Superman Returns Resurrected!! My ideas for an origin/restart movie using SR plot points

[X Knight]

Hey all,

I'm resurrecting a thread I created a while back. Basically, it is my rough idea of an origin/restart movie using many of the plot points from SR, albeit in a different context.

I'll admit that this thread is a bit self-indulgent...lol......but I hope you'll all enjoy it.....especially those of you who DIDN'T like SR and wished the movie was something more.

And, I created this about 4 or 5 months ago, when the movie first came out.......so I'm reposting it as I originally wrote it.....

so.....here it is........

 

[X Knight]

hey all..........I don't know if this belongs in this forum.......if it belongs elsewhere....please feel free to move it......

but it does contain scenes from SR.....so it could be classified as Spoilerish

I've finally decided to post this......

While I was very disappointed with SR, as it totally changed the core of the character, I will admit that there were some truly BEAUTIFUL and OUTSTANDING scenes in the movie...

And, imo, those scenes/plot points could have fit in perfectly in a Restart/Origin movie. Such a movie would introduce the Superman universe to a NEW generation of viewers.......it would bring something FRESH and NEW to a Superman movie.......while still being respectful to the previous incarnations in all media ( comics, movies, TV, etc. ).

So.....here's my idea for a Superman Origin movie using some of the scenes and elements of SR.

 

[X Knight]

First, I'll give the general backstory.

As this is an origin/introduction movie.......there will be NO Richard or silly Kid plot......or Supes leaving the world for 5+ years.

It would, however, address the themes of acceptance, finding your place in the world, and the classic love triangle of Lois/Clark/Supes. It would also speak to the inherent GOODNESS of mankind.......inspiring us to always strive to reach the full capacity of our goodness.....

Ok.......the movie would start on Krypton.....briefly describing the grandness of the planet and its people and civilization.....it would introduce Jor-el and Lara......and possibly the alien villain of the movie ( either GENERAL Zod and/or Brainiac ).......the villain could also have a hand in the destruction of Krypton.....and would be portrayed as a real cold-hearted, evil being ( a real threat ).

We would see the planet explode.......and young Kal-El being rocketed off to earth ( the Williams theme and opening credits would play as the ship travels through the stars to reach its destination ).

The Kents in my movie would be younger ( ala Smallville )......They would be STRONG, GOOD people.....as they will form the MORAL CORE of Clark/Superman.

I would also go the Smallville/Birthright route and have Lex grow up in Smallville. He would know Clark......but not neccessarily as close as in the Smallville show.

So, we would see Clark growing up, discovering his powers, interacting with the other kids ( perhaps Lana and Pete ). But, of course, Clark would always feel like an outcast, feel out of place.

There would also be a scene where Clark and Lex talk about life in Smallville. Like Clark, Lex would be an outcast, but for different reasons. Lex would be the richest kid in town.....but he could also be the smartest ( genuis intellect/IQ ).

So, like Clark, Lex would be treated differently. Both would feel out of place in society. But, the scene would reveal the fundamental difference in their philosophies and viewpoints. Clark is benevolent and idealistic.....seeing the GOOD in people. Lex is cynical and distrustful ( even contemptible ) of others. Clark feels a deep connection with Smallville and with his parents ( adoptive ). Lex can't stand Smallville and feels no love for his parents ( biological ). Clark, who could be a God among men, is not interested in power. Lex, however, wants power and wants to control others.

So, the scene and dialogue would give us insight into Clark's and Lex's opposing views...and setup their legendary rivalry later on.

We would also see scenes of Clark interacting with his parents. They would teach him about RESPONSIBILITY, DUTY, FAMILY......the VALUES that will shape Superman's MORAL character.

I would also NOT have Johnathan die in this movie....instead I would have a deadly tornadoe rip through Smallville, and Clark trying to save the people. However, despite his best efforts, Clark would not be able to save everyone. Many people would die. Clark would feel terribly guilty about this. His parents would try to console him by telling him that he can't be everywhere at once. And, as an homage to the Donner movies, they could say something like: “For all your powers, son, even you can’t turn back time.”

