment? Have faith in a great filmmaker. Ignorant fanboy mobs tore him up for his Ledger pick. Let's not repeat that. Let's see what Nolan can do with Jon Hamm.

Agreed. And let's not forget that Routh was funny as shit in Zack And Miri, too.

I Fully Support Brandon Routh in the new movie being Produced by Chris Nolan. Bring Back Routh.

Brandon Routh for Superman.

Please God no…how could anyone like his Superman? Are you kidding me hahahah

It's hard to know whether or not Brandon Routh could play superman. Singer's film was a big love letter to the originals, and in that he took a lot of care, but as a result the entire thing feels like a glossy yet flawed photocopy. Routh LOOKED and sometimes ACTED like Christopher Reeves, doing a pretty reasonable impression, but we rarely saw much humanity — whether that's because he lacked the chops, or because the script lacked the opportunity, I'm not entirely sure. Superman is a tough sell as a character as is, because he's frakking SUPERMAN. He's not a human. So it's essential to bring out his humanity. Actually, despite it being a very hollow film, there is a moment in Returns wherein Supes takes Lois high enough to see the curvature of the earth (how she breathes or doesn't freeze, I don't know), and he says he hears everything. This is actually the most profound moment of the film, and Routh sold it, and it made Superman very human while at the same time very much superhuman. So, I dunno, maybe Routh could do Supes, maybe he couldn't. Alls I know is that he needs to be directed to bring his own performance, rather than a facsimile of Reeves'.

I feel embarrassed for your site. That you'd allow one of your writers to post an article pleading to professionals in the industry to bring back an actor who was merely aping another great actor is in poor taste. The whole intention of doing another Superman film is to revive the story again from a different perspective than the Donner films. This is a credible site, don't let it deteriorate into poor articles and base fanboyism.

the smell of failure is hard to wash out of tights.

I totally agree with this message. I LOVED Brandon Routh as Superman. LOVED. I think that he makes a great Superman all his own, and would like to see him get the chance to do so.

Routh is great- look, voice, humanity. Give him some lines and believable arc and you'll see. Don't blame him for Singer's mistakes (story and casting of Lois). Hate to typecast but Jon Hamm is creepy/dark. Any sympathetic lines given will come off as cynical or ridiculous. Superman is NOT dark. That's why the stalker dad thing didn't work, and betrayed the character and the original movies. And Brandon Fraser? Are you joking?

Absolutely disagree about bringing Routh back. The best argument for him is that he looks like Christopher Reeve. I would rather turn the page on that chapter, get someone who can really act like Henry Cavill, and start with a fresh take. Crassmonkey had it right on. Get a an actor that embodies the part, not a meterosexual model who only knows how to preen for the camera.

Yes, Yes, YES!! Bring back Brandon Routh as Superman in any upcoming Superman movie. He was perfect in "Superman Returns"….actually, I liked the movie. Maybe that's because I believed Brandon is Superman. Everything is right about him….the voice, the physical look, the sensitivity, the inner strength.

Superman is not Batman. Batman is a dark character. But Superman is not and should not be played as a dark character. Just look at the ambient differences between the environments the two superheros inhabit. Gotham is dark and forboding. Batman needs to be the same because Gotham is a scary place to live. Metropolis, on the other hand, is relatively normal. Much like "Any City, USA". Superman doesn't hide in the shadows. He is goodness, hope, a light shining through. Brandon instilled these same qualities into his performance. When the cameras rolled, he became Superman. You just had to look in his eyes to see the the kindness, gentleness, and strength shing through. He became a believable superhero.

You'll search for a long, long time before you find an actor better suited than Brandon Routh to play Superman. Count me in….I'm proud to be part of his tsunami of support.

I loved Supreman Returns too..!! It was definitely an emotional epic.. It encapsulates and gives us this feeling that everything is wonderful and heart-warming and touching about having Superman in our world. It was the start of a brave new world…and that’s more than enough reason as to why the world needed Superman…and should have honestly welcomed his return which sadly didn’t happen.
The world needs Superman for his lack of cynicism — his heroism, his decency, his kindness, and his innocence. In a world full of darkness and selfishness, violence and despair, we desperately need the last man capable of being such a true champion — and we have found its new embodiment in Brandon Routh.

This world needs Superman… He is a symbol of what we can become and that’s why we need him.

Brandon Routh did his best under difficult circumstances. He deserves another shot at playing Superman and I'll gladly signed any petition calling for his return. We need to show our support & spread the word throughout the net, DC Comics and Warner Borthers and make it a tsunami: Christopher Nolan, please BRING ROUTH BACK!!!

God damn it for once will these directors listen to what the fans want please please please bring brandon Routh back if he does not return my support fot superman dies period. we have already made the switch to Brandon please bring him back