Superman Anthology - Timeline

[Pro Bot]

This timeline is based on the Superman film series from 1978-2006 which occurs in Earth-96. Superman Returns originally intended to ignore Superman III onward, but Crisis on Infinite Earths, a continuation of Superman Returns, established that Superman III and Superman Returns take place in the same timeline. This fits all material together to create a cohesive timeline of all these films, including Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. The brackets are to denote its placement in the overall multiverse, since this universe crossed over with other realities set in 2019, so logically this universe is set in modern day relating to them, only humanity took slightly longer to evolve.

If at some point they separate the Donnerverse and Singerverse like they were originally intended, I'll create a separate timeline for the Singerverse that moves Superman: The Movie: Special Edition and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut to 1997 and Superman II to 2001.

Timelines
Timeline 1: Disaster Timeline - Superman: The Movie: Special Edition occured, Lois Lane dies.

Timeline 2: Renegade Timeline - Superman goes back in time to save Lois from ever being put into the ground, the events of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut occured.

Timeline 3: Kingdom Come - Superman goes back in time to destroy the missile before it opens the Phantom Zone, Lois gets buried into the ground but is saved by Superman (seen in Superman Returns: Prequel as a time Superman saved her life), the events of Superman II-IV, Supergirl and Superman Returns occured, Joker attacked the Daily Planet setting up Superman's appearance in Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Timeline 4: Status Quo - Identical to Timeline 3, but diverges at the point that Joker attacks the Daily Planet. The ending of Crisis on Infinite Earths occured, with Superman smiling in space with his restored colour scheme.

Timeline Reasoning
Lex Luthor states that Krypton exploded in 1948. This is contradicted by Jor-El, who states that he's been dead for many thousands of Earth years. I believe Jor-El more, so I've placed it in 1028 B.C. as an approximation. Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" is an adaptation of these events with slightly different dialogue.

Lex goes on to state that Superman landed on Earth 3 years later after, what I assume is a guess, Krypton exploded, so 3 years after 1948 is 1951. This is changed to fit the modern timeline of Superman Returns and Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Clark looks about 16 in the Superman Returns flashback, so I've put in where I thought it was appropriate.

Teenage Clark is 18, as Jor-El explained. This scene takes place in 1985. This is supported in Superman III, which specifies that Clark's class is from '65, which is changed to 1985 to fit the modern timeline.

12 years later according to Jor-El, Clark, now 30, emerges as Superman in 1997.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut occurs shortly after Superman: The Movie. At the end of the film, Superman time travels to the start of the film and stops it from ever happening. After this, everyone has a sense of Déjà Vu of the last couple days. Eventually, Clark's mind adjusts to the new timeline, and forgets about the whole ordeal. Years later, Superman stops a terrorist attack in Paris, and throws the bomb into space, which explodes and releases the Kryptonian prisoners lead by Zod from the Phantom Zone. This starts the events of Superman II.

In Superman II, Clark and Lois are implied to have conceived Jason. Since he left before he found out Lois is pregnant, and she assumed it was Richard White's son, Clark must have left Earth soon after the events of Superman II. Superman Returns is set in 2006, making it 2001. When Clark states "Look dear. That's kind of romantic", Lois responds with "In July?", placing this films events in July.

The frame story of Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" explains the backstory of the newspaper "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman". That newspaper is dated February 13th, 2005 in the film. The 2005 is inaccurate.

Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" is 5 years after Superman disappeared but before he returned.

Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" is set shortly before and right at the start of Superman Returns.

Superman Returns has two conflicting newspapers, both state September 2006. The first is dated the 28th, while the second, days later in the film, 29th. I personally think the second is accurate as the shot of the newspaper lingers longer.

Superman III is set after Superman Returns as Martha Kent has passed away. The date 19/3/83 is given, which is taken as 2013.

Supergirl is presumably set between Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Superman is on a peace seeking mission in another galaxy, which isn't related to Superman Returns. The film is placed in 2013 to maximize the amount of time for Superman to travel to and from this galaxy.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace has an August 29, 1985 newspaper. Later, it has a contradicting newspaper stating August 17, 1985. This is ignored, as the date is harder to spot. It's taken as 2015.

Crisis on Infinite Earths is placed in 2019.

Superman = 0000CD
Supergirl = 3D8EB9
Arrow = 008000
The Flash = FF0000
Supergirl = 5DADEC
DC's Legends of Tomorrow = 0000FF
Batwoman = 000000

Timeline
1028 B.C.
????
Superman II Chapter 1 (0:00:00 - 0:03:08)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 1)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 2 (0:05:19 - 0:09:37)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 3 (0:09:38 - 0:11:17)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 2-7)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 4 (0:11:18 - 0:14:36)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 8-11)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 5 (0:14:37 - 0:15:02)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 12)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 5 (0:15:03 - 0:15:30)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 13)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 5 (0:15:31 - 0:16:23)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 14)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 5 (0:16:24 - 0:16:37)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 15)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 5 (0:16:38 - 0:19:30)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 6 (0:19:31 - 0:21:00)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 16-18)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 6 (0:21:01 - 0:22:37)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 19)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 7 (0:22:38 - 0:24:21)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 20)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 8 (0:24:22 - 0:25:06)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 21-22)

