'Superman Returns' Star Gears Up For Movie's Release

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The star of "Superman Returns" is waiting for his turn at super-stardom to hit the silver screen.

It was 20-some years ago that a seed was planted in his parents' Norwalk living room. That’s where Brandon Routh said he watched "Superman" for the first time.

"I was so excited to see 'Superman' the movie for the first time on television, I ran around this room and made myself sick," Routh said.

This summer, he'll be soaring not running. "Superman Returns" will hit theaters June 28.

"I feel confident about it, but you never know what everybody else thinks," he said.

Routh's dream role came true before he hit 26.

"I had thoughts of it, but you know, a kid from a small town in Iowa, you don't really think there's much opportunity for that," he said.

Until a few years ago.

"Ever since I moved to Los Angeles, I had many people kind of commenting on my likeness to Christopher Reeve, so, it was always in my head that it might be a possibility to be a part of this film," he said.

Seven months of auditions landed him in the world's most popular blue tights and on the pages of almost every entertainment magazine.

"It's pretty neat. It's pretty fascinating. It really tells me how much the world is excited to see the film and what a great honor it is for me to be a part of it," he said.

The film's Australian shoot was an endurance test of flying, running and bringing special effects to life.

"I was an athlete growing up and play sports now, but combining that with acting was an interesting thing," he said.

The result showcases the return of the Man of Steel after a 23-year absence from the big screen.

"There's danger, there's action, and there's all these things happening, so Superman comes back at the right time," he said.

Iowa's new Superman is already feeling the effects of his front-page fame.

"I go a little bit incognito, I guess, to some extent, but I'm not as recognizable as I will be in the summer certainly," he said.

Until the movie's release, all he can do is wait.

"It is a little bit nerve wracking, but I'm fairly happy with what we created back in Australia," he said.

"Superman Returns" is directed by "X-Men" and "The Usual Suspects" filmmaker Bryan Singer, and also stars Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor and Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane.