September
18 Debating Superman

As soon as the campaign started, it attracted huge amounts of attention by many fans who shared our view, both from the existing members of the forum and a lot more from outside, who came to sign for our petition and to support our cause. The fact that more than 100 signatures were collected from the supporters within the first 24 hours is testament to the strong emotion amoongst the community towards this cause. Since then, the number of supporters has been steadily growing and we have now exceeded 300 supporters as of September 14th, at the ratio of 2:1 = male supporters : female supporters. from 25 countries across the globe, ranging from young fans in their teens to the people in their 60's who have been passionate and loyal fans of Superman for more than 40 years.

BRB Supporters' Messages (selection) :


[clairecheaux] – The originator of BRB campaign
"BRING ROUTH BACK!
"
[superboy13]　
I support Brandon.

[Misha]
I support Brandon too.

[ComicFan]
ComicFan support BRB

[Brandon Fan Forever]
BRB all the way.

[absoluteimpt]
EVERYONE knows how I feel......and who I support. I'm so up in arms over this that I find it most difficult to articulate my feelings without sounding like a flubbering fool. So yeah.....
And IF this is the end and Brandon will never don the tights again - I beseech all the vapid buttheads to STFU and leave us to mourn our loss in peace.
BRANDON IS SUPERMAN – BRING HIM BACK!

[janerationx]
I'm not saying this is the end for Brandon as Supes until I hear otherwise. I'm not even going to thank him yet, because I have already thanked him many times before, and if I do this time, it feels more like saying goodbye, and I'm not ready for that yet. Since there seems to be a big possibility that Brandon may not be back then I am all up for supporting him to come back and wear the suit for us again. Thanks Claire for taking your time to do this.

[tempest]
I started writing something to post here, but then realised I was almost duplicating, in much inferior English, what Claire said already , so let me just say, "Everything what Claire said. "
BRING ROUTH BACK!!

[supercam7]
To Whom it May Concern...

I'm not sure whether this is the correct place to say this but whoever receives this please forward it to the person you know needs to read this...Thank you!

It has come to my attention through the various fan related sites that Warners intend darking the greatest Super hero to the likes of Batman. I urge you to WAKE UP! from whatever dream world you're in and truly take the time and listen to what the fan's following of Superman are saying especially with regards to Brandon Routh! Brandon is in my own opinon is the closest you'll ever get to seeing what Supes looks like in the flesh more so than the late Christopher Reeves of whom I'm a great fan of and respected so much. I implore you not to do away with what Superman Returns has re-established but just to move it on into a high-impact, epic action movie. Everyone loved the cast of SR, please keep them all especially Brandon, this poor man had such an unbelievlbly BIG PAIR OF BOOTS if you will, to fill and without a shadow of doubt he did much more than that, he gave hope to thousands upon thousands of fans that Superman lives and has flown again! And just to understand what i'm saying to you is in fact true, do yourselves a favour and just watch the comic-con trailer which Brian Singer show to the fans for a possible follow up and listen to the cheers and screams, in short the peoples reactions to it.
Thank you for listening.
Cameron.

PS: BRB...The Biggest Superman Fan EVER!!!

[ThePariah]
It goes without saying for me, but I'll say it anyway.
Bring Routh Back.

[JimJimBinks]
I am teh voted!

[Indigoblue]
"Don't know what to do
Don't know where to go
You know I love him so
You know so won't you
(Bring him back), mmm
(Bring him back)
You know you gotta bring him back
(Bring him back), ooh, yeah
(Bring him back), mmm
Just bring him back to me

Lyrics - Dusty Springfield- verse from "Bring him back.'

[cripton]
We Love You Brandon! You're Coming Back...leave It To Us!! :-)

[Paul Andreas]
Routh renewed my interest and passion for the character. He embodies the values I have always associated with Superman both on and off the screen. I will not watch a new Superman movie without him, as he truly has become, like Reeve before him, the face of the character for his generation.

[Barney Tabasco]
Continue with Routh, Singer and everyone (well, new writers). Give us the official Superman Returns sequel - WB, you know it makes sense!

[KYLEMAN]
ditto to Paul Andrea

[Vgerland]
How could WB even dream of finding someone who better fills the roll. Brandon IS MY Superman and the Superman for this generation.
I was an adult when Christopher Reeve made you believe a man could FLY.
Brandon made me believe a man could SOAR.

