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Reign of the Supermen (2019) movie poster

Plot Summary

Reign of the Supermen (2019) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 87 min · English
Echo score 58
Directed by
Sam Liu
Starring
Nathan Fillion, Rosario Dawson, Rainn Wilson, Cameron Monaghan, Patrick Fabian, Jerry O'Connell

Following Superman’s death, four distinct individuals emerge in Metropolis, each claiming to embody his legacy. They are the resolute Eradicator, the overconfident Superboy, the powerful Steel wielding a hammer, and the empathetic Cyborg Superman. Their presence sparks conflict as they vie for acceptance and must confront a looming threat to the city.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 The book behind the movie
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Reign of the Supermen
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Reign of the Supermen (2019)

Where can you watch Reign of the Supermen? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Reign of the Supermen: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Reign of the Supermen (2019) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

As six months have passed since Superman’s brave sacrifice against the monstrous Doomsday, a palpable unease has taken hold of Metropolis. The once vibrant streets are now overwhelmed by rampant crime, and in the aftermath of Kal-El's departure, four self-proclaimed Supermen emerge, each vying to inherit his legacy. Lois Lane, still grappling with her crushing grief, dedicates herself to investigating these newcomers while meticulously analyzing intelligence gathered from various sources.

In the midst of this chaos, the cunning Lex Luthor orchestrates a high-profile press conference, boasting his latest creation: Superboy, a genetically engineered clone developed by the enigmatic Dr. Dabney Donovan. However, Lois quickly uncovers the deception at play, revealing this so-called Superman to be nothing but an artificial copy. The situation escalates when a trio of other Supermen – Steel, Cyborg Superman, and the Eradicator – storms in, resulting in a dramatic showdown that leaves only two of them standing.

Unbeknownst to everyone, Kal-El has managed to cheat death and is recuperating in his secluded Fortress of Solitude. As he grows stronger, it becomes evident that the Eradicator’s DNA has started to undergo rejuvenation thanks to the ship's advanced matrix technology. That same evening, Cyborg Superman confronts Lois, attempting to convince her of his legitimacy.

As tensions simmer among all involved, the Justice League, with the support of Superboy, has been appointed as bodyguards for the President during a paramount event meant to unveil the new Watchtower. Just as the ceremony is about to commence, it is abruptly interrupted by an horde of Parademons flooding in through a boom tube portal. To make matters worse, the League members are mysteriously transported to another planet and presumed dead, enabling Cyborg Superman to leap into action, rescuing the President and declaring himself the true Superman.

In the subsequent chaos, Lex Luthor's frustration with Superboy mounts to a breaking point, igniting a chain of violent events culminating in the horrendous murder of Dr. Donovan—a heinous act that he apparently orchestrated, leveraging his genetic connection to the clone. Meanwhile, a ferocious conflict unfolds between the Eradicator and Steel, which culminates when Lois realizes that this supposed Superman is merely a holographic projection conjured by Kal-El's ship’s matrix to protect his hidden truths.

As the dust settles, a shocking revelation comes to light: Cyborg Superman, in reality Hank Henshaw, a fallen astronaut consumed by a drive for vengeance against the Man of Steel, has been employing Mother Box technology to construct an army of human-infused warriors known as the Cyber Corps. The warning is clear—if left unchallenged, these fierce forces are hell-bent on obliterating everything that Kal-El stands for.

Ultimately, Lois and Lex stumble upon a harrowing secret: Cyborg Superman is being manipulated by none other than Darkseid, the tyrant from Apokolips, who set the stage for Doomsday's assault on Earth, aiming to eradicate the Last Son of Krypton once and for all. As Superman, Superboy, and Steel rush back to Metropolis, Lex Luthor seizes the chance to save the Justice League from their impending doom. On the other hand, Darkseid fixates on tormenting Henshaw, whose failure to eliminate Superman still writhes in his conscience. Using a Mother Box infused with Henshaw's consciousness, Darkseid tries to create a portal to manifest his enemy. However, before his plan can come to fruition, Henshaw takes matters into his own hands, forcibly removing the Mother Box from within himself, consequently breaking Darkseid's grip on the Cyber Corps.

As Lois Lane finds herself whisked away to the Watchtower, she becomes the target of Henshaw's fury. Just as he preps to deliver his vengeance, Superman makes a dynamic entrance, only to face an onslaught of rage and resentment from Henshaw, who blames him for the death of his wife, Terri, resulting from Superman's past actions. Ultimately, the Man of Steel draws strength from the sun's rejuvenating rays, bringing an end to Henshaw's rampage with a crystal that houses the Eradicator program, acquired from the Fortress of Solitude.

