Superman is a 2008 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 Paul Greengrass, written by David S. Goyer from a story by him and Christopher Nolan, who also produces, and stars Chris Evans, Natalie Portman, Gerard Butler, Tom Hanks, Sally Field, J K Simmons, and Michael Caine. 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.
Superman premiered in the Alice Tully Hall on June 10, 2008, and was released in theaters 4 days later in 2D, 3D, and IMAX. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's action sequences, cinematography, visual effects, Greengrasses direction and Hans Zimmer's score, as well as Evans and Butler's performances as Superman and Zod. The film grossed over $668 million worldwide, it made a net profit of approximately $42 million, and is the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2008. It is the first DC film co-financed by Legendary Pictures. A follow-up entitled Batman was released on September 25, 2008.
