Movie Costume News

For better or worse, the new Superman costume will be used in Superman Returns, which is set to hit the theaters next summer. Many Superman fans dislike the costume for several reasons: cheap t-shirt neckline, small emblem made of plastic, bikini briefs, short boots and a plastic cape. They also dislike the stylized belt buckle, which traditionally is just a small circle.

However, I won't continue a fanboyish tirade about the costume because it's clear that it's going to be used in the new movie and so there's no point in complaining further. However, the redesign aside, there are reasons why the suit traditionally had a particular look.

The picture on the right has been altered to raise the belt line as well as slightly increase the size of the S emblem. Just those minor changes make Routh's chest look more powerful and draws attention to the Superman emblem, as should be, rather than the long vacant torso area.

Another problem is the proliferation of plastic, which makes the outfit look rather like a cheap Halloween costume. The S shield looks like the kind of plastic logo that would adorn the wall of a comic book shop. Not to mention if they plan any love scenes between Superman and Lois, no woman wants to rest her head on something that feels like a 1980 Thunderbird taillight.

Even if nothing else on the costume is cloth, the cape should be. A cloth cape moves more naturally and gives a flow to Superman's movements even when he's not flying. It also has a nice regal drape. The plastic cape, on the other hand, doesn't even drape naturally over Routh's shoulders.

When you get right down to it, the cape is the one human element of the costume. It is all about aesthetics rather than function. It is also the one romanticized element of the costume, which is more in line with earthly eras of chivalry rather than the pragmatic logic of Krypton. There is, however, nothing romantic or chivalrous about a plastic cape.

It's odd that whoever designed Routh's costume didn't envision the possibility of tender moments with Lois Lane, or a hug from a child. Superman, unlike Batman, is a warm approachable hero.

Maybe this is all about merchandizing. They want a costume different enough that existing Superman merchandise won't look right and so manufacturers will have to retool to create this costume. In the meantime, 'official' movie merchandise will be flooding stores and the old action figures will have to hit the bargain bin. Who knows, next Halloween little boys will be trick or treating in bikini briefs while their dads cringe in the background.