Superman: Brainiac is a 2023 superhero film featuring the DC Comics hero of the same name. It is the seventeenth film in the DCEU and the fifth film in Phase 3. It was released on July 21, 2023.
Plot Summary
While on the anniversary of his adoptive father's death, Clark reflects on his past of living in Kansas, as well as looking back at Krypton's history. He soon realizes that the person responsible for Krypton's destruction is in fact coming to Earth. It is to gather intelligence and become the smartest being in the known universe, but with this, must destroy the original so its contents are rarer. Can Superman stop the wrath of Brainiac?
Cast
- Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
- Jason Isaacs as Brainiac
- Rachel McAdams as Lois Lane
- Laurence Fishburne as Perry White
- Nathan Kress as Jimmy Olsen
- Courtney B. Vance as Ron Troupe
- Hayden Panettiere as Cat Grant
- Derek Theler as Steve Lombard
- Diane Lane as Martha Kent
- Dennis Quaid as Zor-El
- Laura Dern as Alura In-Ze
Reception
Superman: Brainiac received very positive reviews from critics and audiences. "After not seeing another Superman film for 8 years, McQuarrie manages to bring him back full force in this fantastic adaptation of the Johns/Frank story of the same name." Manny praised the performances (especially Isaacs), visual effects, music, cinematography, themes, and a fully realized Superman. However, some criticized the lack of Supergirl in the story, when she was a huge part in the comic.
Trivia
- In interviews while doing press for the movie, Laura Dern heavily implied that it was a "paycheck movie" for her and didn't take it seriously since it was "just a silly comic book movie". Many fans were outraged upon hearing this.
- After the debacle on Wonder Woman II, and Patty Jenkins warning Christopher McQuarrie about Geoff Johns' behavior, he made sure to not take anything lightly from Johns. McQuarrie kept a very tight ship and made sure that "Johns wouldn't ruin it". He made the film with little issue from the writer, and made sure he stayed out of future films.
- Tom Cruise was an uncredited executive producer on the project, as he was close friends with McQuarrie after working on the Mission: Impossible franchise together. Cruise didn't want his name on the film because he didn't want to alienate any fans.