Superman II: The Mysterious Mr. Mxyzptlk

***Superman II: The Mysterious Mr. Mxyzptlk*** is a 2027 superhero film based on the DC Comics hero of the same name. It is the twenty-seventh film in the DCEU and the fifth film in Phase 4. It is the sequel to *Superman: Brainiac.* It was released on June 18, 2027.

## Plot Summary

Superman has been greeted by a mysterious being known only as Mr. Mxyzptlk (or Mxy for short) and Mxy wants to play a game with Superman. In order to get him play, he's made all his friends be the prizes, and with this, Superman is forced to play his strange game, which involves constantly bending reality and Superman's perception of it.

## Cast

* Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
* Doug Jones as Mr. Mxyzptlk
* Rachel McAdams as Lois Lane
* Laurence Fishburne as Perry White
* Nathan Kress as Jimmy Olsen
* Courtney B. Vance as Ron Troupe
* Hayden Panettiere as Cat Grant
* Derek Theler as Steve Lombard
* Diane Lane as Martha Kent

## Reception

*Superman II: The Mysterious Mr. Mxyzptlk* received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. "While it did have some genuinely great highlights, Derrickson's Superman sequel feels more like a cerebral sci-fi horror film with Superman slapped on the cover. Great attempt, but a bit of a dissatisfying execution." While many praised the performances, horror aspects, cerebral tone, pacing, music, and story, some felt that some of those same things were detriments to the overall product. As well as many comic book fans thinking that Doug Jones was wrong for the part of Mxy. However, many stated that it was an admirable effort to keep the Superman character fresh and new.

## Trivia

* Scott Derrickson was not the first choice to helm the project. After Christopher McQuarrie ultimately decided not to do the sequel, and to focus his energy on the next two *Justice League* films, many names were considered. Names like J.A. Bayona (who went on to direct the third film), Joseph Kosinski, Jon Favreau (who went on to direct *Freedom Fighters*), Matthew Vaughn (who directed *Justice League II),* Zack Snyder, and Guy Ritchie (who went on to direct *Lobo*). Derrickson then delivered a pitch about a Superman "horror film" that the execs thoroughly enjoyed, and he was ultimately chosen to direct and co-write.
* Derrickson was faced with a controversial casting decision similar to his casting for The Ancient One in *Doctor Strange* when he picked Doug Jones for the role of Mr. Mxyptlk. Many fans were upset that he wasn't more like his comic book counterpart. "I thought Jones' quirks and strangeness for playing out of this world characters would be perfect for Mxy. As well as the fact that I didn't really want a little person in the role because it could be seen as controversial. But then, I had to deal with the wrath of hardcore comic fans who want it exactly like the character. I don't blame them for that, but it's a being from a place that probably doesn't exist, I thought I had more leeway with this. Guess not. [laughs]"
* Bizarro was considered to make an appearance but he was then cut from the final script.
* Derrickson, despite heavily enjoying production and ultimately loved the final product, absolutely hated the title of the film. The only reason he put in a subtitle as not to infringe on the Christopher Reeve *Superman II*. He stated in interviews that he couldn't think of a better one.