What Could Have Been: Superman Returns 2

Taking a look at what Bryan Singer's sequel to Superman Returns starring Brandon Routh would have been like had the project not been cancelled.
⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00 Intro
0:23 Modernizing Superman
1:57 Bryan Singer’s Vision
3:46 Critical Reception
4:52 The Sequel's Story
5:24 New Krypton
6:25 Brainiac
7:43 Superman vs His Son
8:11 What Went Wrong?
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#superman #supermanreturns #brandonrouth

[@Bigalow_Gaming]

One thing Singer was right about for sure.. “Superman has a Blue Suit, a red cape, & an S on his chest. These are undeniable facts. If you’re gonna make Superman, make Superman.”

[@dynaguy3]

@@Bigalow_Gaming missed the S on the cape though

[@rogerrambo4172]

It was more like a brown cape

[@aaronhughes4700]

@@dynaguy3good decision it’s kinda cheesy,why have 2 s’s?

[@dynaguy3]

@@aaronhughes4700 one for the front. One for the back. The point is so that you know it’s Superman no matter what side you see

[@Bigalow_Gaming]

@@dynaguy3 fair enough. Although that’s not always a mainstay on some occasions. It’s usually the 3 I mentioned that makes Superman the most recognizable.

[@roberttreacy8271]

Fun fact: The last line of Superman IV is “See you in twenty”. That scene was filmed in 1986. Coincidentally, the next Superman movie, Superman Returns, was released twenty years later.

[@allanorme2093]

Superman in that ERA could DO ANYTHING, maybe he could also see the future

[@GLUBNOIR]

Why does it always seem like every attempt to bring Brainiac to the big screen ended with said film getting canceled?

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

So true

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@Bulletsandblockbusterswould you ever be willing to do video on hulk 2

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Yup

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@Bulletsandblockbustersand hulk 2 th wu bit known th vo on th plotbwa ging hv Bruce banner at his airst we kind Betty Ross break up and h rerts riding at Indian reservation wh th older and th abomantionwouf if beennth vlains

[@Eric_1991]

​@@zacharyjochumsen9677what

[@shainewhite2781]

It was amazing to see Brandon Routh reprising his role in the CW multiverse crossover, Crisis On Infinite Earths.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

💯

[@Dr.Beetlejuice110]

FACTS

[@marcaddow7326]

Brandon Routh deserves a show on HBO Max or Netflix in the style of the reeve movies. Akin to the phenomenal Daredevil Netflix show. 10 episodes tops, with many of Superman’s rogues for each episode.

[@hectorarredondo6929]

He was my first intro to Superman. I immediately liked the character and when I saw the Christopher Reeves Superman I thought he was Christopher Reeves son

[@marcaddow7326]

@@hectorarredondo6929 they do look a lot a like yeah, Christopher and Brandon look so related

[@itsrectimemedia]

I’ve talked to Brandon Routh about this at Cons. He said he was eager to do more and was confident they were going to do a sequel. He was at least happy to return in the Arrowverse as more experienced actor.

[@CinemaJimmy]

He dated huntress

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

​@CinemaJimmy what?

[@Carloszavalalol]

​@@DavidMartinez-ce3lp he clapped those cheeks

[@CinemaJimmy]

@@DavidMartinez-ce3lp Scott pilgrim reference

[@bartsullivan4866]

I think he would have done really well with a sequel with a lot more action in it.

[@thedarkestknight7559]

I still love that "You'll believe a man can fly" tagline. Its incredibly simple and fun but really gets your eyes.

[@jamesarcuri2985]

Brandon was robbed of what could have been a absolutely amazing Superman Trilogy. The man is so genuine, his love of the character is so evident! I've gotten the privilege to meet him and person and when hes not in character he just genuinely exudes the energy of Clark/Superman. He had the perfect Superman look, i just wish they took the film in a different direction. Not to mention Kevin was a great Luthor aswell!

[@allanorme2093]

If i had a nickel for every superman actor that only played him in one movie, and got screwed over by the Studio... I would have 2 nickels, which isnt a lot. But its strange that it happened twice

[@ChristopherLono]

Brandon really had the look, that balance is hard and most actors are either perfect for Clark or Kal but never both. Even though I think that Henry was the best Superman ever the script doesn't show him interacting more as Kent because it wouldn't work well.

