My Idea for an Origin/Restart using SR scenes/plot points

[super-bats]

hey all......this is my first post here........

I've posted this thread at the Superherohype forum, and I've decided to post it here as well.......

basically......it is my idea for an Origin/Restart movie....using some of the best scenes/plot points from Superman Returns (SR).......yes, it's kind of a selfish thread....but I just wanted to share it with you guys and gals.........I hope you like it.

First, a little context about my views of SR, and why I decided to write this.......

I was very dissappointed with SR.....mainly because it really ruined the character of Superman........the whole Supes leaving the world/Lois for 5+, sleeping with Lois....getting her pregnant......IOW....the whole Kid plot line really ruined the movie experience for me......

and that is sad....because there were some TRULY BEAUTIFUL images in SR.....and, imo, those scenes could've worked perfectly in an Origin/Restart movie......

so....my intent here....is to take those scenes and plot points.....wrap them in a different context.........

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. ).

But please note.....I'm not a professionial screenwriter, or anything.....this is not a full-fledged script, it's just a story idea.


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

[super-bats]

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.....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 or fame or glory. Lex, however, wants power, fame, and glory 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. They could say something like........"For all of your powers, son, you can't be everywhere at once.......even you can't turn back the world ( or time )." This would be a nod/homage to Superman 1........but it would also speak to one of superman's greatest challenges/burdens.....

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........

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

[super-bats]

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 an 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.......

[EZMOHR]

How I would have done it...I'm all for a restart. It's been almost 30 years since the original, 20 since the last, and 26 since the last of the two supposed in cannon ones were made. So, I say yeah, go for the restart.

Anyway, I would start of course with the doomed Planet of Krypton. Jor-El (George Clooney) and Lara (Naomi Watts) try to raise the awareness of it's iminent doom. Brainiac (Hugo Weaving), Krypton's central computer and alien that came to the world, nay says that, but has alteriave motives. He steals the things of Krypton he needs, and leaves (setting up part two.) Jor-El, has been building the ship to save his son, Kal-El(The baby that plays Aaron on Lost:).) Anyway, low and behold, Jor-El puts in the crystal pieces of wisdom, and off goes litte Kal-El to earth. This would be roughly the first 15-20 minutes of the movie.

So, after his travels through space, little Kal-El lands in the hamlet of Smallville, Kansas. But, so do the pieces of the doomed planet Krypton. He is found by Johnathan and Martha Kent (Joel Gretsch and Mary Elizabeth Masterantonio.) As a childless couple, this seems to be the miracle they hoped for. Over the years, you Kal-El, raised on Earth as Clark Kent(Logan Lerman), is instilled with the values of the Kents and is befriended by Lana Lang (Jenna Boyd.) The Kents raise Clark to be wise with his powers, and instell in him that they are not there for show, but for the betterment of society. Also keeping an eye on Smallville, and especially the great qualities and properties of the planet Krypton that fell on Smallville, now deemed Kryptonite, is the cunning, ruthless, scientist/buisnessman Lex Luthor (Jason Issacs.) He wishes to unlock the mysteries of Kryptonite and the planet that scientist witnessed explode....Krypton. This Smallville part of the movie lasts approximately 30 minutes, and ends with Pa Kents words inspiring Clark to become something great, and finding out about his Kryptonian heritage, and making the fortress of Solitude in the Arctic.

We then arrive in the bustling world of Metropolis. We then see the arrival of Clark Kent (Brandon Routh), to the Daily Planet. Clark has become an accomplished journalist, and is hired by the Dailey Planet editor in chief, Perry White (Steve Martin.) Clark is also befriended by new photographer, Jimmy Olsen (Johnathan Tucker.) Both are in awe of the Planet, and especially the "experienced" freshly minted top go-getter, Lois Lane (Selma Blair.) Lois, is paired with New Blood Clark, and is asked by Perry to show him the ropes. Of course, Lois is not interested with this. She goes to do the unveiling of a new airplane, and well we know what happens. Anyway, Lex Luthor sees this, and makes the leap that Krypton is the home of this new..."Superman." Lex also finds a Krypton crystal, and finds the same properties we see make the Fortress.

Lex wants to recruit SUperman to help him and his "vision" for Metropolis and the world. Superman, does not share this vision, and both begin their "at odds" qualities towards one another. At this time, Lex Luthor hires thief John Corben (Kevin Bacon), to find all things he can about Superman and to bring back a piece of something, tangible about Superman.

