Rumor – “Superman: Red Son” Animated Movie Coming in 2020

Red Son

According to RevengeoftheFans.com, Warner Bros. Animation is set to announce they are adapting Mark Millar’s “Superman: Red Son” as an animated movie.

Released in 2003, “Superman: Red Son” is an Eisner Award-winning graphic novel written by Mark Millar and drawn by Dave Johnson and Kilian Plunkett. The story took readers back in time to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union where Superman is fighting for the Communists. In this alternate universe, Superman lands in Russia rather than the United States and grows to become the Soviet Union’s greatest weapon as the world is transformed into a communist state opposed only by a crumbling capitalistic America and its President Lex Luthor. As Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel.

The story was once rumored to have been considered for a live-action adaptation, and was released as a motion comic in 2009. If true, it will be interesting to see who Warner Bros. casts as the voice of Superman, Lex Luthor and Brainiac for this animated adaptation.

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Marnoman
Marnoman
January 9, 2019 5:45 am

I like this bit of news. I like happy stuff.

Randall
Randall
January 9, 2019 8:24 am

About time. I would have thought they would make this long before that Justice League: Gods and Monsters thing.

redcape
redcape
January 9, 2019 1:11 pm
Reply to  Randall

As far as I’m concerned this just represents more of the same opposite direction that Superman belongs in. The last time we got anything decent animated wise regarding Superman was, “Superman Unbound.”

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 1:51 pm

I don’t know if I want to see a movie about a communist Superman. Superman for the most part has been about truth justice and the American way. And the American way, is freedom. Not communism. That’s not to say that he won’t fight for the freedom of other countries, but I’m sure he’s not a communist.

kal-bert
kal-bert
January 9, 2019 3:47 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Comunism as it is intended to be doesn’t mean lack of freedom. Its problem is how governments have implemented it (of course in a fascistic way). In fact in the “truth, justice and american way” as it is intended to be there is a lot of comunist (or best said socialist) meaning. Truth is what it seems to be. Capitalist countries tend to forget much about justice, justice that is only available if you can afford the costs of it. The american way has both ideas mixed in it: on one side you can be yourself, you can reach the… Read more »

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 5:36 pm
Reply to  kal-bert

As I said before, I’m not liking the idea of a communist Superman. It’s not something that I believe Superman would be. The American way could mean many different things to the readers. It’s never been specifically clarified on what Superman’s politics are other than he fights for the American way. Freedom is the hart of the American dream. That’s what Superman fights for. As for what freedoms specifically, I believe that’s up to the readers to decide for themselves. And I have to ask, what are communist Russia’s views on religion? Do they have religious freedom?

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 6:00 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

You know what, you don’t have to answer that. In fact please don’t answer my question.I’m really not interested in politics or debates. I’ve been trying really really hard to avoid any form of a debate. I find that in debating there’s no winner, and I don’t want to start talking about politics or world politics on my favorite website. That’s just my opinion on that subject.What I meant to say was that I’m not interested in seeing a communist Superman. That’s just my opinion. Other people may feel differently, and that’s fine. People have different opinions, and I understand… Read more »

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 6:47 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

And to Steve Younis and the rest of the Supermanhomepage, please forgive my comments on Russian politics, and religious freedom in Russia. I meant no offense or insult. I am truly sorry if I have offended the site and it’s members. I’ll try not to speak about these types of topics on this site.

sundevil82
sundevil82
January 9, 2019 7:05 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Spidey, you should definitely check out the book, if nothing else it’s a great ‘what if’ story. It’s very good and has received a lot of praise.

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 7:40 pm
Reply to  sundevil82

I do have the first volume. And I really didn’t get into it.its been a long while since I read it. I remember that bizarro made an appearance at one point.It’s just maybe this version isn’t for me. I’m not knocking on those who enjoy this version. I just prefer the standard version of Superman I guess.

Superman2878
January 9, 2019 10:28 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Out of fairness I’ll think about it sundevil82.

