UNITED KINGDOM: Hundreds of fans proved Superman's return has been long overdue, going wild for the cast of the new film "Superman Returns" in London's Leicester Square

Record ID: 220168

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: Hundreds of fans proved Superman's return has been long overdue, going wild for the cast of the new film "Superman Returns" in London's Leicester Square
  • Date: 20th July 2006
  • Summary: BRANDON ROUTH WITH GIRLFRIEND / TURNS AROUND TO FACE PUBLICIST
  • Embargoed: 4th August 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Reuters ID: LVAB4ZTP4EKCE4W42C15LBKU1S2S
  • Story Text: As first international film premieres go, it was a grand affair for actor Brandon Routh who brought the new Superman movie to Europe on Thursday (July 13).
    The barman turned superstar faced hundreds of fans at the 'Superman Returns' premiere in London's Leicester Square - and proved an instant hit.
    "I'm feeling great, it's a lot of people. As you can hear, they are very excited," he told Reuters at the premiere, before noticing that some of his new fans had perhaps got the character wrong.
    "I see Spiderman there which is not quite the right make up for today but it's great, a good turn out," he said.
    In ''Superman Returns' Routh takes on the role made famous by legendary actor Christopher Reeve. The film sees Superman returning to Earth following a mysterious absence of five years. Back home, an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all while the superhero's great love, hard-nosed reporter Lois Lane, has moved on, or has she?
    Actress Kate Bosworth who plays Lois Lane, said she was happy to be bringing the film to Europe. Asked whether the fact that this was home territory for her boyfriend, actor Orlando Bloom and her good friend actor Kevin Spacey made it more special, Bosworth said the city had become more dear with regular visits.
    "Well, you know, the more I come here, the more I feel comfortable and love being here and it's nice to have wonderful weather. I love London, it's a fantastic city and an energy like no other, I love being here," she said.
    The actress, dressed in a beaded Gucci dress that revealed her back - and legs - added her co-star was already showing all signs of a true star, and had not needed any prepping ahead of his first international premiere.
    "Are you kidding? He doesn't need any. Look at him. He doesn't need my advice," she said.
    If the screams were loud for Routh and Bosworth, they were equally ear-piercing for actor Kevin Spacey and director Bryan Singer.
    Singer, who already has a strong fanbase after directing the first two X-Men movies, said he was happy and relieved for Routh, adding he had never doubted his choice for the much loved character.
    "We had a lot of conversations, a lot of training and just discussions about the role and he adores the role. I've always had a bit of an act for casting so I'm glad it worked out," he said.
    Asked whether he found working with an alien from outer space more rewarding than the mutant humans, the director rooted for his latest creature.
    "Superman, because there is an emotional component, there is a romantic component which I have not really addressed before in my films and I'm kind of proud of that, so for me, stepping back, I would have to say this film. Although, I do have great love for X-Men, obviously," he said.
    Spacey, who first worked with Singer on 'The Usual Suspects' over ten years ago, plays the villain Lex Luther in 'Superman Returns'.
    The actor, who for the past years has been the artistic director of London's Old Vic Theatre had his prime job on his mind even at the premiere of his new Hollywood blockbuster.
    "Well, I mean, I've done this many times in the past. It's not that big of a deal for me. But I must say, this is lovely and this is nice but I prefer going to work every day, quietly, and doing all I can on behalf of one of the great British institutions, the Old Vic," he said.
    Talking about jobs, with rumours about a sequel to the new Superman already flying around, a return to serving drinks is looking very unlikely for the new Superman.
    A vague, "Maybe, maybe I'm sure," was all the young actor could muster, before being lead to his next television interview.
    'Superman Returns' opens in the UK on July 14.
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