Clark finally decides that his powers are meant for something more.....and he is ready to seek out his Kryptonian heritage/birthright. Bidding his parents and Smallville farewell, Clark travels to the arctic to seek out the Fortress of Solitude.

There, Clark meets Jor-El.....and we have the montage where Jor-El teaches Clark about his heritage, his powers, his purpose on Earth....etc. By the time Clark completes his training, he is a young adult.......and we are ready to move to Metropolis.

In Metropolis, we are introduced to the Daily Planet, Perry, Olsen, etc. Lex is now a RUTHLESS BUSINESSMAN / SCIENTIFIC GENIUS. He has his own company ( Lexcorp or Luthorcorp ). He is definately a very powerful and influential figure in Metropolis, simultaneously admired, feared, and despised. It seems he has achieved his visions of power....and he only wants more....to further control Metropolis.........phew........

 

[X Knight]

Which brings us to our specific scenes.......



ok.....now onto our scenes....

Plane Rescue Scene:

This is perhaps the most exciting sequence in the movie.....and it would make a perfect first outing for Superman. Not only does it give the movie the first glimpse of Supes in action.....but, storywise, it would be the people's first encounter with Superman.

Also, when Supes breaks off the first wing, that would be due to his inexperience.

After Supes saves the plane in the ballpark and goes inside to check on the passengers.......he and Lois see each other for the first time....and it is Love/attraction at first site. The first spark of their classic, legendary romance. Not a romance that is tainted by a previous failed relationship and a bastard child.....but an innocent, magical romance.

Supes would give the "Flying is safer" as a nod/homage to Superman 1. When, Superman steps out of the plane and the public gets their first real look at this strange being……..there would first be stunned silence as the crowd digests what just happened……then clapping….and soon thunderous applause. Supes would give an unassuming smile…..NOT a Glory-loving smile…….but a sense of deep satisfaction knowing he was able to do good…..and also a first sense of acceptance……….


Hovering above the world scene/listening:

Again, a very beautiful shot. This scene would be perfect to first showcase Superman's super-hearing.....as well as the sheer magnitude of his reponsibility. This could lead to the bank robbery scene and the Gattling Gun/ Bullet to the eye scene......which would showcase Supes invulnerability.

Or, it could lead to a montage of supes saving people from around the world.

Of course, during this time, Clark would have met Lois.......who is interested in him as a casual friend/ co-worker........but really just thinks about Superman......thus leading to the struggle of Clark trying to get Lois to like Clark....and not just his alter ego.

Daily Planet Rooftop / Superman and Lois Flying Scene:

Superman decides it's time he should give an interview to the media....and of course he'll go to Lois for the exclusive.....plus it gives him a chance to get to know her more and spend time with her.

Basically, this scene would mirror the interview/flying scene in Superman 1.. It should be INNOCENT, PLAYFUL, JOYFUL, MAGICAL.......It shouldn't be FORCED or RELUCTANT, as it felt in SR. There should not be a failed relationship, a fiance, a kid, any anger, resentment, guilt.

None of those should taint this scene. This scene should CELEBRATE FREEDOM........not only the freedom of flying.....but the freedom of the characters finally finding someone they can open up with......



As the Williams love theme SOARS in the background, we should SOAR with Superman and Lois as they explore the Metropolis skyline......When Lois runs her fingers through the water.....that SHOULD NOT be in front of Richard's house ( a rather mean move on Superman's part ).

When this scene is done......Supes and Lois shouldn't just start tearing each other's clothes off and hop into bed ( which SR seems to suggest they did ).. This should be the first "date" when Supes and Lois really start to fall in love with each other.......

 

[X Knight]

Ok…..moving on……

As the media coverage and popularity of Superman grows…….Lex sees this as a threat and becomes jealous……In his warped mind, Superman is stealing HIS glory and attention…….the people love Supes more than Lex ( this goes back to his wanting to be accepted by society )………..Plus……Superman goes against his own philosophy. Lex cannot fathom how anyone, let alone an Alien from a distant planet, can be so MAGNANIMOUS, BENEVOLENT, and PURE in heart. This goes back to Lex’s inherently distrustful and cynical nature of HUMAN GOODNESS. Surely, Superman must have some selfish, ulterior motive.

