Man of Steel is a 2013 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman.
Directed by Zack Snyder, the film serves as a reboot of the Superman film series and was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and DC Entertainment. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, who developed the story in collaboration with producer Christopher Nolan. The film stars Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman, alongside Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, and Kevin Costner.
The narrative follows Clark Kent, an alien child sent to Earth from the dying planet Krypton. As he grows up, he grapples with his extraordinary powers and seeks to understand his origins. When General Zod, a surviving Kryptonian, arrives on Earth with plans to conquer the planet, Clark must embrace his identity as Superman to protect humanity. The film explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the struggle between personal desires and the greater good.
Man of Steel was produced on a budget estimated between $225 million and $258 million. It was released on June 14, 2013, and grossed approximately $670.1 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing solo Superman film to date. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual effects, action sequences, and performances, particularly that of Cavill and Shannon. However, some critics noted its darker tone and extensive destruction during the climactic battles as points of contention.
The film's production involved extensive visual effects and was shot primarily in various locations, including Illinois, California, and Canada. The cinematography was handled by Amir Mokri, and the score was composed by Hans Zimmer, contributing to the film's epic and emotional tone. Despite its mixed critical reception, Man of Steel was influential in shaping the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and laid the groundwork for subsequent films featuring Superman and other DC characters.