Following this climactic battle, the Martian Manhunter steps in, masquerading as Superman to announce the safe return of Clark Kent, conveniently glossing over his disappearance during the catastrophic Doomsday showdown. Meanwhile, Superboy is embraced by Jonathan and Martha Kent, who lovingly rename him Conner as they integrate him into their family. In a tantalizing post-credits scene, the Justice League reconvenes at the Watchtower, preparing to confront Darkseid directly, while Lex Luthor extends an unexpected offer to join forces, hinting at future alliances.

Last updated: November 19, 2024 at 20:56

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Plot questions answered

Reign of the Supermen Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Reign of the Supermen (2019): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why do four different people claim to be Superman after his death?

After Superman's sacrifice against Doomsday, four individuals emerge claiming his legacy: Superboy (Lex Luthor's genetically engineered clone), Steel (John Irons with his powerful hammer), Cyborg Superman (the vengeful Hank Henshaw), and the Eradicator (a Kryptonian program). Each has different motives, Luthor uses Superboy as a public stunt, Henshaw seeks revenge, while Steel and the Eradicator genuinely try to fill Superman's void.

Foreshadowing: The movie establishes early on that Metropolis is struggling without its protector, creating the perfect conditions for claimants to emerge.

  • superboy
  • steel
  • cyborg superman
  • eradicator
  • new supermen
  • metropolis
Q2

How was Superboy created and why is he not the real Superman?

Superboy is a genetically engineered clone created by Dr. Dabney Donovan under Lex Luthor's orders. Lois Lane uncovers that this so-called Superman is an artificial copy, not the real Kal-El. The clone shares some of Superman's powers but is fundamentally different, Luthor created him purely as a public relations stunt to fill the hero vacuum.

Foreshadowing: Lex Luthor's press conference showcases Superboy as a 'miracle', but the word 'creation' hints at artificial origins.

  • superboy clone
  • lex luthor
  • dr dabney donovan
  • genetically engineered
Q3

Who is Cyborg Superman really?

Cyborg Superman is actually Hank Henshaw, a former astronaut who became consumed by vengeance against Superman. Henshaw blames Superman for the death of his wife Terri, which occurred during one of Superman's past battles. After his body was destroyed, Henshaw used Mother Box technology to reconstruct himself as a cybernetic entity, adopting the Superman identity to get close to his enemy.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes show Cyborg Superman aggressively pursuing legitimacy, hinting at a deeper personal agenda beyond heroics.

  • hank henshaw
  • cyborg superman identity
  • terri henshaw
  • revenge
Q4

How is Darkseid controlling Cyborg Superman?

Darkseid, the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips, manipulated Hank Henshaw throughout the entire plot. Darkseid orchestrated Doomsday's attack on Earth specifically to kill Superman, and used Henshaw as a pawn to continue that mission. He employed Mother Box technology to infuse Henshaw's consciousness into the Cyber Corps army, attempting to create a portal to manifest his enemy. When Henshaw realized he was being used, he removed the Mother Box from himself, breaking Darkseid's control.

Foreshadowing: The Parademon invasion through boom tubes directly connects to Darkseid's technology and Apokoliptian forces.

  • darkseid
  • apokolips
  • mother box
  • cyber corps
  • doomsday
Q5

What happened to Superman after his fight with Doomsday?

Superman did not actually die. After his apparent sacrifice against Doomsday, Kal-El retreated to the Fortress of Solitude where he recuperated in a regenerative chamber. While recovering, the fortress's advanced matrix technology began rejuvenating the Eradicator's DNA. Superman emerged stronger when needed, returning to confront Cyborg Superman and save Metropolis.

Foreshadowing: The Eradicator's DNA rejuvenation at the Fortress hints that Superman's life force was also being preserved.

  • kal-el
  • fortress of solitude
  • superman survival
  • recovery
Q6

What happened to the Justice League during the Parademon attack?

During the Parademon invasion at the Watchtower ceremony, the Justice League members were mysteriously transported to another planet through boom tube technology. They were presumed dead, which allowed Cyborg Superman to swoop in, rescue the President, and declare himself the true Superman. Later, Lex Luthor rescues the League from their predicament.

Foreshadowing: The sudden boom tube activation during the ceremony leaves League members vulnerable and separated.

  • justice league
  • parademons
  • watchtower
  • boom tube
  • presumed dead
Q7

Why does Lex Luthor kill Dr. Donovan?

Lex Luthor murders Dr. Dabney Donovan in a fit of frustration over Superboy's failure and defiance. Despite creating Superboy, the clone rejects Luthor's control and aligns with the Justice League. Luthor's genetic connection to Superboy through Donovan (who used Luthor's DNA in the clone's creation) makes this betrayal especially infuriating, leading Luthor to eliminate the scientist who he sees as responsible.