Kal-Ed
January 10, 2019 5:28 am
Reply to  Superman2878

It was just an Elseworlds story that I liked very much. Much like Batman becoming a vampire. Just get another go at it. You’ll get to research communism in between and try to understand more. My wife is Polish and she knows what’s it like to live during communism times. So interesting in fact she said back then toilet paper was worth just as gold. I laughed at that remark.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 10:22 am
Reply to  Kal-Ed

I understand that some members have liked this story Kal-Ed. It’s just that it’s not the version that I’m used to. But as I said in the past, I’m a fair person, so in fairness I’ll think about it.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 10:42 am
Reply to  Superman2878

For now it’s just a rumor. Maybe it will be made. Who knows? Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic Kal-Ed. I do appreciate it.

Randall
Randall
January 10, 2019 9:35 am
Reply to  Superman2878

Grow beyond your myopic views. Seek countering arguments and learn from them as it’s the best way to grow as a person. Otherwise you’re perpetually stuck in the 50s… like some other members of this site.

The story didn’t paint any side as “bad” but it did play a lot with the concept of “fear” if I remember right.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 10:10 am
Reply to  Randall

Myopic views? Really, if I’m not interested in a movie then it really isn’t anybody else’s business. And there’s no need to get insulting Randall. As I said before, out of fairness I’ll think about it. Also please leave me out of any debates. I don’t care to be in any. That includes politics and world politics. And as I said before, I prefer the standard version of Superman. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Randall
Randall
January 10, 2019 10:27 am
Reply to  Superman2878

It’s not insulting, it’s a classification of your views where you declare that “I find that in debating there’s no winner”(you’re confusing a fight with a debate) and that you think the movie looks bad based on Superman being a communist. This is the definition of a myopic view. And you’re right, it is no ones business if you like or don’t like something, but you’re the one who wants to comment on everything on this site, so if you “want to be left out of any debates” then you need to remove yourself. Cause once you start commenting, then… Read more »

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 10:35 am
Reply to  Randall

You said that I have myopic views which means that I have a lack of Intellectual insight and that I’m lacking in imagination. I find that to be very insulting! I have started no debate with you, you were the one who wants to start a debate with me. And it’s not your business to tell me to be on site or not. I have every right to be on the site as you do. Do me a favor, stop talking to me!

redcape
redcape
January 10, 2019 1:46 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

I’m going to have to agree with your above statement spidey. Who wants to see, “communist Superman?” I don’t. They can’t give us any decent Superman adventures so all they can drum up is communist Superman?? We’ve already had a taste of that in Justice League Dark. That was enough.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 2:02 pm
Reply to  redcape

Thank you redcape. I know that we’ve had our differences about Superman in the past, but I’m glad that we can agree on this one. I don’t like the idea of a communist Superman either. Although since there were some members who had respectfully shared there opinions about this story with me, I will be fair to them and I will at least think about what they said to me. I’m not making any promises though. I’m just giving it a fair thought. But as I said before, I prefer the one that’s for the American way. It’s the version… Read more »

Randall
Randall
January 10, 2019 3:13 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

1) That’s not sole definition of myopic. That’s a quick-google blurb and the 3rd-listed definition by dictionary.com. The definition being used here is “lacking in foresight or discernment : narrow in perspective and without concern for broader implications; shortsighted.” which is exactly what you are displaying. I also suggested you to grow beyond it. You seem to get hung up on parts of a message when it displeases you. You are throwing a tantrum like my suggestion was a personal attack when it wasn’t. If anything, it was an encouragement to avoid being such and to broaden your horizons and… Read more »

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 3:35 pm
Reply to  Randall

please Randall, let’s just move on from this topic. Let’s put it behind us. I accept your apology. I may have overreacted on my end. I do apologize for that. I say let bygones be bygones.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 4:05 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

I only put my opinions out there. If you don’t agree with me that’s fine. I’ve stated in the past that everyone has their own opinions. What bothers me is when someone starts criticizing my own views or opinions to try to start a argument. And I have every right to say my thoughts on a subject as anyone else, but when someone says that my views are myopic, I feel that that’s being insulting, judgmental, and mean. I mean, words can be hurtful ya know? Even if it was meant as encouragement, some words can be taken the wrong… Read more »

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 8:35 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

