Superman: Red Son (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Superman: Red Son is a 2020 action animated film directed by Sam Liu, starring Jason Isaacs as Superman (voice), Diedrich Bader and Phil Morris. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes. Its Echo Score is 73/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 24m (84 min)
- Director
- Sam Liu
- Original language
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English
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Animation
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Superman: Red Son About?
The premise of Superman: Red Son without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
During the Cold War, a young Kal-El lands in Soviet Russia instead of Kansas. Raised as a symbol of communism, he becomes a powerful figure dedicated to upholding Stalin’s vision. The story explores an alternate history where Superman’s ideals are shaped by the political landscape of the USSR, leading to a unique and compelling narrative about power, ideology, and what it means to be a hero.
Superman: Red Son Cast & Characters
Jason Isaacs leads the cast as Superman (voice), with Diedrich Bader as Lex Luthor (voice) and Phil Morris as James Olsen (voice). Directed by Sam Liu; 18 actors are credited in all.
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Director Sam Liu
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Jason Isaacs as Superman (voice) -
Diedrich Bader as Lex Luthor (voice) - Phil Morris as James Olsen (voice)
- Vanessa Marshall as Diana / Wonder Woman (voice)
Also Starring in Superman: Red Son
· 14 more- Paul Williams Brainiac (voice)
- Roger Craig Smith Batman (voice)
- Amy Acker Lois Lane (voice)
- Sasha Roiz Hal Jordan (voice)
- Tara Strong Young Superman (voice)
- Phil LaMarr John Stewart / Ron Troupe / Gulag Guard (voice)
- Jim Meskimen John F. Kennedy / Dwight D. Eisenhower (voice)
- Jim Ward George Taylor (voice)
- Travis Willingham Superior Man / Guy Gardner / Petrovich (voice)
- Jason Spisak Dimitri (voice)
- William Salyers Joseph Stalin / Jack Ryder (voice)
- Greg Chun Ambassador Lee (voice)
- Winter Ave Zoli Svetlana (voice)
- Anna Vocino Tour Guide (voice)
More from Sam Liu
More films directed by Sam Liu, best-rated first: Reign of the Supermen, Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, Batman: Soul of the Dragon and DC Showcase: Death.
Superman: Red Son Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Superman: Red Son Echo Score Breakdown
Superman: Red Son delivers an ambitious reimagining that engages viewers with its alternate-history premise and strong voice performances, particularly from Jason Isaacs. While the animation and visual execution receive consistent praise, the narrative suffers from uneven pacing and occasional thematic simplification, leaving some fans of the source material wanting greater depth. Overall, the film balances thoughtful moments with conventional superhero action, resulting in a moderately positive reception that rewards repeat viewings for its stylistic flair and conceptual boldness.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film’s animation is widely recognized for its high production values and polished visual style. Critics note the studio’s expertise, comparing it favorably to leading animation houses, while a minority of viewers find the animation merely adequate. The direction and editing support the action sequences effectively, contributing to an overall strong aesthetic presentation.
- Character & Emotion 70
When evaluating character and emotion, the voice cast, especially Jason Isaacs, is highlighted for delivering nuanced performances that elevate the protagonist. Some reviews, however, point out underused supporting characters and limited emotional depth. The chemistry among the cast is generally solid, though the film does not fully explore the complexities of its alternate personas.
- Story & Flow 68
Regarding story and flow, the alternate‑history concept is praised for its originality and thought‑provoking themes. Critics and users alike comment on uneven pacing and moments where political messaging feels muddled or simplified. While the plot remains coherent enough to engage most viewers, the pacing issues prevent it from achieving a fully compelling narrative arc.
- Sensory Experience 75
In the sensory experience domain, the film benefits from a dynamic soundtrack and effective sound design that complement its vivid visual palette. Reviewers commend the striking color schemes and animation fluidity, though a few note occasional visual inconsistency. Overall, the audio‑visual integration enhances immersion and supports the film’s atmospheric goals.
- Rewatch Factor 72
Assessing rewatch factor, the movie’s entertaining action set‑pieces and intriguing premise encourage multiple viewings. Audience feedback indicates enjoyment on subsequent watches, though some express desire for deeper exploration of the source material. The blend of humor, drama, and visual flair provides sufficient lasting appeal to merit revisiting the film.
Superman: Red Son Plot Summary
What happens in Superman: Red Son from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1953, the world learns that Superman has been exposed to the public by the Soviet Union, and the revelation of a superpowered alien under a communist banner shocks the United States. The new dynamic of the Cold War quickly shifts the arms race away from raw nuclear might and toward the power of metahumans. R. Labs, with a singular mission: defeat Superman. Luthor’s ruthless first act is to sabotage Earth’s defenses by sending Sputnik 2 careening toward Metropolis, forcing a dramatic set of stakes that will redefine the era. When Superman diverts the satellite away from the city, Luthor secures trace genetic material from him and uses it to forge a monstrous clone—an imperfect copy known as Superman Two.
Full summary
The whole story of Superman: Red Son, scene by scene
Superman: Red Son Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Superman: Red Son.
How Well Do You Know Superman: Red Son?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year does the Soviet Union reveal Superman to the world?
Cars in Superman: Red Son
4 cars on screen, including the Fisher M26 'Pershing' and the Uralvagonzavod T-55.
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Fisher M26 'Pershing' Minor role -
Uralvagonzavod T-55 Minor role -
Moskvitch 408 Background role -
ZiL 131 Background role
Superman: Red Son Also Known As
17 alternative titles, including “Superman - Red Son” and “超人:红色之子”.
- Also known as
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- Superman - Red Son
- 超人:红色之子
- Superman: Hijo Rojo
- Superman - Entre a Foice e o Martelo
- Супермен: Красный сын
- Superman: Entre a Foice e o Martelo
- סופרמן: הבן האדום
- 슈퍼맨 레드 선
- Супермен: Червеният син
- 超人:紅色之子
- Superman: Vörös Nap
- Süpermen: Kızıl Evlat
+5 more Show fewer
- Супермен: Црвени син
- Супермен: Червоний син
- Supermand: Den røde søn, სუპერმენი: წითელი ვაჟი
- บุรุษเหล็ก เผด็จการ
- 超人:紅之子
Seen Superman: Red Son?
Superman: Red Son FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Superman: Red Son, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Superman: Red Son?
Superman: Red Son runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).
When was Superman: Red Son released?
Superman: Red Son was released on February 24, 2020.
Who directed Superman: Red Son?
Superman: Red Son was directed by Sam Liu.
More films by Sam Liu Who is in the cast of Superman: Red Son?
Superman: Red Son stars Jason Isaacs as Superman (voice), Diedrich Bader as Lex Luthor (voice) and Phil Morris as James Olsen (voice), among 18 credited actors.
Does Superman: Red Son have a post-credit scene?
No. Superman: Red Son has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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