[@heybrowhatup]

The problem with Superman is he doesn't have a great Rogue's Gallery which is why we see the same villains recycled. Singer's mistake was not rebooting it and making the movie literally dark/bland. The plot for Superman 2 should've been the plot for Superman Returns minus him having a son. Kate Bosworth was horribly miscast as Lois Lane.

[@AuthorLeepoy]

They screwed him because it was also his fault for his bad behavior on set.

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

​@heybrowhatup you could still make it work. I wish they stopped having Lex Luthor do all these plots to get land, and just have him work in the background developing weapons. Then in secret have create some of the fun villains like Metallo and Parasite. Maybe even the clone Bizarro.

[@jongon0848]

Singer directing Superman : “Superman has a Blue Suit, a red cape, & an S on his chest. These are undeniable facts. If you’re gonna make Superman, make Superman.” Singer directing X Men : "What would you prefer? Yellow Spandex?"

[@purefoldnz3070]

he definitely did not have leather cape and little tiny booties and an S on the belt.

[@AlainProust-zm2zq]

He was right about Yellow Spandex. Wolverine in 2024 is wearing a Yellow suit with pieces of armour here and there. Big difference

[@JDoe-gf5oz]

@@AlainProust-zm2zq Nothing was stopping him from doing the same except a weird obsession everyone had of copying The Matrix.

[@AlainProust-zm2zq]

@@JDoe-gf5oz It's called a trend and it started a couple years before Matrix. You were a kid in 2000, right? Go watch "Dark City" and "Blade" both from 1998 and you'll see there was nothing weird about it, but aesthetic. Not even Dick Tracy looked good in Yellow.

[@LyricMusical109]

Brandon was a great Superman 🦸‍♂️

[@FactsDontCareAboutFeelings_97]

Not really

[@heybrowhatup]

He was very good of what was asked of him.

[@MrTagalish]

The plot to the Superman Returns sequel sounded pretty good.

[@Spidergod1128-fd9dc]

I respect your opinion But imo I think it would would have flopped because the plot sounds dumb to me

[@dragonrings14]

Yeah I agree. It sounds much better than really any Superman movie we've got so far. But I'm a sucker for no win scenarios that actually make the hero have to sacrifice something to ensure everyone else's survival.

[@Adam25826]

It sounded cool/good until brainiac takes over superman’s son’s body and is forced to fight superman to the death. That part made it sound dumb tbh.

[@tonygazso9027]

Aside from the Superman's Son angle, it sounds basically the same as Brainiac's introduction in Superman: TAS. So we can see that that story does in fact work.

[@bjnowak]

I met Brandon. He worked at Lucky strikes bowling alley in LA before he was cast. A friend of mine worked there with him, I edited my friend’s really bad short and we had the screening there. Brandon came to the screening. 😀

[@mr.o6240]

I am convinced there will never be another Superman movie universally loved.

[@anubusx]

I think your right.

[@EndoScorpion]

I don't think WB are capable of making a Superman movie without their executives getting heavily involved, changing things, and having conflicts with the director. It seems to happen every single time.

[@Power_Crystals]

Cause people are too picky and pull every little detail apart. We can't just enjoy movies for what they are anymore

[@Wyndamn]

​@@Power_Crystalsthis absolutely THIS !!!!

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@anubusxyeh just lik th benson mu fdfculity ofvth bro fantastic four m th get uncersakky loved

[@marcelo78]

John Ottman's score is fantastic. The John Williams' theme should be the official theatrical Superman theme, just like James Bond's.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I liked Superman Returns, but it does have problems from its pacing and some casting decisions like Kate Bosworth, so I would have been interested in seeing a sequel since Bryan Singer would make it more exciting and action packed

[@roberttreacy8271]

I also enjoyed Superman Returns in spite of its flaws. Also, I wonder what would have happened if Amy Adams were cast as Lois Lane instead of Kate Bosworth.

[@Cotygeek]

@@roberttreacy8271 I would have just had Kate Bosworth swap roles with Parker Posey. Posey would have made a great Lois.

[@heybrowhatup]

I agree she was badly miscast.

[@chrisdrury9265]

...so was Amy Adams as Lois; probably a worse miscast actually than Bosworth. Adams had no believability in the role in my opinion and zero chemistry with the Superman character on screen.

[@romanseano]

​@@roberttreacy8271 Adams would have been better than Bosworth, but they had a perfect Lois right there (literally sitting there at 3:41), and they passed on her for Kate thanks to Kevin Spacey's insistence.

