Brandon Routh

In October of 2004, after spending over 10 years planning to revive the 'Superman' film franchise, Warner Bros. finally decided to cast the little-known actor Brandon Routh in the much sought after title role. Following a widespread search for a fresh face to play the Man of Steel, 'Superman Returns' director Bryan Singer was taken by Routh's resemblance to the famous superhero.

Routh was born in 1979 in Des Moines, Iowa and was raised in Norwalk - only 100 miles away from the Iowa hometown of the original 'Superman,' George Reeves. Routh spent his high school years on the swim team and soccer team before heading off to the University of Iowa. After one year at the university, Routh moved to Hollywood to pursue an acting career.

This handsome star's first break came in 1999 when he was cast on an episode of the sitcom 'Odd Man Out.' From there, Routh appeared in a four episode stint of the third season of MTV's 'Undressed.' Routh also starred in Christina Aguilera's popular music video for her hit song 'What a Girl Wants.' From 2001-2002, Routh played the role of Seth Anderson on the daytime soap 'One Life to Live.' Routh also has appearances on 'Gilmore Girls,' 'Will & Grace,' and 'Cold Case' to his credit.

In 2003, as fate would have it, Routh won a Hollywood Halloween contest for his Clark Kent costume - his open shirt displayed the emblematic Superman 'S' on his chest. A year later, Routh's all-American good looks and keen talent led him to the role of a lifetime. Audiences will truly be introduced to Routh when the highly anticipated 'Superman Returns' hits theatres.