Superman Returns Like or dislike SR... How would YOU have told a Superman Returns story?

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Some things I would have done.

For the opening, show a return from Krypton sequence. Immediately put Superman or Kal-el in danger before he gets to earth. Let's say he was gone for 5 years. In those 5 years for me he would have had a stop or 2 on some other galaxy/planet/black hole. He fights his way off of a planet after being held by Darkseid for example, makes his way back to earth. He's beaten up a bit, hasn't had the sun to heal him up. Then we see him in SV as he gains his powers back.

As for the plot with Lex, I probably would have got Brainiac involved in the first film. Instead of Lex discovering the crystals I would have had him discover Brainiac which he thinks is just advanced technology who is the cause of all the damage.

Then in the end of the movie we would have found out this damage was done through Brainiac. I would have a last scene for the movie where Clark is in the Planet smiling and all the sudden his super hearing kicks in. He hears something like "Take a look at this city Kal-el" He then changes into Superman and goes a top the Planet roof. All the lights of the buildings start going out and he hears the voice again "The last son of krypton. Now the last son of Earth."

Then a quick close up on Supes face as he looks up opening his eyes.

END of movie. Cliffhanger baby

 

[ultimatefan]

In a million different ways, except an origin story/restart.

 

[dark_b]

i would have used singers original idea. before filming i would try to imagine how long the movie would be. if it would be 3 hours i would change some things before filming. not like after filming starting to cut the movie down.
i would have more action and i would use different color filters.

 

[Showtime]

I would have to say that I would have Superman return to find the world is upside down.

*Lex Luthor would be a business tycoon in Metropolis and in a position of great power. The people adore him and he has turned them against Superman. Anti-Superman T-Shirts, graffiti on the streets mocking the Man of Steel. He abandoned the people and Lex let this be known.

*Lex is responsible for Superman's disappearance. Using his connections with STAR LABS an Intergang he has created the illusion that Krypton still exists sending Superman on a wild goose chase through the cosmos.

*Lois has moved on with Richard but they do not have a kid. They are enganged to be married and Richard is now the Chief Editor of the Daily Planet, Perry White has bought the newspaper and is now CEO. Richard is still related to Perry. Upon Clark's return he finds out that he now works for Lois's fiance.

*Lex's scheme regarding land is not to sell and create real estate but to establish an island getaway for himself where he plans to build an army and weapons using Kryptonian technology with the help from paid off employees of Star Labs. His first venture into the manufacturing of weapons changes John Corben into Metallo.

*Superman saves the plane and Lois but is greeted as though he is a criminal rather than a savior. He has still has to save the city from the after effects of the growing island but also has a duel with Metallo in the process. While Superman is on the island and has been exposed to Kryptonite, Luthor steals his DNA in order to create Bizzaro for a sequel.

 

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Nice, we share some similar opinions... Other than Bizarro. I have trouble seeing him work on screen.

 

[Crooklyn]

I personally would've gone for a story similar to Birthright, with the exclusion of most of the origin stuff if necessary.

Just imagining those comic panels brought to life on-screen, would've done justice for the long awaited return of Supes.

 

[bgshw44]

i would have used singers original idea. before filming i would try to imagine how long the movie would be. if it would be 3 hours i would change some things before filming. not like after filming starting to cut the movie down.
i would have more action and i would use different color filters.

exactly!

 

[Justice Bringer]

Basically the 3 hour cut of the film would have been my ideal version.

I blame WB execs for forcing Singer to cut it down. Alot of his original ideas (alot of them filmed) were hot.

I'm not sure if I want a cliffhanger. Maybe for the 2nd film. I prefer SR to be a standalone since its so epic by itself.

 

[superbaby]

I would have to say that I would have Superman return to find the world is upside down.

*Lex Luthor would be a business tycoon in Metropolis and in a position of great power. The people adore him and he has turned them against Superman. Anti-Superman T-Shirts, graffiti on the streets mocking the Man of Steel. He abandoned the people and Lex let this be known.

*Lex is responsible for Superman's disappearance. Using his connections with STAR LABS an Intergang he has created the illusion that Krypton still exists sending Superman on a wild goose chase through the cosmos.