Anyway, by this time, Clark has become infatuated with Lois, but Lois is infatuated with Superman. This starts the love triangle. Also, you can throw in some stock Superman saving the world scenes and saving the day, and being loved by Metropolis, and the world.

So, throw in Corben bringing back a Super hair, and Lex begins a process of cloning a Superman for his own. Low and behold, Bizarro Superman (Brandon Routh) is created. Bizarro though, is unstable, and begins to destroy Metropolis. Anyway, some action of Bizarro and SUperman and SUperman saving the world later, we find out the core to the SUperman mythos...Lex and Clark want a better world, but in different ways.

So, anyway, Clark defeats Bizarro, has nothing to pin on Luthor, and saves Lois. Now, you have Superman flying and doing that end thing he always does. THE END. Running time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Just a quick outline of what i would do for a new Superman movie.

Superman/Clark Kent/Kal-El- Brandon Routh
Lex Luthor- Jason Isaccs
Lois Lane- Selma Blair
Jor-El- George Clooney
Lara- Naomi Watts
Ma Kent- Mary Elizabeth Masterantonio
Pa Kent- Joel Gretsch
Perry White- Steve Martin
Jimmy Olson- Johnathan Tucker
John Corben- Kevin Bacon
Bizarro- Brandon Routh
Brainiac- Hugo Weaving
Young Clark Kent- Logan Lerman
Young Lana Lang- Jenna Boyd

[Smarty Jones]

Hello, Super-Bats. Welcome to CBR.

My story for "Superman Returns" would be simple:

Brandon Routh is a new twentysomething superhero who has emerged in Metropolis named Superman.

Kate Bosworth is a just-out-of-college journalist named Lois Lane.

Kevin Spacey is Lex Luthor, the owner of LexCorp who pretty much runs the town. His company pulls Metropolis out of a deep recession 10 years ago by producing jobs and technology to galvanize the city.

Kevin Bacon is Metallo. A petty crook whose life Luthor saved and thanks to S.T.A.R. Labs had his mind transferred into a metallic body.

The new superhero becomes the rage of the town, and Luthor can't stand being second place to some new stranger. So Luthor tells Supeman that Metropolis is "his town" and that Superman is only around as a "sideshow spectacle" unless he decides he wants to work for Luthor. Superman rejects him, which makes Luthor pissed.

Eventually, Luthor studies Superman's moves and during Superman's attempt to stop a robbery at a museum he discovers that Superman has a weakness -- kryptonite. The weakness is used to bond with Metallo, who has two huge fights with the Kryptonian until Superman eventually wins.

Luthor theorizes that Superman is an alien from Krypton and threatens through his control of the media that he will cause everyone to fear him -- unless he works for him. Again, Superman refuses and vows to take down Luthor. When Superman leaves, Luthor pulls out a Kryptonite ring and smiles mischieviously.

[super-bats]

hey those are good ideas.........good ways to introduce Braniac.......Metallo.....Bizarro.........

also.......doing a restart/introduction movie would make more sense.....given that both Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth look so young........

anyways.....i'll post more of my story plot.....

[super-bats]

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….


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……….

[super-bats]

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……..

[super-bats]

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………..

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……..

[super-bats]

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.

[super-bats]

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”

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 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……….

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!!!!!

[EZMOHR]

Hello, Super-Bats. Welcome to CBR.

My story for "Superman Returns" would be simple:

Brandon Routh is a new twentysomething superhero who has emerged in Metropolis named Superman.

Kate Bosworth is a just-out-of-college journalist named Lois Lane.

Kevin Spacey is Lex Luthor, the owner of LexCorp who pretty much runs the town. His company pulls Metropolis out of a deep recession 10 years ago by producing jobs and technology to galvanize the city.

Kevin Bacon is Metallo. A petty crook whose life Luthor saved and thanks to S.T.A.R. Labs had his mind transferred into a metallic body.

The new superhero becomes the rage of the town, and Luthor can't stand being second place to some new stranger. So tells Supeman that Metropolis is "his town" and that Superman is only around a "sideshow spectacle" unless he decides he wants to work for Luthor. Superman rejects him, which makes Luthor pissed.

Eventually, Luthor studies Superman's moves and during Superman's attempt to stop a robbery at a museum he discovers that Superman has a weakness -- kryptonite. The weakness is used to bond with Metallo, who has two huge fights with the Kryptonian until Superman eventually wins.

Luthor theorizes that Superman is an alien from Krypton and threatens through his control of the media that he will cause everyone to fear him -- unless he works for him. Again, Superman refuses and vows to take down Luthor.