So…..Lex uses his clout, influence, and resources to start a negative PR campaign against Supes…..somewhat akin to Birthright or even in Smallville. Essentially, Lex will feed into the public the idea that Superman is not a savior, he is an ALIEN…..a Spy……..a vanguard for an alien race that wants to take over the planet.

Of course, Clark would recognize Lex…..but he would be disappointed in how Lex turned out. I don’t think Lex should know that Clark is Superman…….or else he would consciously deny it….as it is, in his mind, impossible that the meek, timid, Clark is Superman…..

Anyways, Lex’s PR campaign is, coincidently, aided by the reemergence of that alien villain from the beginning ( either General Zod or Brainiac ). Said villain, having been freed from the phantom zone ( which I’ll explain later….could set up a sequel )…….comes to earth to seek out the Last son of Krypton………which could lead into another SR plot point……..New/Dark Krypton….

 

[X Knight]

If the alien villain ( Zod or Brainiac ) is Kryptonian……..then New Krypton could work like this:

Instead of NK being another Lex real estate scheme……..it could actually be Kryptonian in threat. That is, the villain would try to recreate Krypton on our world. NK would not be laced with Krypton……as it is designed for Kryptonians to live on. And, it would not just destroy North America…..it would start there……but it is eventually designed to destroy all of the continents on Earth.

Naturally, Lex sees how this will play into his negative PR campaign against Supes…..so he works with the villain. In exchange for his help, Lex, always keen to an opportunity for profit, demands to have a share/cut in this new piece of “real estate” Hey….if NK is going to be the dominant land form on Earth……he ( Lex ) might as well be the only property owner to sell the land to whoever is left on the planet…..

Inevitably, Superman would confront the alien villain. Here, the villain’s backstory, history, connection to Krypton, motivations, etc. will be revealed to us ( and supes ) in greater detail. The villain’s moral philosophy/ view of humans would also be revealed. Much like the Professor Fine/Brainiac character on Smallville, this villain would view humans with CONTEMPT and DISDAIN. To him, humans are selfish, petty creatures, and it won’t be long before they turn on Supes. Of course, Supes disagrees with all of this, always believing that humans are capable of unselfish goodness ( their CAPACITY for GOOD ).

Also, the villain would also view humans as inferior to his Kryptonian race. Again, this is in contrast to Superman, who could be a God among men, but DOES NOT feel above humans.

Eventually, Lex’s campaign and the emergence of this alien threat have the desired effect on the public’s opinion of Superman. People start distrusting him. They refuse his help, call him names, throw stuff at him, and otherwise reject him. So what was once public acceptance and adulation….has now turned into fear, distrust, and rejection.

Meanwhile, the seeds of NK are planted, and the continent starts to grow off the coast of Metropolis, much like in SR. This leads to another SR scene……….

 

[X Knight]

The City Rescue Scene:

This would play out much like it did in SR…..complete with Supes saving the Daily Planet Globe……..and Jimmy Olsen ( who, along with Lois of course, is one of the few ppl who still believe in Supes ) getting that perfect shot of Supes.

The only twist would be that…..in this movie…..the public DOES NOT want Supes help. They’re NOT grateful for his help. In fact, some may even refuse his help…….thereby putting themselves into greater danger. This would, of course, hurt and dismay Supes…..but he remains unphased and tries to save everyone…….pushing ahead tirelessly. This would also parallel his efforts to save the ppl of smallville when he was younger, at the beginning of the movie. This time, Superman is determined NOT to fail.

Confrontation on NK scene:

After the City Rescue scene, Supes flies to NK and does that bad a** landing, as in SR. But, instead of solely confronting Lex, Supes would also confront the alien villain. The villain would first chide Superman……a “told you so, the humans would turn on you” moment. Again, Superman remains firm and steadfast in his CONVICTIONS and belief in the goodness of ppl.

Of course, this all leads to the final super powered confrontation between hero and villain….the chance for Supes to really let loose……and THROW a PUNCH….yay!! Just imagine as the spikes and columns of NK rise out of the ocean…..we have Supes and Zod ( he would work best as the villain ) swooping around the structures…..through the canyons…….knocking each other into NK…..the whole continent is their battleground……..

