I'd pass. Birthright always seemed to me as a way to milk Smallville's success.
I'd much rather see a loose adaptation of For All Seasons in restart form. For All Seasons nailed characterization. It could be easily done.
First Act - You show Krypton. Show Jor-El pleading to save the planet and failing. Show the love Jor-El and Lara feel for their son. Don't make Jor-El come off as a man who calculated that Superman would save Earth, a God figure (which is Donner's biggest mistake, I think). Just show him as a man who loved his son so much, that he would go to any length to save him. Then plenty of Smallville in the first act. Show Clark's desire to fit in, but knowledge that he never can. Build up his relationship with Ma and Pa Kent. Climax the first act with the tornado (I love Clark's line in For All Seasons after the tornado..."I could've done more". It shows so much about why Clark does what he does) and end with his goodbye to Lana and arrival in Metropolis.
Second Act - you work to establish Lex and the rivalry. Show Lex's contempt for Superman stealing his spot light, show Lois' growing infatuation, Clark at the planet, etc. Introduce Metallo during the second act. Following a botched bank robbery, prevented by Superman, the thief is shot. The ambulance however is driven by Mercy. Climax the second act with Lex doing something horrible, perhaps two simultaneous acts of terror on the city (exclude Toxin...she wouldn't translate well to film). One of these acts should be carried out by Metallo, who gives Superman a prompt ass kicking. Superman escapes and confronts Lex who gives his infamous speech that says no matter how powerful Superman is...he can't be two places at once. Show how Lex has the mental edge and just how untouchable he is. Defeated, Clark flees back to Smallville.
Third Act - Give two weeks of Clark/Superman being gone. During which, crime over takes Metropolis. Then have the flood in Smallville from All Seasons which Big Blue saves the town from. After which Lana gives Clark a pep talk and encourages him to return. Shortly before Clark returns however, Metallo goes mad. He resents Luthor for turning him into a monster. He interrupts a press conference and takes Lois and Luthor hostage. Superman shows up, rejuivnated by Lana's pep talk. Epic battle with Metallo ensues. He lets Luthor know he is back. Clark gets the scoop on both the battle and Superman saving Smallville from the flood and upstages Lois. End.
That is how I would handle a reboot. But definitely no Birthright.
You and your own fake source. Ha!