One last thing, I consider myself someone who gets along well with others. I’m not a mean person. I really do try to be friendly with other Superman fans. Maybe this whole discussion was one big misunderstanding. I’d like to think so. And I hope that you don’t think of me as someone who is mean. Cause I’m not a mean person. And I hope that you don’t have that impression of me.I’m a huge fan of Superman, as I’m sure that you are as well. I enjoy talking about Superman to other members. Even if it’s on views that… Read more »

kal-bert
kal-bert
January 11, 2019 1:33 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

My apologies, Spidey. I didn’t expect that it would go so far, for me it was just an exchange of ideas. Nothing more. I would like to point that I don’t believe in socialism, but I can appreciate its good parts (because there are many).
But the most important thing: most of us grew up with Superman comics. And they’ve taught the most important thing of all: respect each other despite our differences. I always see you do it in your comments, so do I…or I try to.

Superman2878
January 11, 2019 3:32 pm
Reply to  kal-bert

It’s ok kal-bert. You were only try to explain to me how communism works, and I shouldn’t have been offended. I’m sorry for getting upset. That wasn’t fair of me to respond in the way I did to your comment. Please except my apology. I’m truly sorry for the way that I acted.

Kal-Ed
January 10, 2019 4:04 pm

Come on fellas. All hugs and kisses now. And shake hands. Theeeerrrreeeeee you go.

On a side note…I’d like to see two versions of animated Superman on film: Fanboy and Superman: True Brit.
Something funny for a change beside the Lego movies.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 4:11 pm
Reply to  Kal-Ed

You’re right Kal-Ed. Randall I’m sorry for overreacting. And I accept your apology as well. It’s a new year. Let’s start it with the hope that there will be plenty of exciting news about Superman. Am I right?
kal-bert, I also owe you an apology as well. I’m sorry. You were only trying to explain your thoughts on this story and I overreacted a bit as well. I do apologize. And to Steve and the Supermanhomepage, I apologize for my drama. I’m sorry for any disrespect to your website that I may have caused.

GodzillaofSteel
GodzillaofSteel
January 10, 2019 4:38 pm

I’m in full support of Superman as a lead character in an animated film. This story “Red Son” is unique, so I welcome it in my library of animated Superman films. I hope their next animated movie is “Superman Unchained” or “Kingdom Come.”

sundevil82
sundevil82
January 10, 2019 6:08 pm

Kingdom Come for sure. Also I’d like to see ‘whatever happened to the man of tomorrow?’ Done in the style of the 60s cartoon.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 6:09 pm

I would like to see an animated adaptation to the death of Clark Kent. Conduit hasn’t had an appearance in animated form yet. I’m not counting the Kenny Braverman scene in Superman the animated series since he was still a teenager in that episode.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 6:12 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

The Superman 100000 storyline was good. There was also the Y2k story with brainiac 13, and also the worlds at war story

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 6:16 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

The green Lantern BLACKEST KNIGHT story arch. I know it’s a green Lantern story, but the Zombie earth 2 Superman was creepy. I would like to see that story in a animated film

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 6:24 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

There’s also The Lex Luthor search for the black ring, where Superman faced an ultra powerful Lex Luthor. The rebirth stories with a Lex who is in a Superman suit and where a different Superman replaces the one who has perished, Superman doomed(that one is just a thought really. I’m not sure about that one), Earth 2 Superman Val-Zod. Superman secret Origins. Superman earth one. Ok the last two that I mentioned are both different versions of Superman’s beginning. I just thought it would be cool to see both versions in animated form. The trial of Superman??? I’m still thinking… Read more »

sundevil82
sundevil82
January 10, 2019 7:49 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Dude I’ve been beating the Death of Clark Kent drum for years! I want that adapted in live action though, not beat for beat, but more or less. That would have made for a great sequel in my opinion and they already introduced Kenny in MOS, but alas… were stuck in limbo.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 8:01 pm
Reply to  sundevil82

They should also bring him back in the comics as well. It’s been over 20 years since Conduit was in the comics. And since this is a new continuity, surly they can find a way to bring him back.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 8:08 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

I’d also like to see a animated film of Superman in world war 2.

redcape
redcape
January 10, 2019 9:01 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

You know spidey we did get some of that in Justice League New Frontier. To me it felt somewhat “off” seeing him fighting in that environment.