[@nickthebabba7767]

I really would’ve loved to see Routh’s Superman get a trilogy

[@JamesB-mg9pk]

I agree. I think Routh needed more time as Superman to be really appreciated.

[@kaybeeva]

Just gonna put on my comic book nerd hat for a second. It's oddly fitting that the Superman that Christopher Reeve and Brandon Ralph portrayed would ultimately wear the Kingdom Come suit. Mainly because the KC Superman was considered a golden age relic from a different time of stronger faith overshadowed by the newer, edgier & darker themed antiheroes; until he was needed to essentially save the world and create a renaissance of sorts by accepting both approaches. This somewhat mirrors how superhero films started as a golden, wacky age (40s to 80s) went through a broodier, dark phase (90s to mid-10s) until fully embracing both approaches to make some enjoyable art for everyone in current times. Making that character the long-established one that was needed to help the TV Crisis event was cherry on to a comic book lover's nerdy cake.

[@What.99]

Brandon Routh*

[@kaybeeva]

@@What.99 thank you there for the correction there champion🤝

[@What.99]

@@kaybeeva You’re very welcome. Have a great day.

[@MalamuteMan1]

@@kaybeeva Ralph though 🤣

[@marciofilho2137]

In 2004 David S. Goyer was approached by WB to work on a new DC character after the executives were very impressed with his Batman Begins script. WB offered him Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and The Flash, Goyer choose Flash duo the fact that he was a fan of the character and feeling like he had a massive cinematic potencial. Goyer was even thinking about Ryan Reynolds in the role of Wally West, with Reynolds saying in interviews that if WB decided to greenlight the movie he would be playing the hero. Goyer's final draft of the script dated october of 2006 and I don't know why WB cancelled this version, the script is everything a good Flash movie should be (which we don't have until this day). It's really worthy make a video about it.

[@classicsonicthewild6051]

Josh Hartnett, Sam Heughan, Chris Pratt And Will Smith Were All Considered For The Role Of Superman Before Brandon Routh Was Cast

[@marlonclark-ky6ub]

Henry Cavil was also considered, but many years later he finally got to don the cape in the dceu

[@hankhills552]

That’s pretty much exactly the 2008 “Superman Brainiac” comic (minus supergirl) by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank which is one of my favorite Superman comics, so if it was as heavily influenced by that story as it sounds there’s no doubt it would’ve been awesome. P.S. that comic was adapted into an animated movie called “Superman Unbound”

[@steveleeart]

I remember Singer saying a sequel would be his wrath of kahn, faster paced.

[@ShaferScott]

Superman Returns…Again.

[@TwinRiver100]

the Braniac idea sounded kind of nice and calling out Superman for having not helped Earth in the way he did seems like an interesting plot point. it's too bad it didn't work out. but at least we know now.

[@iguana9173]

I remember hearing that there was supposed to be a sequel aimed for 2009 and was disappointed that it got cancelled.

[@mdh16off59]

Yes in 2009

[@emoji_sus602]

Or 2010, I remember superman delayed release date for news, I said “okay, it better more time”

[@chris.shamblin]

I liked Superman Returns a lot, and I also liked Routh a lot in the role. I think the sequel sounded really awesome. I really wish we could have gotten it.

[@ArguingMeadows]

2:36 - "A few years earlier at a movie theater, Singer noticed that there weren't a lot of women lining up to see a comic book movie, but they were lining up to see 'The Devil Wears Prada'" Sorry, I think you need to double-check the source on that one. "The Devil Wears Prada" came out on June 30th, 2006, 2 days AFTER "Superman Returns" (June 28th, 2006).

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

I was quoting singer so he must’ve got his chick flicks mixed up 🤷‍♂️

[@AG-co5iu]

​​@@Bulletsandblockbusters This threw me a bit as well, but Singer may have used the line in regards to his approach for THE SEQUEL discussed here. But also... Singer may be dumb, we have to consider all possibilities. 🙃 Great series by the way. ❤

[@KainedbutAble123]

Damn that plot actually sounds pretty awesome.

[@robbyrosello4349]

Love the Robert Meyer Burnett name drop and you guys giving him some love!

[@cable7152]

Rob is the man, I miss the days of him and Big Shnepp getting sweaty. 😢

[@christophersouza3159]

Superman: Flyby, Matthew Vaughn's Days of Future Past and David Hayter's Black Widow film would make for some fun episodes.

