Let’s discuss Superman, however not simply any Superman, Christopher Reeve’s iconic model of the Man of Metal. This man didn’t simply fly, he flew us into the world of superhero motion pictures with Richard Donner’s 1978 traditional, Superman. It wasn’t the primary superhero film, nevertheless it was the primary huge one, setting the stage for a brand new style.
With Reeve’s charming Clark Kent and epic heroism, it sparked a number of timelines and alternate realities that turned the muse for the superhero motion pictures we all know and love right this moment. From sequels to spin-offs, we’ve received some parallel universe motion to interrupt down. Let’s dive into the wild journey of Reeve’s Superman timeline, the place actuality (and time) isn’t as simple as a telephone sales space change.
1. Superman’s Unique Timeline: From Epic Beginnings To Comedic Chaos
After Superman (1978) flew into theaters, issues received just a little wild for the Man of Metal. The timeline adopted with Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, with the shift in tone changing into fairly clear. Director Richard Donner’s extra earnest, epic strategy within the first two movies was changed by Richard Lester’s lighter, extra comedic contact within the sequels. And simply if you thought it couldn’t get any crazier, Supergirl swooped in, launching a spin-off with Helen Slater’s Kara Zor-El, and opening up much more of the Donnerverse!
2. Superman II’s Donner Minimize: A Complete New Sequel Actuality
Superman II: The Richard Donner Minimize is just like the multiverse of Superman motion pictures. After Donner was changed mid-production, Superman II received a brand new course underneath Richard Lester, turning it into one thing extra comedic. However in 2006, Donner’s imaginative and prescient received its second within the solar when his director’s minimize was launched, with as a lot unique footage as attainable. Nevertheless, since there wasn’t sufficient to create a full narrative, the theatrical minimize was used to fill in gaps. What we received is an alternate timeline the place Superman’s journey unfolds in a manner that wasn’t initially meant. So, yeah, it’s a sequel, however not fairly the one we noticed in theaters!
3. Superman ’78: The Comedian Universe That Continued Donner’s Legacy
In 2021, Superman ’78 took the unique movie timeline into the world of comics, choosing up proper after Superman II. With Brainiac and Metallo inflicting chaos, and even Jor-El and Lara making a shock comeback (although trapped in Brainiac’s miniaturized metropolis of Kandor), the comics supplied a complete new journey. It wasn’t only a continuation of Donner’s Superman, but additionally a part of an even bigger multiverse that ties in with the Batman ’89 comics. It’s just like the traditional Superman we love received a contemporary coat of comic-book paint, persevering with his story in an all-new manner.
4. Superman Returns: A Contemporary Begin With Selective Reminiscence
In 2006, Superman Returns picked up the cape with a daring twist: it ignored the weirdness of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, mainly, every thing after Superman II was erased from the timeline. That meant Supergirl was completely neglected too! Returns introduced us a extra mature Superman, however the true kicker got here when this model of Supes joined the Arrowverse in 2019. There, we realized that his universe’s Joker took out Lois Lane and the Each day Planet crew, giving us a darker, Kingdom Come-inspired Superman. Discuss a heavy return!
5. Superman & Supergirl: A Flash of Multiverse Insanity
In The Flash (2023), we get an surprising deal with: Christopher Reeve’s Superman and Helen Slater’s Supergirl make temporary however epic cameos! As Barry messes with the timeline, we’re proven a complete bunch of realities, together with a attainable Donner universe. Now, whether or not that is the traditional Superman ‘78 timeline or some new actuality created by Barry’s timeline-hopping shenanigans is up for debate. It’s a multiverse merry-go-round, with Burton Batman additionally getting pulled in. Lengthy story quick: The Flash gave us some extreme nostalgic chaos, and we’re right here for it!
What’s New For Superman In 2025?
The most recent model of Superman is a part of James Gunn’s rebooted DC universe. On this universe, David Corenswet takes over the function of The Man of Metal from Henry Cavill. The movie, merely titled Superman, launched on July 11, 2025, and have become the highest-grossing superhero film of the 12 months, incomes over $606 million (by way of Field Workplace Mojo), on the time of writing. Whereas no official affirmation a couple of sequel has been made, it’s seemingly that Corenswet will reprise his function as Superman in Gunn’s future DCU tasks.
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