I don’t understand what they’re doing with these
animated films anymore. They can’t even give us a good Superman adventure but they can come up with “communist” Superman. I mean..good god, that concept stinks and it will stink to see on film. Personally I thought more of “Death of Superman” was bad enough but this theme is totally unacceptable.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 9:27 pm
Reply to  redcape

In my opinion, I just feel like there’s something unnerving about Superman wearing the symbol of communism on his chest. But again that’s just me. As for animated styles for Superman, I really don’t know redcape. I guess it depends on the story for me.

Superman2878
January 10, 2019 9:55 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Ya know, these days they adapt animated films from the comics, but has there been any recent Superman animated films that weren’t from the comics?

JasEl
JasEl
January 12, 2019 12:58 am
Reply to  redcape

New Frontier was set in the 50s

MattComics
MattComics
January 10, 2019 9:32 pm

I think I’d be a little more ok with it if we’were or had been getting a solid run of features with classic/standard whatever you want to call it Superman recently. It’s sort of like if you were getting a ton of Elseworlds books but there was no mainline title.

Kal-Ed
January 11, 2019 3:01 am
Reply to  MattComics

There are lots to choose from the post crisis library. Death of Clark Kent is also a favourite of mine that has been up on my mind. The trial of Superman…while it was a good story overall, it wasn’t that memorable in my opinion and not that worthy of an adaptation into animated foray. Exile, however is a good read and definitely I could see the animated version.

Superman2878
January 11, 2019 9:35 am
Reply to  Kal-Ed

I remember there being a story back in the 90’s where Superman’s powers became out of control. He grew to be like hulkish size. And he had to be very cautious on what he did since any little movement could endanger others. That could be an interesting film.

Superman2878
January 11, 2019 9:39 am
Reply to  Superman2878

There’s also the Superman dead again story arch. If I remember correctly, brainiac manipulated people into seeing a fake Superman body so that there would be doubt into whether or not Superman was really Superman. I think that’s a interesting story as well.

Kal-Ed
January 11, 2019 4:53 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

That was Spider-Man’s clone hehehehe

Superman2878
January 11, 2019 6:13 pm
Reply to  Kal-Ed

The Spider-Man clone saga right? I remember that one. I’m glad that Ben Reilly was the clone instead of Peter Parker. Speaking about clones, would the eradicator be considered an android in a Superman cloned body? And would Cyborg Superman be considered to be part clone as well? I always wondered about that.

JasEl
JasEl
January 12, 2019 12:56 am
Reply to  MattComics

Starting with Superman/Doomsday through to now, every animated movie with Superman in it is directly taken from “mainline” comic stories with the exception of “All-Star Superman”, “Justice League: New Frontier”, and “Justice League: Gods and Monsters”. I fail to see your line of logic.

Superman2878
January 12, 2019 12:22 pm
Reply to  JasEl

What was the question again? I got a little bit lost on current conversations. I really don’t know if we’re still talking about communist Superman, Superman animated films, or clones I think? So what’s the current topic about? I really appreciate any help in catching me up.

JasEl
JasEl
January 12, 2019 4:41 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

This is a response to Mattcomics” post.
“I think I’d be a little more ok with it if we’were or had been getting a solid run of features with classic/standard whatever you want to call it Superman recently. It’s sort of like if you were getting a ton of Elseworlds books but there was no mainline title.”

Superman2878
January 12, 2019 7:02 pm
Reply to  JasEl

I see. Thanks for catching me up JasEl

redcape
redcape
January 11, 2019 1:22 pm

When it comes to these animated movies it seems like every other one that’s released is more off the wall than the last. Haven’t they done the “death” angle(pun) to death?? Now were going for the “death” of Clark Kent?? And after all the death we now get “communist” Superman??? Can you imagine the shirt rip scene?? They can’t give us great Superman adventures any more? They all have to have some kind of abstract story line?? When I think back to the first animated movie, Wonder Woman and how good it was. Followed by several other great stories with… Read more »