Foreshadowing: Luthor's volatile temperament and control issues are evident throughout his interactions with Superboy.

  • lex luthor
  • dr dabney donovan
  • murder
  • superboy creator
Q8

What happens to Superboy at the end of the movie?

Superboy is welcomed into Jonathan and Martha Kent's family and renamed Conner. The Kent family embraces him as their own, offering the orphaned clone a genuine home and family, a stark contrast to his creation as a weapon. This marks Superboy's transition from Luthor's experiment to a hero with human connections.

Foreshadowing: Superboy's interactions with the Kents throughout the film build toward this emotional acceptance.

  • superboy
  • conner
  • kent family
  • adoption
  • martha kent
  • jonathan kent
Q9

What is the Eradicator and why does Lois discover it's a hologram?

The Eradicator is a Kryptonian program stored within Superman's Fortress of Solitude. During the conflict between Steel and the Eradicator, Lois Lane discovers that the Eradicator appearing in Metropolis was actually a holographic projection created by Superman's ship matrix, the same technology protecting his recovery. This deception was meant to shield Superman's secret location while still providing protection.

Foreshadowing: The Eradicator's sudden appearance and disappearance without clear origin points hint at artificial projection.

  • eradicator
  • hologram
  • kryptonian
  • fortress of solitude
  • matrix
Q10

How does Superman defeat Cyborg Superman?

Superman defeats Hank Henshaw by drawing strength from the sun's rejuvenating rays, which amplify his Kryptonian powers. He uses a crystal containing the Eradicator program (retrieved from the Fortress of Solitude) to finally end Henshaw's rampage. This combination of solar energy and Kryptonian technology proves overwhelming for the cybernetic villain.

Foreshadowing: The Fortress of Solitude's technology has been established as key to Superman's resurgence throughout the film.

  • superman vs cyborg superman
  • solar rays
  • eradicator crystal
  • henshaw defeat
Q11

Why does Martian Manhunter disguise as Superman at the end?

After Superman's return and victory over Henshaw, Martian Manhunter masquerades as Superman to announce Clark Kent's safe return to the public. This cover-up protects the secret that Clark Kent is Superman, while also conveniently explaining Kent's disappearance during the Doomsday battle, a disappearance that could have raised suspicion about his dual identity.

Foreshadowing: The need to explain Clark Kent's absence has been a recurring concern throughout the narrative.

  • martian manhunter
  • clark kent disguise
  • secret identity
  • cover up

Movie threads

More Movies Like Reign of the Supermen, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Reign of the Supermen tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about heroic successions like Reign of the Supermen

Stories where multiple figures emerge to claim a fallen hero's iconic mantle. If you liked the conflict of multiple Supermen in Reign of the Supermen, explore these movies about heroic legacies. This list features similar sci-fi and action stories where new figures battle to fill the void left by a fallen icon, perfect for fans of identity crises and legacy-themed superhero team-ups.

  • legacy
  • imposter syndrome
  • tense
  • heroic
  • unsettled
  • determined
  • Tone: tense, questioning, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, driven by conflict
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread typically begin with a profound loss, creating a power vacuum that attracts a diverse cast of claimants. The story explores themes of authenticity, grief, and the burden of legacy through internal conflict and external threats, often culminating in a crisis that forces the true successor to emerge or the original to return.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a 'succession crisis' narrative. They blend high-stakes action with thematic depth, exploring what it means to be a hero through the lens of multiple, competing inheritors of a iconic role, creating a tense and often action-packed experience.

Fast-paced action movies driven by grief like Reign of the Supermen

High-octane stories where characters channel profound loss into heroic action. For viewers who enjoyed the high-speed, grief-motivated action of Reign of the Supermen, this list features similar movies. Discover other tense, action-packed stories where characters use heroic battles as a way to cope with loss, offering a blend of emotional weight and relentless pacing for fans of impactful superhero violence.

  • grieving
  • action-packed
  • tense
  • determined
  • redemptive
  • heroic
  • Tone: tense, determined, redemptive
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The emotional journey in these stories is direct: a devastating loss ignites the plot, and the characters' primary method of coping is through physical engagement and combat. The pacing is fast, leaving little room for melancholy, as the action itself becomes an expression of the characters' unresolved grief and determination.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific emotional and pacing recipe: they use a foundation of grief and loss to justify and intensify a consistently fast-paced, high-intensity action narrative. The focus is on externalizing emotion through conflict, resulting in a tense, gripping, and ultimately cathartic experience.

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Every angle

Reign of the Supermen (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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