Out of the MAN OF STEEL camp comes the official synopsis for the Superman re-imagining.
“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.”
Its good to see that the film isn’t making the same mistake as Brian Singer’s SUPERMAN RETURNS and making a clean slate from Richard Donner’s legacy. However I still don’t see a need to have an origin story to the character, as the synopsis says “Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time.” Everyone knows his story and I don’t think the fact that it’s set now means it changes or delivers something new or unique that enhances the story.
The film stars Henry Cavill (IMMORTALS) as Superman, Amy Adams (ENCHANTED) as Lois Lane, Russell Crowe (CINDERELLA MAN) as Jor-El, Michael Shannon (MY SON, MY SON WHAT HAVE THY DONE?) as General Zod, Kevin Costner (ROBIN HOOD PRINCE OF THIEVES) as Jonathan Kent, Diane Lane (SECRETARIAT) as Martha Kent and Lawrence Fishburne (THE MATRIX) as Perry White,