[@dripfreddyfazbear1246]

Film Director Brett Ratner Almost Directed Superman Returns And Wanted General Zod To Appear In The Movie With Jude Law In Mind For The Role

[@detroitdiezel7856]

Why is every word capitalized? 😂

[@allanorme2093]

Why was Jude Law so popular when this came out??

[@mdh16off59]

​@allanorme209 another fuct in spiderman 3 befor topher grace goat venom role jude law was cast as eddie brock jr along side arron paul too was cast as venom in spiderman 3 that why law was populaire

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

Dude, Jude law would've been amazing as Zod. But honestly, I would've liked a different villain

[@mdh16off59]

@@DavidMartinez-ce3lp for sure he will make great zod

[@JOSH-lw2jv]

Here's a good suggestion: *"Roland Emmerich's GODZILLA 2"* with a script treatment by Tab Murphy that centers on the last surviving baby Godzilla who imprints on a guilt-ridden Nick Tatapoulos as his mother, until he is forced to scare him away before the military can find & destroy it. Later in the story, the baby has grew to adult size with his own children known as "Teen-Zillas" and the littlest one known as "The Runt" living in Australia. Meanwhile, the sequel would have a new monster villain: a kaiju-sized termite-like creature known literally as the "Queen Bitch", who lives in Monster Island (inspired by a location famously used in Toho's Showa Godzilla films) and has her army of flying and ground soldiers kidnapping many numbers of humans.

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@Josh-iw2jv hers another video topic idea ingot original pksbs f or unbrksble 2 per glass since before glass mi night dkymsn HD dfrent filled strmotbtrying to do unbrekable sequ 1:14 al famolsuy th chrecto koff Kevin crumb th vkjnof split ws irony mrn perinunbrkeble as th orgiintrned villain but shysmon cuthimout andcrplc himeigh orange mdn abutinet sc chrecto f or th sequl buthinkanther th somother ideas firvsewul su think whr ide shr existence of ptoplevwith superplerds is reviled th world

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@Josh-iw2jv hers another. Iddomtpoic ide ide chrincle 2 Marty's th plsnnedcsequlmtonchtincl th plot if chfomickec2 Marty's wou of Matt bd pitted against vcourpke with superpoerws wh go after most th Beth main villains here and th th thing th high techvsmechnsed sutra cked martyrs th bing but by th us givermfnt if I pronto war with physchic people

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@Josh-iw2jv whthink of myid of xhtincke 2 marts as God videomtopic for buletscsnd blockbusters to discuss buth th full script avsbil online and somdeth zbut plot itbeou hsv been Matt afgti ecnuth couple th had dinged ibssion with him and th bscy vilnous lhyschotic coulevwjth superpowers th wre after himatt amstvwi dscovr Mr buth mogo within enutinging ago from msnt skibto rcokbiter fromth neverending story and th h th be stunting hi dnd hev gigi ging fight fine th c g czb vin rvkon monster things gh fight him

[@ricflair9717]

As a fan of Superman and Superman II, Superman Returns was the perfect sequel to the trilogy.

[@tyrannozilla]

7:39 "The fewer beings who have the knowledge, the more precious it becomes" (Brainiac. Superman: The Animated Series).

[@KasumiKenshirou]

IIRC, that cartoon came up with the idea that Braniac came from Krypton.

[@tyrannozilla]

@@KasumiKenshirou True. It's also how I was introduced to Brainiac, and remains my favorite version of the character.

[@MrMojoman1976]

Devil Wears Prada was a 2006 release and came out after Superman Returns during the same summer

[@MrJHate]

Daaaaamn...I might be wrong, but that sounds freaking awesome. I wonder when we'll get to a point where we can just render out sprites of characters from the correct age after the fact and produce some of these films. Nick Cage's Superman, this one etc. Even animated would be sick.

[@JT5284]

The Devil Wears Prada came out the same day as Superman Returns, I don’t know how accurate that Bryan Singer quote is

[@davidjames579]

It's easy to understand. He saw the lines for The Devil Wears Prada in the morning. Wrote, directed and edited Superman Returns. And had it in theaters that evening.

[@romanseano]

The quote, from a 2011 article in The Hollywood Reporter, is correct. But Bryan Singer was either using TDWP as an analogy for comparison... or he was high on coke during the interview.

[@davidjames579]

@@romanseano I suspect the latter.

