A new Superman-centric television series is reportedly in the works with actor Brandon Routh set to reprise his role from 2006’s Superman Returns. While many loyal DC fans appreciate Routh’s iteration of the character and believe his tenure was affected by a poor script, the fanbase was more enthusiastic about James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy, which will reboot the DCU.
As a result, fans took to social media to share their reaction to the news of a Routh-led Superman television series being developed. Fans are divided between a desire to see Routh get another go at the Man of Steel and seeing Gunn provide a fresh start to the character after Henry Cavill’s doomed DCEU run. Here is what fans are saying about the potential new series starring Routh as the Last Son of Krypton.
A New Superman Show With Brandon Routh Reportedly in Development
Brandon Routh debuted as Clark Kent / Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns. However, it remained Routh’s only film appearance as the character after plans for a sequel were reportedly scrapped due to the film’s poor box-office performance.
Routh later reprised the role of Superman in The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event. Arrowverse producer Marc Guggenheim has now teased the possibility of seeing a continuation of the adventures of Routh’s Superman in the form of a television series. Guggenheim confirmed talks of a Routh-led Superman series by tweeting the following:
Brandon and I have talked about a sequel series. We have some really exciting ideas… https://t.co/RSLWlyykKH
— Marc Guggenheim (@mguggenheim) February 16, 2024
While the tweet indicates that Routh might redon the red cape, things are far from certain regarding a television series starring him as Superman. Nonetheless, a section of fans reacted negatively to the news as The CW recently canceled Superman & Lois, starring Tyler Hoechlin as Superman.
The series will conclude with its upcoming fourth season and is widely regarded as one of the best Superman adaptations on the small screen. Furthermore James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Legacy will introduce a brand new version of the character and a separate television series starring Routh will only add to the confusion of casual fans.
Fans Question the Idea of a Brandon Routh-led Superman Show Before Superman: Legacy
After Guggenheim’s tweet, some fans quickly jumped online to criticize the idea of a new Superman series while the DCU was being rebooted. One fan took the opportunity to ask James Gunn whether such a series was even possible under his reign as DC Studios’ co-CEO.
Here is what fans are saying about the potential Brandon Routh-led Superman show on X.
Yo @JamesGunn this better not be true. Can we get 1 universe going before we do alternate supermans..
— Hiebs 🇨🇦 – competitive rebuild (@senorhi3bs) February 17, 2024
This will never happen. Just people talking
— Mr C 🙅🏿♂️ (@mr_cee1975) February 17, 2024
Things like this is why we need more #DCElseworlds content for DCTV and a perfect way to continue handling the Multiverse through an #Arrowverse-adjacent project. @JamesGunn
— Gonzalo (@gonzalo_9122) February 16, 2024
A SEQUAL SERIES of Brandon Routh’s Kingdom Come Superman!!! Plz make it happen! 🙏🏼
— SuperheroLoverX (@SuperheroLoverX) February 16, 2024
While some fans cast doubt on a Routh-led Superman series materializing, most seemed enthusiastic about the prospect. However, considering the recent cancellation of Superman & Lois and Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel continuity being rebooted, it seems the general plan from DC is to have just one iteration of Superman for the time being.
Some fans are hoping for Routh to get another round as the Last Son of Krypton in the form of the rumored television series. However, Routh’s appearance in Crisis on Infinite Earths served as a nice call back to his tenure and allowed fans to get a sense of closure. Hence, another television series starring Routh seems unnecessary given the current climate at DC Studios.
Superman Returns is streaming on Max and episodes of the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event can be streamed on Netflix and Max.