Sounds like a damn cool movie. I still like SUperman Returns....but that would have been a great movie too.

[Eliseu Gouveia]

Hello, Super-Bats. Welcome to CBR.

My story for "Superman Returns" would be simple:

Brandon Routh is a new twentysomething superhero who has emerged in Metropolis named Superman.

Kate Bosworth is a just-out-of-college journalist named Lois Lane.

Kevin Spacey is Lex Luthor, the owner of LexCorp who pretty much runs the town. His company pulls Metropolis out of a deep recession 10 years ago by producing jobs and technology to galvanize the city.

Kevin Bacon is Metallo. A petty crook whose life Luthor saved and thanks to S.T.A.R. Labs had his mind transferred into a metallic body.

The new superhero becomes the rage of the town, and Luthor can't stand being second place to some new stranger. So tells Supeman that Metropolis is "his town" and that Superman is only around as a "sideshow spectacle" unless he decides he wants to work for Luthor. Superman rejects him, which makes Luthor pissed.

Eventually, Luthor studies Superman's moves and during Superman's attempt to stop a robbery at a museum he discovers that Superman has a weakness -- kryptonite. The weakness is used to bond with Metallo, who has two huge fights with the Kryptonian until Superman eventually wins.

Luthor theorizes that Superman is an alien from Krypton and threatens through his control of the media that he will cause everyone to fear him -- unless he works for him. Again, Superman refuses and vows to take down Luthor. When Superman leaves, Luthor pulls out a Kryptonite ring and smiles mischieviously.

Definitelly better than what we got, plus Lex Luthor manages to keep being the puppetmaster who gets away clean at the end whereas Superman gets to actually fight a vilain.

[Smarty Jones]

"Sounds like a damn cool movie. I still like SUperman Returns....but that would have been a great movie too."

If you like that, you may love my ideas for the second through fourth movies:

SECOND FILM: I heard Jude Law's name was mentioned as playing the "Superman II" villain General Zod, but let's go with another villain, one who like Law has English roots -- Manchester Black. Lex Luthor hires The Elite -- which includes Coldcast (Morris Chestnut) and Menagerie -- to take down Superman. The Elite gains popularity for killing armed terrorists, and a jaded Manchester Black sees Superman as the ultimate do-nothing, goody-two-shoes "hero."

This movie will deal with some serious subject matter, such as what makes someone a hero vs. a vigilante. Superman's morals will be tested by Manchester Black, who finds out that Superman is really Clark Kent and that he loves Lois Lane (with whom Superman has gotten serious). After causing Superman to have the equivalent of a stroke, Black goes to Lois' apartment, apparently killing her. In the end, Superman overcomes the illusion, disrupts Black's powers permanently and finds out that Lois' death was an illusion -- and ultimately Superman telling her that he is also Clark Kent.

THIRD FILM: The introduction of Brainiac. The Coluan comes to Earth searching for "the last Kryptonian." Brainiac tells Superman of the city of Kandor, which is later revealed that Brainiac stole the city and shrunk it for observation. Brainiac knows that Superman existed because he saw the rocket hauling a baby Kal-El in space as Krypton was about to explode.

For the first time, Superman visits a city from his native planet. Superman learns of Brainiac's role in their plight and that the Coluan planned to upload all the knowledge it could from that world, then destroy it. Brainiac wanted Superman to visit Kandor, trapping him there while he destroyed Earth. Torn between his allegiances to his adopted home and the Kryptonian heritage he never fully lived, Superman returns to his normal size and takes down Brainiac. In the end, Superman brings Kandor to The Fortress of Solitude and vows to return Kandor to its normal size.

At the end of the movie, a storyline that has been building up comes to pass -- Lex Luthor is now running for president of the United States.

FOURTH FILM: In this movie, we will introduce Lana Lang, a news reporter for the Metropolis TV station. Lois obviously becomes insecure when she finds out that Lana and Clark dated in high school -- and Lana knows that Clark Kent is Superman. Moreover, the big plot in this movie is that Lex Luthor is now the president of the United States.

Luthor and Superman meet in the Oval Office, where they continue their conversation from the first movie. Luthor then starts a smear campaign against Superman, causing people to question Superman's loyalties. Then when a massive metorite shower theatens the Earth -- despite Superman's actions to stop most of the damage -- Luthor declares Superman as the instigator of the shower and declares Superman a fugitive of justice. Basically, it's Superman vs. the U.S. military. Imagine the air troops a la "Independence Day" going for Superman. The military are given weapons by LexCorp, which includes Kryptonite-tipped rocket launchers and missles.

