"Superman Returns" is a 2006 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and stars Brandon Routh as Superman. The film is set five years after the events of "Superman II" and ignores the events of "Superman III" and "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace". Superman returns to Earth after a five-year absence to find that Lois Lane has moved on with her life and has a child. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is plotting to create a new continent using Kryptonian technology, which would cause massive destruction to the world.

The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Routh's performance as Superman and Singer's direction. However, some criticized the film for being too derivative of the original Superman films and for not taking enough risks. The film was also criticized for its slow pacing and lack of action scenes. Despite its mixed reception, the film was a financial success, grossing over $391 million worldwide.

"Superman Returns" was intended to launch a new series of Superman films, but plans for a sequel were eventually scrapped. Instead, the character was rebooted in 2013's "Man of Steel" and its sequels. While "Superman Returns" was not as successful as the filmmakers had hoped, it is still regarded by many as a solid entry in the Superman film series and an homage to the classic Christopher Reeve films.

‍

‍