[@davearquette3303]

Devil Wears Prada came out the same week as Superman Returns

[@sparrowproductions4122]

I honestly really like the aspect of Superman not being this very aggressive fighting hero. In this film, although it has its issues, it shows that we can have a great Superman without him even throwing a punch. Maybe that’s js a hot take but I really enjoyed the idea of having a hero who wants to protect rather than fight. Bc this is the first time since some of the Christopher reeves films that we had really gotten to see that.

[@HallowPool193]

Let's gooooooo Superman returns 2 great job on the vid can't wait for more

[@adamdahlen5121]

The Devil Wears Prada comment is apocryphal. That movie came out within weeks of Superman Returns and no way could have influenced its production.

[@TTillman3]

Came here to make the same point. Devil Wears Prada literally came out the same day as Superman Returns in the United States. Not within weeks.

[@davidjames579]

He was talking about the production of SR after it came out. Probably years later if he's talking about why it failed. Devil Wears Prada probably just popped in his head as an example and he'd forgotten it came out in 2006.

[@redencarnacion]

That sequel could have been great. Love the twist on Brainiac and the emotional stakes of Superman having to fight his own son. I think the sequel was meant to have a sad ending to make the hopefulness of the third and final movie feel earned.

[@AES09]

Your Devils Wears Prada story doesn’t make sense as both Superman Returns and The Devil Wears Prada both released on literally the same day

[@maxordman4100]

First and foremost let me say that I can see why a lot of people think that Brandon Routh was a good choice for the role of Superman. He has the look, the muscle, and he strongly appreciates the character. I also believe that Bryan singer was also strongly invested in the project. In addition I can see why many fans have an attachment to this movie, and to the legacy that was started with the first two movies back in the 70s. However in my personal opinion I truly prefer seeing Brandon Routh as the Atom. When he plays that character in Arrowverse it feels more like his true identity to me. I have never been a big fan of his Superman portrayal but I can see why many people like it but he just fits in better as the Atom character to me because I can hear the passion in his voice for science and I really appreciate how it forces him to think outside the box and overcome more tricky challenges. Brandon Routh will always be the first person I think of for the Atom, and that’s truly my favorite role for him but at the same time I can see why a lot of people would have liked to see another movie connected to Superman returns. Especially since it came out during a time when the DC movies were in a lot of trouble and people were still unsure about when they were going to start gaining more attention. It truly makes a lot of sense to me that this movie and Brandon Routh are such a special memory to a lot of fans but for me I always prefer him as The Atom! Thank you for making this video and sharing your thoughts with us!

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

I didn't know the film had to absorb the costs from the abandoned previous project. That makes it even more like Star Trek TMP! 😉

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Great point!

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@Bulletsandblockbustersyeh and plus superman return had 270 million spent on mdinflj an 100 million dolrd s Ent on marketing and distribution costs indung TV and radio adverts ptontioa torus toy s and

[@Mong00se22]

Superman returns was a good movie.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video ❤

[@gabrielruiz219]

Dropped a minute ago, no way you've seen it to be able to determine it's amazing. Gobbler over here trying to get early recognition.

[@munohlow]

A lot of people want Cavill back but I’m still salty Routh got replaced lol

[@CordeliaWagner1999]

Cavil isn't Superman. He doesn't have the Look

[@XforrestgumpX]

Holy cow I just realized you have under 100k subs. Props to you bro. You’re videos are amazing and I know you’ll be big soon.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thanks a ton!

[@The1DonG]

These videos are great. In every one, we hear about a movie that sounds like it would have been amazing, and you say to yourself "Why didn't they do this?" And then, there's a sentence like "We find out that Bruce Wayne and Lois Lane had a child together," and then you're like, "Oh, THAT'S why they didn't do this."

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Hahaha

[@Knightfall182]

Brandon Routh went from the weirdest Superman suit, to the Greatest One as Kingdom Come. He should play Jor-El for Corenswet.

[@Climinator-op6kh]

I wouldn't call the Returns one weird personally. Updated yes. Weird nah. Cavill's one in MOS however was. It just looked dull.

[@SecretMagician]

Personally, I think Henry Cavill could be the DCU Jor-El since a lot of people said that David Corenswet and Henry Cavill look a lot alike and James is more of a fan of a physically younger Jor-El.