*Lois has moved on with Richard but they do not have a kid. They are enganged to be married and Richard is now the Chief Editor of the Daily Planet, Perry White has bought the newspaper and is now CEO. Richard is still related to Perry. Upon Clark's return he finds out that he now works for Lois's fiance.

*Lex's scheme regarding land is not to sell and create real estate but to establish an island getaway for himself where he plans to build an army and weapons using Kryptonian technology with the help from paid off employees of Star Labs. His first venture into the manufacturing of weapons changes John Corben into Metallo.

*Superman saves the plane and Lois but is greeted as though he is a criminal rather than a savior. He has still has to save the city from the after effects of the growing island but also has a duel with Metallo in the process. While Superman is on the island and has been exposed to Kryptonite, Luthor steals his DNA in order to create Bizzaro for a sequel.

like it. except for the bizzaro.

 

[ThanosOfTitans]

I would have to say that I would have Superman return to find the world is upside down.

*Lex Luthor would be a business tycoon in Metropolis and in a position of great power. The people adore him and he has turned them against Superman. Anti-Superman T-Shirts, graffiti on the streets mocking the Man of Steel. He abandoned the people and Lex let this be known.

*Lex is responsible for Superman's disappearance. Using his connections with STAR LABS an Intergang he has created the illusion that Krypton still exists sending Superman on a wild goose chase through the cosmos.

*Lois has moved on with Richard but they do not have a kid. They are enganged to be married and Richard is now the Chief Editor of the Daily Planet, Perry White has bought the newspaper and is now CEO. Richard is still related to Perry. Upon Clark's return he finds out that he now works for Lois's fiance.

*Lex's scheme regarding land is not to sell and create real estate but to establish an island getaway for himself where he plans to build an army and weapons using Kryptonian technology with the help from paid off employees of Star Labs. His first venture into the manufacturing of weapons changes John Corben into Metallo.

*Superman saves the plane and Lois but is greeted as though he is a criminal rather than a savior. He has still has to save the city from the after effects of the growing island but also has a duel with Metallo in the process. While Superman is on the island and has been exposed to Kryptonite, Luthor steals his DNA in order to create Bizzaro for a sequel.

sounds great. all with the exception for the part about the anti-superman t-shirts and other mechandise. seems borderline campy....but the rest sounds great. would have made SR a great film.

 

[Lead Cenobite]

My idea was to have Superman go off to save Argo City only to arrive too late. Kara would have been sent to Earth shortly before Superman left, and by the time he gets back, she's revealed to the public, and is the new champion of Earth. The twist is that she's being used by Lex Luthor to help repair his image. I dunno exactly what Lex would do, that's just the general idea.

 

[fabman]

@ Justice Bringer: WB didn't force Bryan Singer to cut 'Superman Returns' down. It was Singer's decision to cut those scenes because of the pacing. But he didn't get that right, anyway, imagine if he would've let those scens in.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I loved Superman Returns, but I too would have done it very differently if I were in charge:

1. The film would have been a restart and retell the origin of Superman. The title would simply be Superman.

2. The villain would solely be Lex Luthor and have him based on Post-Crisis white-collar corporate supervillain mastermind, that was portrayed as a man that could never be defeated because of his good reputation, his influences in government, and his ownership of most of Metropolis. I would go with his Birthright hatred of Superman, he hates Superman because he looked down upon him like he was a mere ant and jealousy of his massive power. Lex would be at most 5 years older than Superman.

3. The costume:

4. The Fortress of Solitude would look like that of the Donner Superman movies on the outside and look like the TAS version on the inside

5. Krypton would be based on the TAS version with the idea of Sunstone just recently being developed. It was a planet that has recently staved off a coup by General Zod (and sent to the Phantom Zone). The STAS version of Brainiac would hide the fact of Krypton's eminent destruction just like he did in STAS

6. Sequels

- The Man of Steel: Superman vs. Brainiac

- Superman 3: Superman vs. General Zod, Superman kills him in the end with Kryptonite

 

[dar-El]

