Superman: Man of Tomorrow

Last updated
Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Superman-man-of-tomorrow-4k.jpg
Directed byChris Palmer
Written byTim Sheridan
Based on Superman: Birthright
by Mark Waid
Leinil Francis Yu
Gerry Alanguilan
Produced byJim Krieg
Kimberly S. Moreau
Starring
Edited byBruce A. King
Music by Kevin Riepl
Production
companies
Distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release date
  • August 23, 2020 (2020-08-23)(digital)
Running time
86 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Superman: Man of Tomorrow is a 2020 American animated superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, and DC Entertainment, and distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, it is the first installment in the DC Animated Movie Universe's second phase, and the sixteenth overall. The film is directed by Chris Palmer, and written by Tim Sheridan, and stars Darren Criss and Zachary Quinto. The film depicts the early days of Clark Kent's career as the superhero Superman. It is the 41st film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line.

Contents

Plot

Following the planet Krypton's destruction, Kryptonian infant Kal-El was sent by his parents to Earth where he is adopted by farmers Jonathan and Martha Kent who raise him as "Clark". Years later, Clark works for the Daily Planet as an intern and is known to the public as "the Flying Man" when using his abilities. He attends the launch of an orbital rocket telescope made by LexCorp in hopes to seek other life in the universe, but reporter Lois Lane exposes LexCorp CEO Lex Luthor of the rocket's true plan that would destroy Metropolis and gross negligence leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, Clark befriends S.T.A.R. Labs janitor Rudy Jones, who informs him about extraterrestrial experiments going on inside the lab. Suddenly, the rocket heads to Metropolis and Clark stops the rocket as the Flying Man. Unbeknownst to Clark, he is being watched by a mysterious figure in a trench coat.

S.T.A.R. Labs detect a UFO grabbing the attention of Clark, who is confronted by an alien bounty hunter named Lobo and learns he is the last of his kind with a bounty on him. During the fight, which is lead to S.T.A.R. Labs, Rudy is caught in the crossfire of the damage being fused with unknown substances while Lobo learns of Clark's weakness to Kryptonite. Just as Clark is being beaten by Lobo, the figure intervenes, revealing himself as a Martian to the public. While he distracts Lobo, Clark uses Earth's sun to heal and ultimately defeat Lobo. That night, the Martian introduces himself as J'onn J'onzz to the Kents and reveals Clark's Kryptonian history to him. He then warns Clark to stay hidden from humanity as they can be xenophobic despite Clark's disagreements. Elsewhere, a hospitalised Rudy awakens and discovers he has the ability to drain life, turning victims into husks.

Martha gifts Clark a new suit with an "S" imprinted at the front and a cape while the media officially coin him "Superman". Rudy attacks S.T.A.R. Labs in an attempt to gain answers from Lobo but frees him in the process after draining his cell's energy which transforms Rudy into a parasite-like creature who begins rampaging across Metropolis. Superman and J'onn work together to stop Rudy, but during the battle, Rudy is draining their powers while extracting information from them. The battle results in J'onn's death after being burnt by Rudy. A powerless Superman requests help from an imprisoned Luthor to help him restore his abilities by sending him to the sun. Through S.T.A.R. Labs CCTV footage, Superman realizes Rudy became the Parasite thanks to Lobo's grenade; it consisted of a purple foam/liquid and was designed to absorb energy, but instead bonded with Rudy's DNA to create the Parasite. Luthor deduces that the Parasite would have gained Superman's weaknesses from absorbing his energy, and reveals that he has enlisted Lobo after buying out S.T.A.R. Labs.

Lex, Clark, and Lobo devise a plan to lure the Parasite into Metropolis' power plant and use Lobo's Kryptonite ring to weaken it. The plan fails, prompting Lobo to suicide-bomb the Parasite. Luthor equips the ring with a magnifying pulse rifle and shoots the Parasite, ultimately taking it down. Luthor then double-crosses Superman but is stopped by J'onn, who had faked his death using his psychic abilities. With the plan failed, Superman tries to calm the Parasite down by using his humanity and in turn, Superman formally introduces himself to the world as Kal-El. Suddenly, the power plant begins to overload, and Parasite sacrifices himself to stop it. In the aftermath, Superman and J'onn meet at the roof of the Daily Planet where they also see Lobo alive due to his regeneration abilities. J'onn laments that they are each the last of their species but Lobo reveals there might be more Martians and Kryptonians out there with J'onn heading off to find them.