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@SecretMagicianHenry seem lityo toungbto b Joe el Jimmy mind but dinbhid whrneupermsnwas baby I visit wouldn't really matter ekud it

[@Kalel2.0]

Imagine all the past Supermen playing certain Superman related characters in the DCU like Routh as Jor El,Hoechlin as Cyborg Superman,Cavill as The Eradicater etc it would be cool callbacks

[@SecretMagician]

@@Kalel2.0 if I'm not wrong, didn't Christopher Reeve voice Jor-El in Smallville?

[@beauregardheer]

Man this channel is so good, they never miss a thing

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thanks :)

[@beauregardheer]

@@Bulletsandblockbusters awh thank you!! Quickly becoming my favorite channel for real

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thrilled to hear that. Really appreciate the kind words.

[@MrMojoman1976]

@@beauregardheer except historical facts

[@CinemaGulp]

That sounds like it could’ve been a really interesting movie. I’m bummed we didn’t get another. Go around with that series.

[@owens.studios]

Grew up with Returns and had the pleasure of meeting Brandon Routh just last week. Would've loved to have seen him continue in this role

[@Story2ScreenMovieReviewPodcast]

I know for a fact, two of the writers from the Smallville podcast, Starkvilles House of El, made a pitch and a first draft for Bryan Singer and WB back around 2007 - 2009. It would involved Zod and Brainiac. Sadly it never happened.

[@mdh16off59]

Along side bezzaro the fake superman who my be the main villaine in 3rd movie

[@sami5614]

Where can I find more information about this first draft, i wanna know what would've been like?

[@Story2ScreenMovieReviewPodcast]

@@sami5614 Derek Russell spoke about it on his podcast from around....gosh....either around 2008 or 2009

[@dansur3]

Wow, I would've really loved to have seen that sequel, that sounds so good. A good continuation of previously-established threads, at last a big screen appearance of Brainiac. I'm sad it never happened

[@JOSH-lw2jv]

Here's another good suggestion: *"THE BODYGUARD 2"* which would've had Kevin Costner's character Frank Farmer protecting his new assignment: Julia (set to be played by Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales in her film debut) who was estranged from the Royal Family and is living in Hong Kong. While he shields Julia from the paparazzi & stalkers, Frank begins to fall in love with her.

[@smokedeuch4039]

1:48 Bryan Singer walking around with a cross flipping it against Vampire Execs

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

@smokeduech4039 and th funil enough th picture of Bryan innpreist rob eith thre young boys yrh tht picture

[@justinhearst]

In 3 - 5 years, you need to have a video done on What Could've been Man of Steel 2.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Already have :)

[@megadavemedina]

good one!

[@cinemaarts8795]

Not the biggest fan of Superman Returns but credit where it's due, I do love the scene where Superman remembers Jor-El's speech about being a guiding light, then hearing all the problems of the world while in space and the moment where Luthor pieces together that Jason is Superman's son. Brilliant acting from Spacey!

[@XKageDragon]

Interesting to see you have a lot of scenes from Captain Marvel, Independence Day, and Ghostbusters, in this video about a Superman movie project

[@davidjames579]

To illustrate. Law was in Captain Marvel and the settings and outfits fit. As do the clips of him in AI: Artificial Intelligence

[@nicktroisi6347]

Singer was a perfect director for Superman because he understood the core of the character, he committed to making a Superman film. Honestly, I like Returns, it was a film from my childhood like the Rami Spider-Man films were. Yes, there are some things that could've been done better but they are overshadowed by some now iconic moments. It's a shame that we didn't get a sequel and I wish we see could've Brainiac in live action for the first time, Jude Law would've killed it in that role. Hopefully, James Gunn can succeed where Singer couldn't and adapt Brainiac in his universe.

[@JudeBeckett]

Love all your videos man, keep it up. A few suggestions for future What Could Have Beens: Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider 3; Ghostbusters 3; Will Smith’s The Matrix; Alien: Engineers; Hellboy 3. Thanks!

[@haydenlane9600]

I’ve always wanted Ralph Fiennes to be Brainiac. I just feel like that would be perfect casting

[@user-mg8ik5jj7g]

Love ❤️ super man return

[@GeekRex7]

Still my favorite post-CR Superman movie. I believed in Singer’s plan and vision of reintroducing Supes to the 2k era. Of course, no one can defeat the WB corporate commanders.

[@TENACI0USP]

It certainly was not a mistake to make a sequel to the Donner films. The only mistake made was by WB at not green lighting the sequel to Returns. Instead we got the worst Superman & Superman film in Cavill & MoS. Thank god James Gunn & David Corenswet are now on board. Hopefully we’ll get Superman back on track. At least Tyler Hoechlin has been doing it right but it’s a real shame Routh never got a sequel, he was a great Superman.