Kal-Ed
January 11, 2019 4:52 pm
Reply to  redcape

I think it happened on the silver age

Superman2878
January 11, 2019 6:21 pm
Reply to  redcape

I think they had an episode like that in Justice league action when firestorm was helping Superman against metallo redcape. If I remember correctly firestorm was trying to figure out the composition of Kryptonite so that he could disable it to help Superman. The end result turned Superman into well….Superwoman. It was very very weird.

redcape
redcape
January 12, 2019 1:15 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Weird is probably being nice. Heaven help us all if they decide to go there. They’ve been off the wall for quite some time with their story lines. They’ve done it with Batman as well. The top banana of miss-direction was IMO, Batman, The Killing Joke. Not only was it, from a story stand point bad, but it was GROSS. Can’t imagine why they ever thought we needed or wanted that. This theme of communist Superman is off the wall as well.

MattComics
MattComics
January 12, 2019 2:17 pm
Reply to  redcape

That part Justice League Action was played for fun and was just part of bit that had multiple transformations for Superman. The whole idea of Red K having weird effects on Superman is the Silver Age concept. So if you look at those comics Red K turning him into a woman is not actually any weirder than it giving him a bug head or whatever.

Superman2878
January 12, 2019 2:49 pm
Reply to  MattComics

Bug head Superman…..
(shudders) ew

Superman2878
January 12, 2019 2:55 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Ya know I remember there being a comic where Superman’s head turned into a lion’s head.

Superman2878
January 12, 2019 7:05 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Although there are some red Kryptonite stories that are rather interesting.

Superman2878
January 13, 2019 6:00 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Please don’t think that I was being mean MattComics,I was being funny with the bug headed Superman comment.

redcape
redcape
January 13, 2019 6:41 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

When I was a kid reading Superman comics red k stories were occasional. For the most part they were ridiculous. For some reason I remember when it changed him into a skeleton and he was flying around in his suit all baggy around skeleton bones. But I think I would rather see that as stupid as it may be than communist Superman.

Isn’t it amazing that Snyder got all the grief he did for directing Superman the way he did and NOW they want to go this communist route with him? What is going on???????????

Superman2878
January 13, 2019 11:37 pm
Reply to  redcape

When you say skeleton, do you mean that he looked like skeletor from masters of the universe? Or a skeleton from the 90’s cartoon series skeleton warriors? I don’t think that I ever saw that issue. When was the issue released? Was it meant to be scary or funny?

redcape
redcape
January 14, 2019 12:58 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

I’m sure the red K stories I’m talking about would have been long before your time. It was just another Superman story. You didn’t pick them apart the way we do now a day. There was no form of media in which to do so.

As for red k skeleton….long before 90’s or Skeletor. That’s how a lot of the red k stories were back then.

Superman2878
January 14, 2019 2:42 pm
Reply to  redcape

I see. Thank you for explaining it to me redcape.

MattComics
MattComics
January 14, 2019 12:56 pm
Reply to  Superman2878

Relax Spidey, I know you weren’t being mean. I was just using the bug head thing as example of weird transformations caused by Red K in old comics. Personally, I kinda like the idea of Red K being something that takes away his inhibitions better but for the tone of a show like Justice League Action having Red K be more like what was in the Silver Age is fine IMO. It’s also an idea that’s probably more fun for the animators to work with.

Superman2878
January 14, 2019 2:44 pm
Reply to  MattComics

Thanks MattComics. I just wanted to make sure that what I said wasn’t interpreted the wrong way.

redcape
redcape
January 15, 2019 1:55 pm

“As Superman stands on the brink of ultimate power, three heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, each make a valiant stand to destroy the reign of the Man of Steel.” I sort of glared over this aspect of the movie as well. BUT…here we go again. They have Superman in an evil setting to once again be battling the JL(if they’re called that). It seems like if it isn’t death, being evil or some other shock value in some environment we really don’t want to see him in, they can’t come up with an environment in which being Superman… Read more »

JasEl
JasEl
January 15, 2019 9:01 pm
Reply to  redcape

He isn’t evil in this story, have you ever read the GN? He’s still very much Superman he just happens to be in communist Russia.