WARNER BROS. Brandon Routh revives the role of the classic superhero in "Superman Returns."

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Image of new
‘Superman’ film
released by Warner’s

The first image from the highly anticipated action adventure "Superman Returns," starring newcomer Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel, has been released by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Chris Lee, on hiatus from his chairman duties with the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Academy for Creative Media, is the film's executive producer.

The first new Superman movie since 1987's "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" starring the late Christopher Reeve, "Superman Returns" has the superhero coming back to his adopted home planet after being a long absence.

While his old enemy Lex Luthor plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life.

Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to find his place in a society that has learned to survive without him.

In an attempt to protect the world he loves from destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey that takes him from the depths of the ocean to outer space.

"Superman Returns" is directed by Bryan Singer (the "X-Men" movies) and stars Routh, Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor), Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane), James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, Parker Posey, Kal Penn and Sam Huntington. The late Marlon Brando, who starred in the 1978 original as Superman's father Jor-El, is expected to appear in archival footage

The movie's screenplay is by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, who co-wrote (with David Hayter) the "X2: X-Men United" screenplay.

"Superman Returns" will be released on June 30, 2006.