[@TheSuperhomosapien]

That plane rescue was pretty f*cking awesome though...

[@John-ct9zs]

I don't think being set in the Donner Universe was the problem with Superman Returns, back in the mid 2000s I thought that was a great idea, but the issue was that the movie didn't know what it wanted to be or what to do with the Superman/Clark Kent character. A romance movie or an small scale action flick about Lex Luthor? Also, they miscast Lois Lane with a then 22 year old Kate Bosworth. I hated that people used Superman Returns as an excuse to shit on the Donner/Chris Reeve movies. Those old movies were great, they were the granddaddy of all modern superhero movies....and if they had failed we would have never had the 1989 Batman, the 2000 X-Men, the Tobey/Raimi Spidey movies and certainly the MCU. Routh was a great pick to play the character, and he deserved better.

[@TavareHill]

I like that story I wish we could’ve gotten it seen on the screen

[@vincelupone]

If only we could have had one film with the heart of Superman Returns and the action of Man of Steel. Maybe someday.

[@sonshinegamers]

Excellent video. I really enjoyed Superman Returns and felt that Routh and Spacey did an excellent job as Superman and Lex Luthor respectively. John Ottman also was fantastic in the soundtrack and working the William's themes. I would have loved to see Singer get another shot but we will see if the third time is the charm for Gunn's reboot.

[@Jordacar]

The character of Brainiac has been an alien, a mad scientist, a cyborg, a rogue A.I., or all of the above depending on the era. He's so malleable that he could have been inserted into any of the Superman movies fairly easily, and yet he never seems to make it to the big screen.

[@bigguccilou4654]

Every canceled Superman sequel was going to feature Brainiac as the villain. Superman 5, Superman Returns 2, Man of Steel 2, and even the canceled Burton “Superman Lives”. Brainiac is always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Really hoping we see Brainiac as well as Parasite, Metallo, and Mxy in the new DCU.

[@PLUTOXGOAT]

Hulk 2003, incredible Hulk, Superman returns, the wolverine, X men origins, Ghost Rider, Spiderman 3, both Amazing Spiderman movies I can't be the only one that LOVED these movies as a kid and as i grew up and got access to the Internet realised that alot of people hated them 🤔😭

[@user-lynKx]

very interesting story

[@chrisdealemania]

Damn, I want that movie.

[@ScarletPhantom-gv9rg]

Wish we got Superman 2 with Brandon Routh. Brandon Routh should get a Superman Kingdom Come show part of James Gunn elseworlds

[@therealmovieman]

Wish WB could get Brandon to fo a limited HBO series and bring this story to life. Heck even do an animated version

[@MrSean3kids]

This movie sounds amazing

[@Graant96]

This is actually a damn good idea

[@heybrowhatup]

Another great video! I liked the plot for Superman 2, but I don't like Braniac transferring his consensus into Superman's son Jason and then they have a fight. I like the reason why Braniac wants to do it, but I'd prefer Superman stopping it and they fight before his consensus is transferred as you won't be able to reverse it. Also, he'd have to kill his son. I also think Routh did a fantastic job for what was asked for him. He got a raw deal.

[@johnaraya3761]

lets go not late this time lol coffee's ready boss-man and good morning! this is going to be a good one but when has it not been lol banger after banger my guy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Enjoy!

[@johnaraya3761]

@@Bulletsandblockbusters lol you know i did lol and congrats on the channel blowing up so fast. your style is so different cause you give everything you need to know in such a short time and i still dont know how you do it and i watch every episode lol you deserve it boss-man the channel is amazing for real......🙌🙌

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thanks man! Really appreciate the kind words and continued support!

[@PatricioMarino]

2:23 "Man steel, a Biblical masterpiece" - Brian Singer, 20 years ago.

[@theharbinger00]

I would still pay to see this film now

[@Yaarrr]

Very interesting to hear that he effectively tried to make a Superman movie for women. I think this philosophy likely underpins it's failure - Superman has always been a character that is an inspiration to boys and young men. It'd be like trying to make the Barbie movie for men.

[@tskmaster3837]

No, I think Singer's "alleged" sexism had more to do with misunderstanding what women want. For example, women seem very happy with Spider-man and Superman as is.

