New Superman muscles into role

Some might say the new Superman Brandon Routh is growing into his role remarkably well.

The all-new film sequel, provisionally titled Superman Returns, is not out until next year but this sneak preview of Routh, 25, in his superhero costume, shows that he carries off the look with style.

Muscled Routh does not need any fake padding to fill out his skin-tight costume.

The American soap actor was a relative unknown before he landed the part, made famous by Christopher Reeve. But as USA Today says: "The look of Superman literally rests on the broad and buff shoulders of newcomer Routh."

Director Bryan Singer, whose credits include the hit X-Men, says Superman's heroism depends on his extraordinary physique. "With XMen, although they had extraordinary powers, they also had physical weaknesses," he said. "The suits were for protection as well as costume. Superman is the Man of Steel. Bullets bounce off him, not his suit."

The film, which began filming in Sydney last month, co-stars Kevin Spacey and Kat e Bosworth.

Hugh Laurie has been confirmed to play Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet where Clark Kent works.

Singer wanted to keep " something classic" about the new Superman and remain faithful to the Max Fleischer cartoons of the Forties and the Reeve films.

So the cape, body suit and tights stay but diehard fans, however, will notice that colours are darker and the 'S' insignia is slightly smaller and higher and added to the belt buckle.