Voice cast

Voice actor [1] Character
Darren Criss Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman
Alexandra Daddario Lois Lane
Zachary Quinto Lex Luthor
Ike Amadi J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter
Ryan Hurst Lobo
Brett Dalton Rudy Jones / Parasite
Neil Flynn Jonathan Kent
Bellamy Young Martha Kent
Cristina MiliziaMaya, Petey, Kaylie
Eugene Byrd Ron Troupe
April Stewart Mrs. Ross
Piotr Michael Perry White
David ChenMed Student, Scientist

Production

The voice cast for Superman: Man of Tomorrow was revealed in 2020, with Darren Criss, Alexandra Daddario and Zachary Quinto in the lead, as Superman, Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively. [1] In a July interview with DC Comics, writer Tim Sheridan said he drew inspiration from comics Superman: American Alien and Superman: Birthright , with a touch of several others. [2]

Release

Superman: Man of Tomorrow was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con held in July 2019. [3] The film was released on digital on August 23, 2020, and on Blu-ray, DVD, and on 4K Ultra HD on September 8. The film was made available online for free during DC FanDome on September 12. [4]

Music

A soundtrack album by Kevin Riepl was released by WaterTower Music on September 10. [5]

Reception

Superman: Man of Tomorrow peaked at #1 of the Top Ten Blu-ray Sellers for Week and the Top Five Home Media Sellers for Week, achieving an HD market share of 100%. [6] It earned $3,234,932 from domestic home video sales. [7]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 93% based on 14 reviews. [8]

Jesse Schedeen of IGN rated the film a 7 out of 10: "Superman: Man of Tomorrow is a safe and largely predictable take on the Man of Steel's iconic origin story. While that lack of narrative ambition is disappointing at times, there's a reason this particular story has endured so well over the years. Man of Tomorrow gets to the heart of Clark Kent and the emotional journey he has to experience before he can truly become Superman. With a revamped visual style and a strong voice cast, Man of Tomorrow serves as a solid start for this new animated universe". [9]

The film was nominated for Best Superhero Film at the 2021 Critics' Choice Super Awards. [10] [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lex Luthor</span> Fictional supervillain appearing in DC comics publications and related media

Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Lex Luthor originally appeared in Action Comics #23. Lex Luthor is considered to be "The World's Greatest Criminal Mastermind", and has since endured as the archenemy of the superhero Superman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bizarro</span> Comic book supervillain

Bizarro is a supervillain or anti-hero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp as a "mirror image" of Superman, and first appeared in Superboy #68 (1958). Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character has often been portrayed as an antagonist to Superman, though on occasion he also takes on an antihero role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brainiac (character)</span> Supervillain in the DC Universe

Brainiac is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, and debuted in Action Comics #242. He has since endured as one of Superman's greatest enemies. The character's name is a portmanteau of the words brain and maniac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doomsday (DC Comics)</span> Fictional comic character

Doomsday is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the character first made a cameo appearance in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 before being fully introduced in Superman: The Man of Steel #18. He has become one of Superman's most enduring enemies belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parasite (comics)</span> DC Comics character

Parasite is the name of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Each iteration of the character has the ability to temporarily absorb the life force, attributes, memories, and superpowers of anyone through physical touch. The most well-known and recurring incarnation is Rudy Jones, who has become one of Superman's most enduring enemies and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery. In 2009, Parasite was ranked as IGN's 61st Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan and Martha Kent</span> Fictional adoptive parents of Superman

Jonathan Kent and Martha Kent are fictional characters in American comic books published by DC Comics. They are the adoptive parents of Superman, and live in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas. In most versions of Superman's origin story, Jonathan and Martha find Kal-El as an infant after he crash-lands on Earth following the destruction of his home planet, Krypton. They adopt him shortly thereafter, renaming him Clark Kent, "Clark" being Martha's maiden name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superboy (Kon-El)</span> DC Comics superhero

Superboy is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A modern variation on the original Superboy, the character first appeared as Superboy in The Adventures of Superman #500, and was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Publication history of Superman</span>

Superman is an American fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and featured pervasively in DC Comic books. The character debuted in Action Comics issue #1 in June 1938 and has since become a paradigm for superhero characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steel (John Henry Irons)</span> Fictional superhero in the DC comics universe

Steel is a superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is a genius engineer who built a mechanized suit of armor that mirrors Superman's powers, and initially sought to replace him after he was killed by Doomsday. After Superman was resurrected, he accepted Steel as an ally. His real name is John Henry Irons and he wields a sledgehammer—this is a reference to the mythical railroad worker John Henry. He has a niece named Natasha Irons who is also a superhero in a similar mechanized suit of armour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superman and Lois Lane</span> Fictional couple in DC Comics

Superman and Lois Lane are a fictional couple. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, both characters, including Superman's alter ego Clark Kent, first appeared in DC Comics' Action Comics #1. They have remained in a complicated relationship ever since. A supercouple and the first superhero comic book romance, they are among the best-known fictional couples and have appeared in multiple media adaptations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative versions of Superman</span> Various incarnations of comic book superhero

The character of Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and has been continually published in a variety of DC Comics book titles since its premiere in 1938. There have been several versions of Superman over the years, both as the main hero in the stories as well as several alternative versions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Last Son</span>