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@tskmaster3837and plus super retubc out post catwomsbd and eljt female sledcsuphero mvps th in wre infamous box office flop s I m rely sureveht brysnsingwr was taking wht wanting superman retunto wpoelmtonfemskev audiences h didn't wroy about fdmske audu ce sith first teo x mdn.foilm so don't know wht his deal was with superman but maybe he saw arning sing th supermdnbretun EU get humdited h bix offic by devil ears Prada but didn't mov kind flop somwhst

[@nalday2534]

Inspiration to boys and young men? Haha I'm very eager to know what comics did you read let's hear it

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@tskmaster3837and funthing Bryan singer wasn't wrooed about women not watching th x mdn movies s thers that wre connundrum

[@zacharyjochumsen9677]

​@@tskmaster3837and fun thing is th hsd no problem with women not seeing th x mrn movies but with superman h got upset with women didn't see hiscmovi uh I ding knight is deal was but you no offense to Bryan but noby can sh stry apes wimeneh u rather go see Meryl Streep aim gus trying fi creply seduce Anne Hathaway th gi sin with suphero movie

[@mechajay3358]

It's a shame that Routh never got to fully play Superman after Returns performed below expectations at the box-office. Whatever your thoughts on the movie itself, there's no denying that he was perfect for the role.

[@TheLittleMJPuppet]

Dude, Superman Returns is incredible. It's so mythical, biblical, sentimental and powerful.

[@DinoDave150]

Hey B&B, have you thought of covering Jonathan Hensleigh's cancelled Hulk movie from the 90s? The one that featured a ton of cool looking practical effects?

[@EndoScorpion]

I'm sure I saw a video once talking about Richard Donner's original script for Superman 1 & 2 - where the going back in time thing happened at the end of the second film instead. But WB execs being WB execs made Donner change it. Or maybe they got Richard Lester to come in and finish it? I can't remember. I do know that there has never been a Superman movie without heavy meddling from WB execs - and it tends to be the reason why they don't do as well as they should.

[@KasumiKenshirou]

Yes, the flying around Earth to go back in time was originally the ending for Superman II. The original ending for the first movie had Superman throwing one of Luthor's missiles into space, which unbeknownst to Superman, collided with the Phantom Zone and released the villains shown at the beginning of the movie. And now the "Donner Cut" of Superman II does end with the ending of the first Superman movie, although Donner obviously would've come up with a different ending once he'd used the time travel one for the first movie.

[@nyceflix]

Decent concept

[@VaderPopsVicodin10]

When first released, I was meh about it.. but since then, this film grew on me with multiple viewings. I thought Routh played a wonderful Superman AND Clark Kent. I love the fact that they deliberately characterized the role to match that of Christopher Reeve and Kevin Spacey's Lex Luthor was quite villainous.. the only thing I don't like is the length, the miscast of Kate Bosworth and some of the film's muddy cinematography. Other than that, I think its aged just fine and matter of fact, I still have the DVD and I'm about to go watch it again. Thanks!

[@charleszamudio8065]

This sounds good I would’ve liked to of seen this made

[@bojangles7331]

That sounds like an interesting story

[@theclient6251]

I would watch that.

[@josephamato2031]

What could of been for godfather part 3 and the 4th movie. Which never got made.

[@rjspires]

The biggest problem when it comes to Superman films, is that people keep comparing it to the Reeves films. Why? That was a different time period. We have moved on from that. It would be like comparing the Batman film to Adam West Batman.

[@SecretMagician]

The Adam West films were deliberately campy and barely accurate to the comics, while Richard Donner's Superman was more relevant at the time, especially because Micheal Keaton and Kevin Conroy's Batmen became more relevant culturally.

[@mattb9664]

6:29 "Effective immediately, I am taking all your intercontinental ballistic missiles and nukes away from you, and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. Thank you."

[@loslakers530]

Superman Returns imo is extremely underrated. Routh did a great job representing Reeves Supers/Kent. Superman Unleashed wouldve been a better Superman movie instead of returns! Just add some elements from Returns (Like him returning to Earth) wouldve served a better movie

[@zacharyzeutzius4550]

Love me some Robert Meyer Burnett!

[@davidjames579]

I never realized he did the making of Superman Returns, let alone co-created the story to the sequel!

[@romanbryant8348]

Could you do “what could have been Steven Spielberg’s Indiana jones 5”?

[@KennethBlum-sl6rx]

Supposedly Short Round was to return and the story was completely different.