Lana tries to investigate into Luthor's plans and then he has her kidnapped and tortured by his latest bodyguard, Mercy. Luthor knows who Superman really is, and he knows that Clark Kent would come looking for Lana. Superman comes to her rescue but then is stopped by Luthor's Kryptonite ring. Luthor tells Superman, "We don't need your kind here, Kryptonian."

Eventually, it ends with Superman having guns drawn on him from all directions ... and Lois finding information that LexCorp's advances were built by Luthor forging Kryptonian technology. A pardon is signed and later Luthor is brought up for impeachment ... while Lois and Clark get married.

[EZMOHR]

I would watch them. It makes a new mythology for a new Superman franchise. And that is what all restarts should strive for...not bring back the old ones.

[Smarty Jones]

"I would watch them. It makes a new mythology for a new Superman franchise. And that is what all restarts should strive for...not bring back the old ones."

That was the problem with "Superman Returns" and possibly a problem with the sequel (featuring another General Zod fight) -- regurgitations of movies made some 30 years ago.

[PatrickG]

More like 20 but I understand the frustration.

I like Zod. I'd like to see Zod in a movie.

One thing in our favor this time is that Singer now thinks SUPERMAN II was awful and, as I understand it, he will not be acknowledging Superman as having met Zod... And I doubt we'll follow the SUPERMAN II plot as closely.

Now, make it Zod AND Brainiac and we're good to go in my opinion.

[Smarty Jones]

"Superman: The Movie" came out in 1977, while "Superman II" came out in 1980.

My problem with General Zod is that character essentially exists only in "Superman II," which means drawing on another reference to a Silver Age character from the movies, not the source material. I personally would rather see someone like Jude Law play Manchester Black.

Given the lack of action in "Superman Returns," drawing on the action in "Superman II" would not be a bad idea.

[David Atkins]

My problem with General Zod is that character essentially exists only in "Superman II," which means drawing on another reference to a Silver Age character from the movies, not the source material. I personally would rather see someone like Jude Law play Manchester Black.

Actually, the character appeared in the comics as far back as 1961. Of course, considering the fact that you haven't actually watched the movies (as was revealed in the other thread) it comes as no surprise that you're not familiar with the comics either.

[Smarty Jones]

"Actually, the character appeared in the comics as far back as 1961. Of course, considering the fact that you haven't actually watched the movies (as was revealed in the other thread) it comes as no surprise that you're not familiar with the comics either."

"Here comes Lord Fireface in his little golden dress, following me around for a lollipop!"

Evidently, you're so dyslexic and obsessed with me that you can't even read to make sense. The General Zod that was in "Superman II" was a Silver Age character who essentially has been gone since "Crisis on Infinite Earths," when Superman was made the only Kryptonian. There was a Zod from the pocket universe that destroyed that universe's Earth, but Superman killed him and his two partners by exposing them to Kryptonite.

So yes, dumb ass, THAT General Zod that was in "Superman II" doesn't exist and hasn't existed for some 20 years. We would be more impressed with you if you actually contributed something to read -- but that would require original, creative thought, something you have yet to offer on CBR.

"Here comes Lord Fireface in his little golden dress, following me around for a lollipop!"

[jaguarshark]

"Here comes Lord Fireface in his little golden dress, following me around for a lollipop!"

Evidently, you're so dyslexic and obsessed with me that you can't even read to make sense. The General Zod that was in "Superman II" was a Silver Age character who essentially has been gone since "Crisis on Infinite Earths," when Superman was made the only Kryptonian. There was a Zod from the pocket universe that destroyed that universe's Earth, but Superman killed him and his two partners by exposing them to Kryptonite.

So yes, dumb ass, THAT General Zod that was in "Superman II" doesn't exist and hasn't existed for some 20 years. We we would be more impressed with you if you actually contributed something to thread -- but that would require original, creative thought, something you have yet to offer on CBR.

"Here comes Lord Fireface in his little golden dress, following me around for a lollipop!"

Smarty, I've spent a lot of time sitting at the computer working on writing assignments and distracting myself with CBR for the last couple of days (just getting that clear, so you don't think I'm "following you around") and you're really starting to offend me. I'm not about to go running for a mod or anything, but why do you feel the need to call Fireface a "dumb ass", and insult him in a bunch of other ways?
Incidentally, Fireface, I really like your posts here, although that's probably just because we agree on stuff!