Ive based this after recutting S:TM and S2:TRDC. All ive done is take out Lois dying in S:TM and the turning back time bits from both films. Instead i leave 2 open so Lois knows CK is Superman and Lex, Zod, Ursa & Non are in prison. Start the new Returns movie which would be followed by a sequel and prequel. Open with him crash landing at the farm looking like he's been through hell (note he's wearing torn gladiator style clothing and has long hair and a beard) he's found by Lana who takes him to the farm. Martha and Pete Ross are there. He recovers and tells them what happened to him. A year ago Superman went out on a small mission for Nasa to find and repair one of their wayward satelites. Only he never returned. Instead he was captured and taken to warworld where he's spent the last year fighting to save its people, the earth and himself from the wrath of Mongul. Now he's back home he learns whats gone on in his absence. That being when he dissapeared Lois grew worried, visited Clarks apartment got no answer, so she contacted Martha who along with Pete and Lana devised a cover up story til they found him. The cover story being without warning Martha fell seriously ill and Clark had to go back to the farm to take care of her. (Although it was really Lana and pete doing the farm work, while Lois came to visit to make the cover story seem more plauseable). He also learns Lana and Pete are now married, Metropolis is under siege by criminals with new age weapons and that Lex has turned himself into a billionaire within a year. (more on that later) So now he's back and Martha (for the sake of the cover story) feels better. He returns to metropolis where he meets up with Lois and they resume their working partnership. 1st up a visit to Lexcorp to see the new weapons systems they've created to counter the increasing criminal activity. Clark has a look around and recognises the technology as Kryptonian, mixed with other alien tech. Seems that when Superman dissapeared Lex managed to cut a deal with the government. He spun them a story that if Superman ever returned and went rogue like Zod, they'd have no defense against him. But Lex does. So they released him from prison on condition that he uses the Kryptonian technology he had stolen, to build new weaponry and defense systems. Unkown to them Lex has a bigger plan. He didnt just sell it to the government, he sold it to the criminals that are now taking over metropolis. Superman discovers this, so Lex decides to frame Superman as the one who gave criminals the technology and sets himself up as the hero countering the evil superman. It becomes a bit of a war. The government and Lex against superman. What can he do with the public (apart from Lois, Martha, Lana, pete, Jimmy and Perry) against him. How can he clear his name and be the hero if lex and the governmant are trying to blast him out of the sky? More to the point, how can he admit that on warworld he re-evaluated his feelings for Lois and has decided to give their relationship another shot? Simple, action packed story, with emotion and no bastard lovechild! Then a sequel where Mongul comes to earth for his revenge and a prequel where we see exactly what happened on warworld and you have the making of a kick ass trilogy that not only ties in withe the Donnerverse but also updates it for todays audience.

 

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Not to be a pain but could you edit that into paragraphs? Hurts my eyes.

 

[WormyT]

Some things I would have done.

For the opening, show a return from Krypton sequence. Immediately put Superman or Kal-el in danger before he gets to earth. Let's say he was gone for 5 years. In those 5 years for me he would have had a stop or 2 on some other galaxy/planet/black hole. He fights his way off of a planet after being held by Darkseid for example, makes his way back to earth. He's beaten up a bit, hasn't had the sun to heal him up. Then we see him in SV as he gains his powers back.

As for the plot with Lex, I probably would have got Brainiac involved in the first film. Instead of Lex discovering the crystals I would have had him discover Brainiac which he thinks is just advanced technology who is the cause of all the damage.

Then in the end of the movie we would have found out this damage was done through Brainiac. I would have a last scene for the movie where Clark is in the Planet smiling and all the sudden his super hearing kicks in. He hears something like "Take a look at this city Kal-el" He then changes into Superman and goes a top the Planet roof. All the lights of the buildings start going out and he hears the voice again "The last son of krypton. Now the last son of Earth."

Then a quick close up on Supes face as he looks up opening his eyes.

END of movie. Cliffhanger baby

I'm surprised how ambitious your ideas are.
Thats very far from Singers vision but I do like how you came up with the concept of him having been through some adventures rather than being in a catatonic state for 5 years.

I've always thought it would be cool if he came back with a scruffy beard. I hated how clean he looked in SR. Imagine explaining to Martha that he was in a 'Horrible planet'. We could see flashes of Apokolips. Perhaps he was depowered there and never actually met Darkseid.
Again, a lot of possibilities but SInger would NEVER take the adventure that far out hence my disappointment at his approach.