Superman puts up a good fight…..However, as his adversary is older and more experienced……eventually supes gets OWNED!! Battered and Bloodied, Supes lays on the ground helplessly. The villain decides to put the finishing touch on Supes….the final payback……locking Supes in the Phantom Zone ( as his father, Jor-El, once did to the villain ).

The villain opens the Phantom Zone………and supes is being sucked in……However, Lex, always the opportunist, sees this as a chance to get rid of 2 alien menaces at once….THEN the public would really see LEX as the HERO……..

So, as the villain is sucking Supes into the Phantom Zone…..Lex unveils his “secret weapon” the Kryptonite dagger/shard………he would have kept it sheathed in a lead container/sheath……so that it would not affect the Kryptonians until the right time………

Of course, both Supes and the villain are weakened by the Kryptonite……..however, Supes uses this chance, with a last gasp of strength, knocks the villain back into the Phantom Zone……Just before the villain is locked into the Phantom Zone…..he looks at Supes and delivers a prophetic warning…..”This is only the beginning, Kal-El.”

during this process……the Phantom Zone “disk” with villain inside…….could have been knocked back against a wall and falls into a chasm in NK…..essentially……..becoming “buried” within NK…….Or, the Phantom Zone disk would float out into space…..forgive me, as I don’t know how the Phantom Zone is supposed to behave.

This then leads to the……..

 

[X Knight]

Lex Stabbing Supes Scene:

With the villain defeated, Supes thinks Lex has realized his errors and become good ( redeemed himself )…….Lex, seeing Supes weak and beaten on the ground, sees Supes as “easy prey” Lex saunters up to supes……..with the dagger partially sheathed and behind his back. Lex may even offer his hand to Supes and help him up. But, just as Supes thinks that his childhood friend has come around to help him, Lex shows his true colors and stabs Supes with the dagger, as in SR……..As Lex kicks and punches the weakened Superman, he basically tells Supes why he hates him so……….

Eventually Supes makes it to the edge of the cliff………Lex says the “Now Fly” line and pushes Superman off of the edge into the choppy water below…..just like in SR. This scene….above all else….would show just how COLD, RUTHLESS, and CUNNING Lex is…..it would also be more meaningful if the relationship between Clark and Lex is established early on ( in Smallville ). In a sense, this betrayal hurts Superman more…..as it is an element of his beloved home town, Smallville, betraying him……

So……..this would then lead to…….

Lois Rescuing Supes Scene:

Just like in SR, Lois would rescue Supes, drag him out of the ocean, and pull the Kryptonite out of him. The only difference, obviously, would be that there would be NO Richard, No Kid, No previous failed-relationship, none of that……..

Just Lois and Superman……just a woman saving the man she loves. Lois strikes me as the kind of head strong woman, who, if her man was in trouble, would roll up her sleeves and go and save him. How Lois gets to Supes…..I’m not sure yet……either she drives a boat there on her own…..or convinces someone to take her there……

Basically, this scene would show just how much Lois loves Supes…..it would also offer a glimpse into her somewhat “selfish love” and burden/dilemma. That is, she wants Superman all to herself……..yet she must learn to share the man she loves with the rest of the world……….She’s afraid to lose Superman……..and, in the state he is in, it’s very likely he could die…….

With the kryptonite shard out of Supes, he regains some of his strength and stands up…….however he is still suffering from the kryptonite and the royal beating he took………

Yet……Supes knows that if he doesn’t stop NK from growing, it will not only consume North America…..but eventually the entire planet.

Lois begs him not to go back…….But Supes, knowing what he must do, gives a firm, unassuming “Goodbye Lois” and flies off………..

 

[X Knight]

Supes Recharging/Supes lifting NK Scene:

One of the most beautiful scenes in SR!!!!!!

Again, as in SR, Supes would fly to the sun to recharge……burst through the clouds with heat vision flaring………..dive into the ocean….and raise NK…….

The difference would be that……NK is NOT laced with kryptonite……and the kryptonite shard is NOT inside Supes body……he would still have some “lingering” effect of the kryptonite working its way out of his body……and he would still be weak from the super fight……

Nonetheless……lifiting an entire land mass in such a weakened state…….would require amazing strength, determination, and will power……

As in SR……..Supes sends NK into space………as he gives NK that last push……..his entire strength spent………he then begins his descent……..

