Brandon Routh's Superman Returns

Superman Returns! The very phrase causes a great divide amongst comic book and film fans alike. Some loved the film, some hated it, others liked Routh as Superman but detested the story, some had other issues, whatever way you look at it, the film failed and killed off the Superman film franchise for almost another decade.

However, with the announcement that Routh is returning as Superrman in CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline that is coming this December. Routh, who plays Ray Palmer/The Atom on CW's Legends of Tomorrow will also resume his duties as Superman, alongside Tyler Hoechlin as the Superman from Supergirl, and Tom Welling reprising his Smallville role as Clark Kent.

What makes Routh's return so significant is two things: One, we never thought we would see Routh return as the Man of Steel. Two, the Superman he's playing is one of the most-beloved characters from DC's Elseworld series.

Kingdom Come features a Superman brought back from retirement to bring the new generation of superheroes into line. The character is one who has suffered so much loss in his life. The Justice League has disbanded. Lois Lane is dead, and Superman lives in exile.

Although Routh is a little younger than the Superman from the comic books, he has the legacy and impact to bring the Kingdom Come role to life. How big his role will be remains to be seen, but for now, we are left with this image courtesy of DC Comics.