Man of Steel

Man of Steel is a 2013 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman. Produced by Syncopy, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is the first installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and a reboot of the Superman film series that portrays the character's origin story. The film is directed by Zack Snyder, written by David S. Goyer from a story by him and Christopher Nolan, who also produces, and stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and Russell Crowe. In the film, Clark Kent learns that he is a superpowered alien from the planet Krypton. He assumes the role of mankind's protector as Superman, making the choice to face General Zod and prevent him from destroying humanity. Development began in 2008 when Warner Bros. took pitches from comic book writers, screenwriters, and directors, opting to reboot the franchise. In 2009, a court ruling resulted in Jerry Siegel's family recapturing the rights to Superman's origins and Siegel's copyright. The decision stated that Warner Bros. did not owe the families additional royalties from previous films, but if they did not begin production on a Superman film by 2011, then the Shuster and Siegel estates would be able to sue for lost revenue on an unproduced film. Producer Christopher Nolan pitched Goyer's idea after story discussion on The Dark Knight Rises, and Snyder was hired as the film's director in October 2010. Principal photography began in August 2011 in West Chicago, Illinois, before moving to Vancouver and Plano, Illinois. Man of Steel premiered in the Alice Tully Hall on June 10, 2013, and was released in the United States on June 14, 2013 in 2D, 3D, and IMAX. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the film's action sequences, cinematography, visual effects, Snyder's direction and Hans Zimmer's score, as well as Shannon's performance as Zod, although they were divided on Cavill's performance as Superman, while its pacing, lack of character development and serious tonal approach to Superman was criticized. The film grossed over $668 million worldwide, it made a net profit of approximately $42 million, and is the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2013. It is the final DC film co-financed by Legendary Pictures. A follow-up entitled Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was released on March 25, 2016, while a proper sequel is currently in development.

International versions

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