[Smarty Jones]

"Smarty, I've spent a lot of time sitting at the computer working on writing assignments and distracting myself with CBR for the last couple of days (just getting that clear, so you don't think I'm 'following you around') and you're really starting to offend me."

Fine, are you actually going to post something relevant to this thread or not? Because other than that, you're also not contributing anything.

[jaguarshark]

Fine, are you actually going to post something relevant to this thread or not? Because other than that, you're also not contributing anything.
I liked the movie fine as it was. I don't want to add anything much to it, or change it. I definitely don't think we need another origin movie. I feel like, at this point, everybody knows the basic Superman mythology, and it made sense to follow the outline laid down by a hugely popular blockbuster film. The first page of 'All-Star Superman' appealed to me a lot, because it seemed to realise the redundancy of dwelling on the origin story.

I looked at this thread to see what other people's ideas for a 'better' film were, saw your reply to Fireface and figured somebody should say something. That simple.

[Kara Zor El]

Looks like your "My idea...." thread has been misinterpreted as "what's your idea..." Oh well. Such is life.

[cactusmaac]

Ehh, what the hell.

Superman Returns

The opening sequence begins with a beaten-down, bearded and thoroughly wrecked Superman (Jim Cavieziel) shackled in an alien prison and exposed to an array of kryptonite and red sunlight emitters. On his way to being executed along with a bunch of other aliens, a lucky break allows him to escape to a spaceship and head off to Earth. The prison boss quakes in fear as now he'll have to tell the mighty Darkseid.

Supes crashes down on Earth near the Kent farm. He's been gone for five years. Martha - and Lois - help him back home. The next morning Lois confronts him and tells him she realised Clark Kent was Superman after Martha sent her a badly photoshopped picture of Clark supposedly in Africa, to keep her off the scent of his unexplained disappearance. She's been driving up regularly to the farm to help out Martha, with both of them waiting forlornly for him. Very pissed at him both for the disappearance and the lying about his identity and storms out without letting him get a word in edgewise.

Clark switches on the TV and reads the papers, and finds the world has really changed. Lex Luthor has apparently gone straight and his company Lexcorp is now one of the world's largest. He's reportedly considering a presidential run. He's also the sponsor and creator of a team called the Elite who are the superheroing equivalent of asshole sports stars with a fondness for collateral damage and killing their opponents. Lex has used his money and influence to buy them favourable press coverage and make them media darlings. He's also kept up a steady stream of anti-Superman press coverage, deriding him as a hokey, outdated, milquetoast alien who only idiots would support.

And the public seems to have bought into it.

Clark's a little shocked and wonders out loud if the world still needs Superman or Clark Kent. Martha asks him if that's the kind of attitude his father would have endorsed, saying that at the very least he owes it to Lois to give her a full explanation. She asks why he was away for so long. Clark goes silent and says that he was testing a Kryptonian spacecraft the Fortress had generated when it suddenly went haywire and plunged him into a wormhole. He was captured by an unknown force and held prisoner for years, being tortured endlessly. The only name his captor gave - who Superman only heard, never saw - was Darkseid.

Clark heads to Metropolis to talk to Lois and collect his things from the Planet. Coincidentally Lex Luthor is showing off his latest weapons system to the public, a gigantic robot called a Metallo, with the Elite in attendance. It goes haywire, the Elite's attempts to stop it cause even more trouble and Lois is about to be squashed. Cue the return of Superman who rescues her in the nick of time and defeats Metallo in a twenty-minute long battle sequence culminating in a sustained ovation from the crowds present, and a glowering Luthor. Examination of the remains shocks Supes as he realises that Metallo was based on Kryptonian technology. Gives Luthor a prolonged staredown. Leaves to rescue a kid who's about to fall off a building the Elite damaged. Recognises him as one of the children who called him Superdork on TV. Kid is starstruck and says, "Cool costume." Supes thanks him and says his mom made it for him.

Clark Kent visits the Daily Planet in order to talk to Lois, move his stuff out and see if he can access Planet records on what Luthor's been up to. Jimmy Olsen is now married and has two kids. Perry White barges out, tells Clark to quit wasting time and get back to work. Clark's a little surprised he still has a job and Perry says don't thank him, thank Lois who insisted on it. Lois has gone home so Clark goes to see her as Superman. Lois says he deserves a second chance but she's still very angry about the lying. Martha has alredy told her about the
imprisonment. Superman says he wanted to tell her multiple times but didn't want to expose her to any further danger and worry. Says that he needs her help now as Lex is obviously up to something dirty. Lois says fine, takes out a pair of Clark's old glasses and puts them on Superman, telling him what she really missed was his help with her spelling. They go out for a flight.

