20 Years Ago, He Could’ve Been a Global Star, But Superman Ruined His Career!

Brandon Routh was perfectly positioned to become a global superstar after landing the role of Superman, but instead, “Superman Returns” ended up breaking his career rather than boosting it.

In 2006, Routh was cast as the iconic Man of Steel in Bryan Singer’s film. With a massive budget of $270 million, this seemed like a golden opportunity for Routh, who was only 25 at the time and making his big-screen debut after roles in TV series such as “Gilmore Girls,” “Cold Case,” and “Will & Grace.” He had even previously auditioned for the role of Superman in “Smallville,” but Tom Welling was selected instead. This film, with such potential, was supposed to be a major turning point in his career.

The Hollywood Dream Cut Short

Despite generally positive reviews and a fairly respectable global box office of $391 million, “Superman Returns” did not meet studio expectations. It failed to be the superhero sensation they had hoped for and, worse, led to the cancellation of any further sequels. Brandon Routh, whose performance was praised, found himself at a career dead end, with his portrayal of Superman quickly fading into obscurity.

The film wasn’t a complete disaster, but it marked a negative turning point for the actor’s career. As a result, Routh struggled to land significant roles in the following years. He was relegated to minor appearances in films like Kevin Smith’s “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” and Edgar Wright’s “Scott Pilgrim.” He then turned to television, appearing in series like “Chuck” and “Partners.”

A Quiet Return to the DC Universe

However, Brandon Routh’s involvement with the DC universe didn’t end with “Superman Returns.” He later returned as Ray Palmer, also known as The Atom, in the TV series “Arrow,” “The Flash,” and “Legends of Tomorrow.” Yet, the image of the Superman he once portrayed remains overshadowed by other actors who have played the role. He made a notable comeback in the role during the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” episode of the DC TV universe!

It’s unfortunate that such a significant opportunity ultimately hindered his career, despite his talent and dedication to the project. His story reflects a phenomenon where the pressure of expectations can sometimes become a trap.

“Superman Returns” is available for streaming on Prime Video and HBO Max.

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