The Descent Scene:

This should be the most inspiring scene in the movie……as it is the scene where Superman’s “ purpose” is fulfilled.

As Jor-El tells Supes…….superman should be the LIGHT to show the way…..his LEADERSHIP should inspire others………..and this is what should happen……….

As the people watch Supes fall helplessly from the stars, back to earth……they realize that they were wrong about this alien…….Superman DID NOT ABANDON them for 5+ years ( as he did in SR )……..He never once gave up…….never asked for anything in return……fought tirelessly to defeat the evil alien and stop NK…….IOW……..this alien IS a HERO……and they were wrong to doubt him……….

So…..superman…….through his COURAGE, and NOBLE and SELFLESS actions………regained the acceptance and trust of the ppl of his adopted home world……..and the ppl of Metropolis show their gratitude for their HERO through……

The Hospital Scene:

Proving that Supes is right…..that there is selfless good in humans……..the ppl of Metropolis rush Superman to the Hospital……….even if all of their efforts and “inferior” technology are useless and ineffective on Superman’s alien physiology…..they still try….tirelessly…..doing all they can……much like Superman did for them…………..

And, just as in SR, we would have a scene where Lois visits Superman in the hospital…..there should also be a scene where Jonathan and Martha are watching all of this unfold on the TV in Smallville……holding each other’s hands…..praying for the well being of their Son…..

Of course, when Lois visits Supes…..there would be no Kid tagging along…..no fiancé letting his woman go see another man………again, just Lois and Superman……..and when Lois whispers something into Superman’s ears…..it shouldn’t be…..”Hey a****e, the Kid is Really Yours!!!!! It should be simply…..”I love you.” Just like in SR, we don’t have to actually hear this, be we would certainly infer that.

And, when Lois kisses Superman…..it wouldn’t be a woman kissing another man behind her fiance’s back…….it would be just a woman kissing the man she loves…..because….well……she LOVES him…..simple as that.

 

[X Knight]

Optional Sequel Setup Scene:

Ok….this scene is obviously not from SR……..but would be a scene that could be there to setup a sequel………

Basically, after the hospital scene…….we cut to NK floating in space ( the villain should still be trapped inside )……as we watch NK…….the camera zooms out…..and we realize someone else is watching NK through a holograph type image…….that person, dressed in a regal alien garb…..shuts the image off and begins his journey down a long palace corridor……….

At the end of the corridor……..there sits, in a barbaric looking “throne”…..an imposing, ominous looking figure…..we wouldn’t really such much of the figure’s features…..other than perhaps a pair of glowing red eyes……..but we would certainly get the impression that this person DOES NOT like bad news……

So……..the royal “advisor” fellow finishes his walk……stops and kneels before the figure on the throne……and says something like……”He has failed, My Lord.” The figure, in a deep, booming voice, expresses his disgust and dismay, and dismisses the “advisor” The advisor rises, bows subserviently, and says “Yes, My Lord Darkseid”

 

[X Knight]

Cut back to hospital scene:

As in SR, we would go back to the hospital…..and find Supes gone……..we would then cut to a scene of Lois, either on the roof of the hospital, the roof of her apartment, or the roof of the Daily Planet. Supes visits Lois…..they exchange dialogue……

again, this is Just Lois and Superman……no extra baggage…..no creepy Superman sneaking into a young boy’s bedroom, stroking his hair…….just Lois and Superman……

Lois would ask..”Will I……will we ( meaning everyone, not her and her son )…..see you around?”

Superman would smile and reply…..”I’m always around…….Goodnight Lois.”

As Superman flies off, Lois smiles, knowing she and the world ARE better off having this “Superman” around.

As Superman flies off, he knows that the woman he loves….everything he wants is right here on Earth. Earth, not Krypton, is his “real” home…..and he has finally found his place in society……….albeit unaware of the looming threat……..that’s for the sequel!!

Then….as the Williams theme kicks into gear…..we have the classic fly by/sunrise scene…..with Superman giving us one last reassuring smile…….before the end credits roll……….there!!!!!

 

[AssMan]