  superman returns is a 2006 superhero film directed and produced by bryan singer. based on the dc comics character superman, the film uses the events of the motion pictures superman (1978) and, to less of a degree, superman ii (1980) as backstory, while completely ignoring the events of superman iii (1983) and superman iv (1987). it stars brandon routh as superman/clark kent, as well as kate bosworth, kevin spacey, james marsden, frank langella, and parker posey, and 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 him and the world. after a series of unsuccessful projects to resurrect superman on the screen, warner bros. hired bryan singer to direct and develop superman returns in july 
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