[sonofkrypton23]
Warner Bros, if you are listening....bring back Brandon! He IS Superman. Fans have waited for over 20 years for you to find a Superman that we can all believe in....and Routh is it. He IS Superman! Not Nic Cage, not Brendon Fraiser...or all of the other actors that were attached to the role before Brandon. The smartest thing you did...and Singer did..was to cast an unknown. And you succeeded in casting Routh. The world believes he is Superman!!
If you want to completely reboot the franchise...fine. If you want to reboot and continue forward elements from "Returns"...fine. But whatever you do, keep Brandon!! The problem with the first movie was NOT Brandon...it was certain story elements and the total lack of REAL action that the Superman character demands. The problem is not Singer, either. We've all seen what he can do with a superhero movie.
Keep Brandon Routh!!!

[Vallado]
Brandon it's our Superman
Keep Brandon

[silvermare forever]
To all of you at Warner Bros. Don't Be Stupid About This! Keep Brandon Routh as Superman, he's the best man for this role and you know it!

[rggkjg1]
brandon routh is clark kent/superman.

warner bros, what happened with batman when you changed the lead actor and director? do i actually need to name the 2 movies? shouldn't you have learned your lesson by now?

[stargazer]
I even started reading the comics thanks to Superman Returns, something I never thought I would do. Brandon makes me believe not only that a man can fly, but also that Superman has a soul. I will not watch a Superman movie without him. It would be an empty experience, no matter how cool or amazing the action could be.

[mzz]
Keep Routh!!! He's the right man for the role, and he IS superman.

[Phillip]
Dear WB,
Although Superman Returns wasn't the tentpole movie your studio was anticipating, it did yield a surprising outcome among most fans. The general concensus among those who loved the film and those who were lukewarm was that Brandon Routh WAS Superman. He embodied the legend, and he did the best with what he was given in terms of script and story. I will be the first to admit that Superman Returns wasn't a great movie. It was a good movie, but not great. Please bring Brandon Routh back for a "reintroduction." It can be done with good writing. Thank you for your time.

[Vivek]
He was the best thing about Superman Returns. WB get Brandon Routh back.

[Rig-El]
I support Brandon. He is my new Superman. With or without Signer, they have to keep him.

[SapGoblin]
Brandon IS the way to go...or you lose out big time on all aspects of Supes including essential recognition for the character, etc. Try a new director if you must (though Bryan was fine- just needs new story), but KEEP Brandon!!!
I bought the 'Ultimate Collector's Edition' set BECAUSE it included Superman Returns...and I bought an import steelbook, and the new re-issued blu-ray...
Discontinue the storyline, but don't kill the character's latest portrayer!

[Uliq]
Keep Brandon, for the love of Rao. And I'll say more: Keep Singer.

[dbreiden83080]
Anyone who knows me on this forum, knows he has my vote for sure. I think it is a tragic mistake what WB is doing. Routh has the potential to be an amazing Superman for years to come.

[Witchylana]
I've been sans computer since mid last week, and I come back to this!?! FFS - BRING BACK BRANDON!!!(Also - is this offical news, or just someone at Warners speaking out of his arse?)

[Lex_Luthor]
Brandon Routh gracefully performed in what were tremendously big red boots to fill. Not only because he was playing such a beloved character, but also because he was playing the Chris Reeve's version of the character. And he did it with charm, brilliance and wit! Whatever happens with this beloved franchise, I hope that Brandon dons the cape and tights once again. He IS Superman!

[brdwaybebe]
Bring. Routh. Back.

[Returns06]
I don't care if the new Superman movie is a reboot, and it would confuse the audience...they've got to cast Routh. There is no live-action Superman but Routh. Not for a long, long time, anyway.

[kallell]
Bring Routh Back.
The Only Good Thing About Sr.
The Man Who Brought Superman Back From The Phantom Zone.
The First Time I Saw That Picture Of Brandon In The Black T Shirt, I Knew He Was Superman.
Please Wb Read This And Do Not Make One Of The Biggest Mistakes Of Your Executive Careers.
Get Rid Of The Other Cast, Do A Reboot, Revamp Whatever You Want - But Make Movie History And Bring Routh Back![/quote]

[TippinsUK]
It's not just Brandon's on screen performance, off screen, in interviews etc he just oozed Superman. He has a true passion for the character and what he symbolizes.
I've watched the making of DVD more times than the actual film I think and the guy is just perfect for Superman.
Give him a better direction & story and you may believe a man can fly...but you'll know Routh already does!
BRING ROUTH BACK!!!!!