My friend had an interesting idea. What if Brainiac somehow hitched a ride onboard Kal Els ship on the journey back from Krypton. Then over the course of the movie we learn that he was ultimately responsible for the planet Krypton being driven off course towards the sun. We could even have had new Dialogue from Brando explaining how Brainiac was the AI he used to make his calculations on Kryptons destruction. (would probably have to be someone who sounded like Brando as hes never talked about Brainiac).

Lots of possibilities..

 

[WormyT]

double Post..

 

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Thanks wormy. Appreciate someone reading my ideas.

Actually what was heard from quite a few sources for Superman Returns is that Kal-el did unknowingly bring back something on the ship which the audience could assume is Brainiac. How all this stuff got cut is beyond me. I liked SR a lot but I will concede it could have been more.

 

[Lobster Charlie]

\S/JcDc\S/, great concept! I especially like that cliffhanger ending.

Only thing I disagree with you on is, I don't think Routh is that great a Superman. Maybe if he gained an additional 15 pounds, got a better suit, and a real boyscout haircut....maybe.

And maybe if the thing he brought back with him on the ship was a decent script!

 

[\S/JcDc\S/]

My friend had an interesting idea. What if Brainiac somehow hitched a ride onboard Kal Els ship on the journey back from Krypton. Then over the course of the movie we learn that he was ultimately responsible for the planet Krypton being driven off course towards the sun. We could even have had new Dialogue from Brando explaining how Brainiac was the AI he used to make his calculations on Kryptons destruction. (would probably have to be someone who sounded like Brando as hes never talked about Brainiac).

Lots of possibilities..

I have a rough draft script where I actually wrote that for an idea. If I can find a link I'll post it.

 

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Can't seem to find it on SHH search.

From Bluetights I only have bits and pieces. Here is one page where I have some of the setup for it. If I find more I'll post it as well. Btw the setup is intentionally made so you think it's a warm moment, but it's really something else in case the Lois, Richard, Jason dynamic scares ya off

===

During the opening credits we see a metallic object break open from an almost box shaped shell of metal. Lights on it begin to blink. It is of a design that is so enigmatic that one could interpret it as being many things such as a satellite or spaceship. Of course it is more than that.

End of opening credits, a black screen that soon comes into focus revealing the image of a floating Superman in space.

With his super hearing we hear the sound of a child laughing and Superman smiles, then we see just how far his vision can reach as his eyes quickly zoom in from just above the earths atmosphere. Quickly we see everything he looks THROUGH all the while the camera is continuing a zooming effect. He sees through an airplane flying by, through buildings, and through a train passing by and the zooming speed increases more then suddenly stops as we see “the kid” Jason throwing a baseball and Richard catching it.

*Richard acts like his hand is hurt
Richard: Ouch! I think you broke my hand with that throw, come over and take a look at it.

*Runs towards Richard
Jason: I’m sorry Dad

Richard: Help me take my glove off
*Jason starts pulling it off his hand. As he pulls it off Richard starts to laugh and puts his other arm around Jason to tickle him.

Richard: (laughing hysterically) Ok you didn’t break my hand but soon you’ll be throwing a baseball harder than me… almost as hard as your mother.

Jason: Mom can throw a baseball harder than you?

Richard: Well I don’t know about a baseball but if you get her mad just enough she can throw an object harder than Superman.

*Both start laughing.

Camera then cuts to a close-up of Superman smiling. Suddenly a flash of a metallic object is seen, the camera is so close you can’t make out the shape. All you can make out by looking at it is a symbol that looks almost like the number 8. A bunch of fast cut sequences take place. Lois comes running outside of the house to Richard and Jason. A close up of Superman’s eyes reveal a look of concern and terror that something is happening. Then finally a last close up showing Richard stepping in front of Lois and Jason with his arms out as if something is going to hit him is shown. Everything slows down and the only thing you can hear is Lois

Lois: Help us Superman
Scene 1

Quick cut to a dark room and an empty bed with the silhouette left on the covers from someone sleeping there. The camera pans up revealing Clark floating in the air shaking his head breathing hard. He then hits his head on the ceiling hard enough to leave an imprint and opens his eyes quickly then drops to the floor. Focus on the bed, then the focus changes as he quickly gets up from the ground and sits on the side of the bed.

Clark: That seemed so real…

His super hearing reveals a voice.

Unknown voice: That was not a dream you were experiencing Kal-el. That was a warning.

