Superman Returns is a 2006 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and stars Brandon Routh as Superman, Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, and Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. The film serves as a sequel to the 1980s Superman films, specifically Richard Donner's Superman and Superman II.
The story begins with Superman returning to Earth after a five-year absence to find that much has changed in his absence. He comes back to Metropolis to resume his alter ego as Clark Kent and reunite with Lois Lane, only to find that she has moved on and is now in a serious relationship with Richard White, the nephew of Daily Planet editor Perry White.
Meanwhile, Lex Luthor has been released from prison and has used the intervening years to become even more evil and dangerous. He hatches a plan to create a new land mass in the Atlantic Ocean, which would flood much of the East Coast of the United States and kill millions of people. This plan is set in motion using Superman's own technology, stolen from the Fortress of Solitude.
As Superman tries to stop Luthor's plan, he must also deal with the personal fallout of his five-year absence. He discovers that he has a son with Lois Lane, Jason, who has been raised by Lois and Richard as their own child. Superman struggles with his desire to be a part of Jason's life and his responsibility to protect the world as Superman.
The film builds to a climactic battle between Superman and Luthor on the new land mass, as Superman races against time to stop the deadly flood before it can destroy countless lives. In the end, Superman saves the day and restores order to the world, while also finding a new sense of purpose and connection with his son.