[xrh74s]
Nothing wrong with Routh. Routh did an excellent job... Singer and the writers was the problem.. And they need to remove the Lex Luther character out (Luther is a "Same-O, Same-O" thing, gone old and boring). Gotta have new foes with more actions, and stop making the Superman character as a weakling dumb idiot... After all he's Superman with super-brain and super-intelligence beyond human... If he's Superman, then portray him as Superman having a master of his super-intelligence and super abilities... And pay attention to details, I mean come-on!!! He's suppose to be faster than bullet, meaning when he's set to catch or stop a plane, hes should be like BANG!!! in split of a 1,000th of a second, he should be there already, and not a freaking 30-seconds or minute struggling to catch a slow flying plane.... And beside when a plane is in the sky Superman shouldn't be struggling in lifting and stopping it while you show him lifting a whole chunk of mountain size Kryptonite... Does that make a any sense at all??? If you're showing Superman lifting a whole chunk of mountain, wouldn't a plane be like an ant in weight to him??? Come-on writers!!!! Please pay attention to details!!! And if you're gonna bring back Lex Luther, please stop making him like a comical clown... Luther is suppose to be a dark, genius evil plotting being... Not a comical clown...

[rinyunzen]
Keep Routh!
Bring Routh Back!!!
He Is Superman!

[Count Boobu]
Before I saw Superman Returns, I was skeptical of Brandon Routh and how he would portray Superman. I even went as far as to be predisposed to dislike the movie because I wanted Tom Welling in the role. Then I actually went to see the movie and I saw the way Brandon carried himself and acted while playing the part. I remember in the theater, when the airplane rescue scene had come to a close and Brandon, as Superman walked in to ask if everyone was all right, I turned to my brother and said: "Holy Sh*t, it's Superman!"
And I still have that feeling to this day every time I watch Superman Returns. So in short, I support Brandon Routh and I so very wish that he returns...again!

[Cool Monty]
Brandon's face is what I imagine when I think of Superman. He embodies the kryptonian in every way, both on and off the screen. He doesn't go out and drink in clubs with sleezy women and then get his face plastered all over the local tabloid. He goes home to his lovely wife and works hard for charities of all sorts. This is the sort of character you can't find in many people anymore. And to lose him would just be a tragedy.
Bring Routh Back!

[Superfan'84]
I say, bring Routh back. I may not have agreed with everything Returns did, but I thought he did a great job as Clark Kent/Superman, easily as good as Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne/Batman. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't return (heh) for the sequel.
But then, I'm against major cast changes like this, anyway. We've already got Routh as Superman - who wants to have to get used to a new guy?

[eggie]
I totally support Brandon! He was a great Superman/Clark Kent!!!!

[aqupunk]
Say NO on reboot!!

[Super Mario]
I support Brandon Routh as Superman!
"NO" to a REBOOT!

[Kitty]
Keep Routh on the reboot, he just doesn't need to use contact lenses, and that hair. And change a little the suit.
With a new direction, he will not need to act as Christopher Reeve, he will be his own Superman and Clark Kent.
He also needs to have chemistry with Lois Lane, so I suggest Keri Russell.

[iolani]
Brandon will always be my Superman.

[BostonBean]
It has recently come to my attention that you are thinking of re-booting the Superman franchise since--and I'm paraphrasing here--the 2006 movie did not perform quite to your expectations where the box office is concerned.
Please DO NOT do this.
Superman Returns" was a gem of a movie that transcended the comic book genre by adding a real HUMAN storyline, making the Man of Steel someone people could more easily relate to. Were you to reboot the franchise now you would not only be buying in to the peer pressure and hype of what a comic book movie 'should' be, but you'd also be killing off new characters that can help the franchise grow in the future so that he can remain the beloved hero he has been for the last seventy years.
Please take a moment to step back, STOP looking at the numbers, and consider the fans that enjoyed the long-awaited 2006 film and are greatly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Rebooting this franchise is NOT the answer where Superman is concerned.