Next morning both Lois and Clark start investigating Lexcorp intensively. Clark finds pretty much all their products are based on Kryptonian tech. In the meantime, Lex is going into full overdrive. Superman's return has reignited his popularity while the Metallo incident has severely damaged his. Starts fitting the Elite out with kryptonite weapons and goes into his office. Starts berating his computer which is revealed to be Brainiac. Brainiac says the Metallo mulfunction was intentional as was the delivery of Kal-El to Darkseid. Says Luthor's usefulness is at an end and plans must be accelerated in order to pave the way for Darkseid now that he has returned. A prototype mini-Metallo comes to life with Brainiac's AI transferred to it and he starts blowing crap up, proclaiming to the world to surrender peacefully or be exterminated.

All across Metropolis, different Metallos of various shapes and sizes start appearing having . Supes appears, rescues a few civilians and busts up a number of them. Flies to Lexcorp Tower to confront Luthor and Brainiac. The Elite try to take him down, but he takes them down easy and finger-flicks the biggest and most powerful one onhis way in. Gets to the interior and sees a cowering Lex while Brainiac gives his backstory - the STAS one - and says he is in league with Darkseid, who will be coming. Cue massive fight involving Brainiac-Metallo and lots and lots of possessed machines which finally ends when Superman uses a crystal from the Fortress to short-circuit his AI.

Finale sees Luthor hauled off to jail thanks to Lois and Clark's journalism. Movie ends with Lois on the balcony of her apartment when she tries to light a cigarette. Keeps getting blown out and sees Clark hovering outside in his regular clothes of flannel and denim. Says maybe it's time for Lois to see what he's really like and that he's going to take her to see his parents. Lois is puzzled and says she already knows Martha. Clark says his other parents and flies her to the Fortress.

After the credits we see Apokolips and get a brief look at Darkseid talking to a lackey. He says Superman's victory is but a temporary one for Doomsday is coming.

[super-bats]

hey all......those are some really great ideas.............creative, too.......much more creative than what we got in SR.......

but, like Kara Zor El said........it seems the initial intent of my thread has been lost.........how we can use pretty much the same scenes/plot points in SR......modify them a little.......and put them in a different context......

but....no one's even commented on the story points that I posted.....sigh.....lol.

[Smarty Jones]

"I looked at this thread to see what other people's ideas for a 'better' film were, saw your reply to Fireface and figured somebody should say something. That simple."

In other words, you have nothing to contribute to this thread and when someone in your mutual admiration society gets told off -- even though he makes a personal attack that has nothing to do with the thread -- you felt the need to protect him.

How touching.

"but, like Kara Zor El said........it seems the initial intent of my thread has been lost.........how we can use pretty much the same scenes/plot points in SR......modify them a little.......and put them in a different context......"

Don't take it personally, Super-Bats. Your ideas are fine.

The problem with "Superman Returns" is that with a few changes of words, the movie would have been a lot better to reconcile. For example:

MOVIE: Superman is gone for five years on a visit to Krypton, telling no one that he has left -- not even Lois Lane. Only his mother, Martha Kent knows. No one knows what has happened to The Man of Steel.

REVISION: Superman holds a news conference, telling the world that remains of his adopted world of Krypton was found. He said that it is a chance he can save others, though he feels in his heart he is the only survivor. He flies straight in the sky, with a whole world wondering when he would come back.

MOVIE: Superman sleeps with Lois Lane, never telling her that he has a second identity -- Clark Kent, one of her closest colleagues. Clark takes a sabbatical from The Daily Planet. Lois ends up pregnant and with Richard, who thinks the child is his.

REVISION: Superman sleeps with Lois and tells her that he's really Clark Kent. A stunned and slightly betrayed Lois tries hard to reconcile the revelation. Shortly before he leaves, Superman does an X-ray vision scan and sees that Lois is pregnant. Superman tells her, and Lois is stunned again.

After some thought, she asks Superman do they want to become a couple. Superman says yes -- and then the remains of Krypton are found. Lois tells Superman that knowing him, he will never know peace until he sees for himself that his home planet is gone. Superman leaves with her blessing, and Lois has the child.

Are those the type of revisions you're looking for?