Superman Returns ... With Its Curse

There must be some part of Brandon Routh that has to be completely terrified about the debut of his new movie, "Superman Returns."

For one, the movie has an estimated price tag of more than $200 million — the most expensive film on record — and much of its success is riding on his red cape.

But then there's the curse — the urban legend that actors involved in or starring as the superhero in "Superman" films or its TV shows are cursed by death, hardship, or typecasting.

We all know the tragic story of Christopher Reeve, who played the Man of Steel in the previous generation of "Superman" movies. He battled typecasting, then had to fight a tougher opponent after he was paralyzed in a riding accident in 1995. He died nine years later.

Reeve's Lois Lane, played by actress Margot Kidder, became tabloid fodder when she faced psychological troubles in the 1990's. Multiple sclerosis plagued comedian Richard Pryor, who played Gus Gorman in "Superman III." Marlon Brando, who portrayed Superman's father, Jor-El, had his fair share of health problems.

Going back even further, actor George Reeves, who played Superman in several films and in the TV series that ran from 1952-1958, fought typecasting throughout his career and died of an apparent suicide in 1959.

Playing Superman failed to sufficiently launch the careers of many actors, including Kirk Alyn, a Superman in two post-war movie serials, and actors John Haymes Newton and his successor Gerard Christopher of the "Superboy" TV series.

Dean Cain, who starred with Teri Hatcher in the successful "Lois & Clark" television series, appears frequently in so-so TV movies nowadays. Tom Welling still has his Superman series "Smallville," thanks to the new network The CW — but his celeb wattage is only moderately bright.

Just like Reeve, Routh was a virtual unknown when he was cast as Clark Kent in this much-anticipated project. The lead role was notoriously difficult to cast.

Perhaps the curse crossed Routh's mind before he signed on the dotted line?

By Amy Bonawitz