[VIPER52USA]
No Routh. No movie.

[andrewbattye375]
I want Routh back, he was a tremendous Superman. He had the classic look with a modern edge, and embodied the same kind of kindness with strength that we found in Reeve. That said, I would like to see him in a reboot more than a direct 'SR' sequel.

[Lisa]
I totally agree with what everyone has said here. Brandon IS Superman, yo. Like others have said, I think that a great deal of what makes him perfect for this character is the kind of person he is. It's not like he went and made the movie, did his job and called it a day. He totally understands what the character means to people and he's carried it over into his own life, like doing all of the charity work and just being an awesome dude.
I just think it would be really lousy of WB to be like, well yeah people liked him, but look we don't want anyone to confuse our new movie with Superman Returns. So, basically, they'd sacrifice the integrity of the character just to make their promotion easier? Quite lame. You totally can't be casual with this character. It's not something that can be tossed around from actor to actor, I think. Which is why I'm going to do everything in my wee power to support Brandon.
I adore Superman Returns, mainly because I looked up at the screen and was like, dude that's Superman. I'll be okay with looking back on Superman Returns as an homage to the Donner films, but only if Brandon remains in the role for whatever films WB makes down the line. If not, I don't want any part of them. I won't see them, I won't buy them. To me, they'd just be Superman films without Superman.
Brandon Routh FTW

[DChero]
I want him back as well. He played Bryan Singer's take on the character very well. He also seems like the kind of stand-up guy off screen to make us proud that he's Superman.

[KellerFan]
please WB do not replace Routh if you decide to reboot. I liked Superman Returns and thought Routh was one of the best parts. he fully embodies the character and deserves to suit up again.
DO NOT REPLACE HIM! PLEASE

[Amparo]
Bring Routh Back!

[Firefox196]
Bring Routh Back! Even people who didn't like Returns liked Brandon. There is no reason he should be discarded!

[Kal-El_of_Krypton]
Bring Routh Back.
How will it bomb if Routh's in it? If anything, people will be glad Routh's back. There are even people that hate SR, but like Routh.
The general audience could be confused, sure, but that doesn't have anything to do with them wanting to see the movie. It didn't stop them from seeing BB and TDK. Many thought that BB was a prequel to Batman and I even heard people, while standing in line for tickets, talking about TDK and thinking it's a remake of Batman.
My point is, the general audience doesn't bother with that kind of stuff. If they like what they see from the trailers, they'll see the movie. If anything, I think having Brandon back, will only help. At least imo.

[Kaimihoshi]
Omg.....They are actually thinking of replacing Brandon Routh....ARE THEY INSANE? Dude! Brandon Routh is the Superman of today's generation! They can't just CHANGE him? DUDE! I totally agree with this petition! BRING ROUTH BACK...FOREVER!!!!! UGH! I am SO gonna write a letter! I pre ordered the SR dvd right when it was first coming out...I've done my part on that, however I'm gonna FLOOD WB's mailbox with pro-Brandon letters if it will keep him in tights!

[calsax]
WB would fools to let such a perfect Superman specimen go. Bring Routh back!!!

[neo1974]
Brandon Is Our Superman... Brandon Is Superman¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡

[derfman]
Brandon is Superman. nuff' said.

[Clark Kent 86]
I rarely post on this forum, not becuse I don't like it, because I just don't have the time to post (here or anywhere else). But when I saw this thread I knew I had to stop and voice my support.
BRING ROUTH BACK!!!
Brandon Routh was, IS a superb Superman and it would be a crime to replace him with an actor of lesser quality. Ever since I saw him in SR I became a Brandon Routh fan, watching all the other things he has done. Did anyone see him on Fear Itself? He was great.
I just don't understand why Warner Bros. whould want to replace him, like an earlier poster said, it took 19 years to find him and if he was chosen out of the countless actors that were up for the part than you know he is something special.
The people at Warner Bros. are fools if they think they can find someone better.
KEEP ROUTH!
BRING ROUTH BACK!!

[cpm72586]
There is no doubt in my mind Brandon Routh is Superman. If WB had any brains at all, they would BRING ROUTH BACK!!!!

[Katie]
Bring Routh Back..............A million times over.
I have tried to stay away for a while since the news broke in hopes that when I returned the news would be different. But, unfortunately, I see that it's not.
Brandon deserves better treatment than this. I went into Superman Returns not knowing who in the world Brandon Routh was and was totally stunned and amazed that they had found a young actor who so brilliantly filled the role in every way. I was an instant fan.
I have to go now because thinking about this emotionally exhausts me.

[RouthFan1]
The first thing that entered my mind when I saw early photos and through the film was..."Wow, it IS Superman." I was impressed by his performances in multiple roles and to portray each one extremely well. He had a difficult place to fill and knew everyone would be making comparisons. He was able to embody those iconic roles without being accused of mimmicking or attempting to recreate other famous actor's incarnations of these characters.
That is a fine line that he was able to walk well. I am absolutely shocked and appauled that WB had even considered rebooting the film and the idea of excluding Mr. Routh seems inconcievable. What a horrid mistake.
I become deeply upset when I think about it and continue to hope that WB comes to the understranding and realization that keeping Routh is the best choice they can possibly make.

[bjfan]
I love this thread. Thank you, all of you, for passionately posting your support for Brandon! It's so cool to see how the shock, anger, and disbelief has translated into action! You guys all rock! I will send in emails and postcards, just like you. Brandon totally encapsulated Superman for me and was a wonderful successor to Christopher Reeve. Whenever I think of Superman, I think of Brandon and his version of the character. I don't know HOW the WB will even attempt to darken Superman, but I truly hope they keep Brandon. He is a kind, honorable person, who respects his fans. HE IS SUPERMAN!

[doctor9]
Yes I like Brandon keep him as Superman

[Lady Gwenevere Smith]
Me + No BR = $0 spent.
Me + BR = $$$$$$ spent.
ETA: He will allways be Superman to me. ALWAYS.[/

[treeringralph]
I'm tired of coming back to this point over and over with the character. I'm sick of catching wind of WB's latest stupid plan for Superman, and then feeling like I'm going to throw up for fear that what they intend might actually happen!
I mean, back before Singer was announced as the next movie's director and that his movie would be called "Superman Returns," I was terrified. But then the announcement came, and I not only calmed down and found peace over the whole situation, but I became more and more excited every time Singer spoke on the subject!
It seemed, AT LAST that that terrible feeling that had loomed around every Super pre-production for years on end was solved...CURED. The franchise had landed in very capable and respectful hands.
But here we are AGAIN.
I agree with the folks that say that if SR had any REAL flaws it was that there wasn't enough cheerful, bright Superman. The film's story dictated that there couldn't be though, and that was the intention, to cautiously introduce a brighter, hopeful character into a world of Sin City, Hostel, and whatever else. A world jaded and bitter in its lust for blood and grit.
Introducing an EVEN DARKER Superman is the most half-cocked thing I've heard since news of George Miller's Justice League movie first surfaced!
The story of SR ended with Superman at peace, ready to be full on SUPERMAN, THE MAN OF STEEL once again...no reservations. No distractions. So, the film's darker flaws are gone as SR2 or MOS begins...
And it SHOULD be a SEQUEL, friends. Admit it. The kid could be an interesting plot to follow. Think of adapting elements of Action Comics' "Last Son" and the elements of Brainiac and "New Krypton." Geoff Johns is essentially writing the SR franchise already!
Yes, I said "Admit it." Admit that if they do a sequel to SR and it's jam packed with action and proper characterization, as well as a plot that reveals Jason to be a finite plot element, you'll be there with bells on. And you won't even remember wanting a reboot.
How could such a thing happen?
Singer should tap Geoff Johns as the Superman franchise's David Goyer. He needs a mythology keeper to give him direction. That minor tweak will be the cure for SR2ers and Rebooters alike. I know it.
BRING BACK ROUTH, and the cast...and SINGER. Add Johns as the Super equivalent of Batman's David Goyer.
Have you ever loved doing something, but found yourself not doing it as well as you had originally hoped you would? The natural reaction is to want a second chance. SR WASN'T A FAILURE...
GIVE THE MEN A SECOND CHANCE...all of them: Singer, Routh, Spacey, Huntington...and Superman.
It's not an investment if you run as soon as you're able.
. ............
(for more messages of support, please see the attachement)

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Thank you very much for your attention.
BRB