With a face of determination and almost on the edge of anger.

Clark: WHO ARE YOU? HOW… WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!

Unknown voice: When the time is right all will be revealed to you the… last son of Krypton. Of course by then it may be too late.

Clark covers his face with his hands and falls flat on his back on the bed.

 

[WormyT]

Can't seem to find it on SHH search.

From Bluetights I only have bits and pieces. Here is one page where I have some of the setup for it. If I find more I'll post it as well. Btw the setup is intentionally made so you think it's a warm moment, but it's really something else in case the Lois, Richard, Jason dynamic scares ya off

===

During the opening credits we see a metallic object break open from an almost box shaped shell of metal. Lights on it begin to blink. It is of a design that is so enigmatic that one could interpret it as being many things such as a satellite or spaceship. Of course it is more than that.

(End of opening credits, a black screen that soon comes into focus revealing the image of a floating Superman in space.

With his super hearing we hear the sound of a child laughing and Superman smiles, then we see just how far his vision can reach as his eyes quickly zoom in from just above the earths atmosphere. Quickly we see everything he looks THROUGH all the while the camera is continuing a zooming effect. He sees through an airplane flying by, through buildings, and through a train passing by and the zooming speed increases more then suddenly stops as we see “the kid” Jason throwing a baseball and Richard catching it.

*Richard acts like his hand is hurt
Richard: Ouch! I think you broke my hand with that throw, come over and take a look at it.

*Runs towards Richard
Jason: I’m sorry Dad

Richard: Help me take my glove off
*Jason starts pulling it off his hand. As he pulls it off Richard starts to laugh and puts his other arm around Jason to tickle him.

Richard: (laughing hysterically) Ok you didn’t break my hand but soon you’ll be throwing a baseball harder than me… almost as hard as your mother.

Jason: Mom can throw a baseball harder than you?

Richard: Well I don’t know about a baseball but if you get her mad just enough she can throw an object harder than Superman.

*Both start laughing.

Camera then cuts to a close-up of Superman smiling. Suddenly a flash of a metallic object is seen, the camera is so close you can’t make out the shape. All you can make out by looking at it is a symbol that looks almost like the number 8. A bunch of fast cut sequences take place. Lois comes running outside of the house to Richard and Jason. A close up of Superman’s eyes reveal a look of concern and terror that something is happening. Then finally a last close up showing Richard stepping in front of Lois and Jason with his arms out as if something is going to hit him is shown. Everything slows down and the only thing you can hear is Lois

Lois: Help us Superman
Scene 1

Quick cut to a dark room and an empty bed with the silhouette left on the covers from someone sleeping there. The camera pans up revealing Clark floating in the air shaking his head breathing hard. He then hits his head on the ceiling hard enough to leave an imprint and opens his eyes quickly then drops to the floor. Focus on the bed, then the focus changes as he quickly gets up from the ground and sits on the side of the bed.

Clark: That seemed so real…

His super hearing reveals a voice.

Unknown voice: That was not a dream you were experiencing Kal-el. That was a warning.

With a face of determination and almost on the edge of anger.

Clark: WHO ARE YOU? HOW… WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?!

Unknown voice: When the time is right all will be revealed to you the… last son of Krypton. Of course by then it may be too late.

Clark covers his face with his hands and falls flat on his back on the bed.

Nice descriptions. Sounds like a mysterious story.
Might as well finish it. Good for practice. I remember writing rough outlines for the starwars prequels as I would have done them but I'm burned out completely on starwars.
But i DO have a superman project I'm 97% finished. I will reveal in SH boards (to possible laughter) in a couple of weeks.

 

[Showtime]

But i DO have a superman project I'm 97% finished. I will reveal in SH boards (to possible laughter) in a couple of weeks.

Thats great man. Interested in checking it out.

 

[AgentPat]

But i DO have a superman project I'm 97% finished. I will reveal in SH boards (to possible laughter) in a couple of weeks.

Is this what I think it is, Wormy? Please say yes.

 

[WormyT]

Is this what I think it is, Wormy? Please say yes.

It is indeed.
I've got some work to do for a job interview though so when that frees up I'll get back to the finishing touches.

Thats great man. Interested in checking it out.

Thanks.
It should entertaining.