Former Superman Brandon Routh just delivered one of the most unexpected moments at Comic-Con 2025. This time, there was no Superman cape in sight.
The 45-year-old actor, best known as the former Superman in Superman Returns (2006), unexpectedly stunned fans at an All-American Rejects concert. Moreover, he surprised everyone by appearing on stage wearing full Spider-Man cosplay.
Later, Entertainment Weekly also shared the surprise on Instagram with the caption:
“Surprise! Brandon Routh walked out on stage dressed in full Spider-Man cosplay during the packed All-American Rejects concert at #ComicCon.”
Former Superman Takes a Marvel Turn
Naturally, fans on social media were quick to react. For example, one commenter wrote:
“Dare I say it, he’d make a great older Peter Parker.”
Another, referencing Routh’s villain role in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, joked,
“But does he have vegan powers?”
A third fan summed it up simply:
“I totally see him as Spider-Man.”
Given how both DC and Marvel are embracing the multiverse concept, many fans believe Routh could potentially swing into the MCU as an alternate Peter Parker. With his superhero experience and charisma, the idea doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
Former Superman’s DC Story Isn’t Over
Routh is no stranger to multiverse narratives. In 2019–2020, he reprised his Superman role in Crisis on Infinite Earths, the major Arrowverse crossover that united DC’s movies and shows into a shared multiverse.
His portrayal of a Kingdom Come-inspired Superman earned high praise, giving fans a sense of closure that Superman Returns never fully delivered.
Interestingly, there might still be more to come. In fact, in a recent Substack post, Crisis showrunner Marc Guggenheim went on to reveal:
“Brandon and I have talked about a sequel series. We have some really exciting ideas…”
Guggenheim later clarified on Substack that the talks were only between him and Routh, with no studio involved yet. Still, he thanked fans for their continued love for Routh’s Man of Steel.
Whether he’s swinging through Marvel’s web of possibilities or soaring once again as DC’s Superman, Brandon Routh proves that being a former Superman doesn’t mean he’s done with superhero stories. In fact, it might just be the beginning of another exciting chapter.
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Saranyamol Mohan 
Sebastian Kind