"Last Son" is a five-issue comic book story arc featuring Superman in the monthly Action Comics. It was written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner, the director of the well-known 1978 film Superman: The Movie and a portion of Superman II, with pencils by Adam Kubert. This story introduces the original character, Christopher Kent and adapts the classic Superman film villains, General Zod, Ursa and Non into the regular DC Universe continuity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Origin of Superman</span> Fiction depicting the early life of Superman

The origin of Superman and his superhuman powers have been a central narrative for Superman since his inception, with the story of the destruction of his home planet of Krypton, his arrival on Earth and emergence as a superhero evolving from Jerry Siegel's original story into a broad narrative archetype over the course of Superman's literary history and as the character's scope continues to expand across comics, radio, television and film.

<i>Superman: Secret Origin</i> Limited series comic book

Superman: Secret Origin is a six-issue monthly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics. The series was written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank, featuring the superhero Superman. The story featured the "definitive" origin of Superman for the modern, post-Infinite Crisis DC Universe continuity, starting with Clark Kent in his pre-teens as Superboy. Within the series he goes on to meet a young Lex Luthor and the Legion of Super-Heroes in Smallville, Kansas, and soon heads to Metropolis where a young adult Clark debuts as Superman.

<i>Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom</i> 2015 American film

Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Attack of the Legion of Doom is a 2015 American animated superhero comedy film based on the Lego and DC Comics brands, which was released on August 25, 2015, on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD. This is the fourth Lego DC Comics film following Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered and Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League.

Lois Lane is a fictional character first appearing in DC Comics Action Comics #1, an intrepid reporter commonly portrayed as the romantic interest of the superhero Superman and his alter-ego Clark Kent. Since her debut in comic books, she has appeared in various media adaptations, including radio, animations, films, television and video games. Actresses who have portrayed Lois Lane include Noel Neill, Phyllis Coates, Margot Kidder, Teri Hatcher, Erica Durance, Kate Bosworth, Amy Adams, Elizabeth Tulloch, and Rachel Brosnahan.

Clark Kent (<i>Superman & Lois</i>) Fictional character in Superman & Lois

Clark Joseph Kent, also known by his birth name Kal-El or superhero alias Superman, is a fictional character and a superhero in the 2021 The CW television series Superman & Lois; originally developed as a part of the Arrowverse franchise of television series, first mentioned in the 2015 pilot of Supergirl, based on the character of the same name created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and adapted for television by Glen Winter, Greg Berlanti and Todd Helbing from the previous Arrowverse adaptation of the character by Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, and Jessica Queller. Clark Kent had been portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin in the Arrowverse since 2016 prior to the development of Superman & Lois as a spin-off of Supergirl, in which Hoechlin reprised his role as co-headliner, initially said to be playing the same incarnation of Superman he had played in Supergirl, before the series was retroactively established to be set in its own continuity, on an Earth other from Earth-Prime, in its second season finale.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lex Luthor (DC Extended Universe)</span> DC Extended Universe character

Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor, Jr. is a fictional character in the DC Extended Universe based on the DC Comics supervillain of the same name. He is portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg. Luthor first appeared in the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, pitting Batman and Superman against each other in an attempt to eradicate the two superheroes. He also appears briefly in Justice League and its director's cut. Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor has been described as unorthodox compared to most depictions of the character, with his performance in Batman v Superman receiving mixed reviews.

References

  1. 1 2 Vejvoda, Jim (May 1, 2020). "Superman: Man of Tomorrow Movie Voice Cast Revealed". IGN . Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  2. Taylor, George (July 21, 2020). "A New Hero Takes Flight in Superman: Man of Tomorrow". DC Comics.com . Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  3. Lovett, Jamie (July 20, 2019). "Superman: Man of Tomorrow Movie Announced". Comicbook.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  4. Scott, Ryan (September 12, 2020). "Superman: Man of Tomorrow Is Streaming for Free at DC FanDome Right Now". MovieWeb. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  5. "'Superman: Man of Tomorrow' Soundtrack Album Details". Film Music Reporter. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  6. "Blu-ray Sales, September 5–12: Superman Soars Above Other Titles".
  7. "Superman: Man of Tomorrow". The Numbers . Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  8. "Superman: Man of Tomorrow". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  9. Schedeen, Jesse (December 4, 2020). "Superman: Man of Tomorrow Review". IGN Entertainment . Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  10. Hammond, Pete (November 19, 2020). "'Palm Springs', 'Lovecraft Country' Top Movie And Series Nominations For Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards; Netflix Lands 35 Nods". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  11. Ramos, Dino-Ray (January 10, 2021). "Critics Choice Super Awards Full Winners List: 'Palm Springs', 'Soul', 'The Boys' Among Top Honorees". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved June 24, 2022.