1971
????
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 8 (0:25:07 - 0:26:30)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 23-25)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:26:31 - 0:26:41)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 26)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:26:42 - 0:27:16)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 27)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:27:17 - 0:27:41)
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth" (pg. 28-30)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:27:42 - 0:29:10)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 7)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:29:11 - 0:29:35)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 8)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:29:36 - 0:29:58)

1981
????
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 13-16)

1983
????
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 10)
Superman Returns Chapter 5 (0:17:47 - 0:19:17)

1985
????
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 19-20)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 9 (0:29:59 - 0:30:31)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 10 (0:30:32 - 0:34:50)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 11 (0:34:51 - 0:40:14)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 22)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 12 (0:40:15 - 0:46:42)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 23)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 13 (0:46:43 - 0:53:21)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 14 (0:53:22 - 0:59:37)

1997
????
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 14 (0:59:38 - 1:00:12)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 15 (1:00:13 - 1:04:57)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 16 (1:04:58 - 1:09:00)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 17 (1:09:01 - 1:16:18)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 18 (1:16:19 - 1:21:11)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 19 (1:21:12 - 1:23:41)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 20 (1:23:42 - 1:26:49)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 21 (1:26:50 - 1:29:30)
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 6)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 21 (1:29:31 - 1:29:52)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 22 (1:29:53 - 1:35:40)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 23 (1:35:41 - 1:37:38)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 24 (1:37:39 - 1:40:17)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 25 (1:40:18 - 1:45:09)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 26 (1:45:10 - 1:50:05)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 27 (1:50:06 - 1:51:23)
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 8)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 27 (1:51:24 - 1:52:12)
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 10)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 27 (1:52:13 - 1:53:07)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 28 (1:53:08 - 1:56:37)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 29 (1:56:38 - 1:59:48)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 30 (1:59:49 - 2:02:33)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 31 (2:02:34 - 2:12:19)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 32 (2:12:20 - 2:14:18)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 33 (2:14:19 - 2:19:18)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 34 (2:19:19 - 2:22:14)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 35 (2:22:15 - 2:22:41)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 3)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 35 (2:22:42 - 2:23:19)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 4)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 35 (2:23:20 - 2:24:53)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 9)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 35 (2:24:54 - 2:26:05)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 10)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 36 (2:26:06 - 2:31:33)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 37 (2:31:34 - 2:35:49)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 38 (2:35:50 - 2:38:17)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 11)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 2 (0:05:15 - 0:08:26) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 38 (2:38:18 - 2:42:33) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 39 (2:42:34 - 2:45:54) [Disaster Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 40 (2:45:55 - 2:50:51) [Disaster Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 41 (2:50:52 - 2:54:10) [Disaster Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 42 (2:54:11 - 2:55:43) [Disaster Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 42 (2:55:44 - 2:59:45) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 43 (2:59:46 - 3:00:06) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 12)
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut Chapter 43 (3:00:07 - 3:01:06) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 9)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 4 (0:11:59 - 0:14:56) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 5 (0:14:57 - 0:17:17) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 6 (0:17:18 - 0:19:57) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 7 (0:19:58 - 0:25:05) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 8 (0:25:06 - 0:29:48) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 9 (0:29:49 - 0:33:06) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 10 (0:33:07 - 0:37:58) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 11 (0:37:59 - 0:41:06) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 12 (0:41:07 - 0:46:32) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 13 (0:46:33 - 0:48:20) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 14 (0:48:21 - 0:49:53) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 15 (0:49:54 - 0:50:51) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 16 (0:50:52 - 0:53:54) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 17 (0:53:55 - 1:00:18) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 18 (1:00:19 - 1:03:49) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 19 (1:03:50 - 1:07:20) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 20 (1:07:21 - 1:09:04) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 21 (1:09:05 - 1:12:19) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 22 (1:12:20 - 1:15:15) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 23 (1:15:16 - 1:18:14) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 24 (1:18:15 - 1:21:13) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 25 (1:21:14 - 1:28:16) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 26 (1:28:17 - 1:31:56) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 27 (1:31:57 - 1:35:45) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 28 (1:35:46 - 1:40:58) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 29 (1:40:59 - 1:45:02) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 30 (1:45:03 - 1:46:36) [Renegade Timeline]
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 31 (1:46:37 - 1:49:06)

????
????
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 11-12)
Superman '78 #1**
Superman '78 #2**
Superman '78 #3**
Superman '78 #4**
Superman '78 #5**
Superman '78 #6**
Superman '78 #7**
Superman '78 #8**
Superman '78 #9**
Superman '78 #10**
Superman '78 #11**
Superman '78 #12**

2001
July
Superman II Chapter 3 (0:08:34 - 0:12:18)
Superman II Chapter 4 (0:12:19 - 0:17:58)
Superman II Chapter 5 (0:17:59 - 0:22:33)
Superman II Chapter 6 (0:22:34 - 0:24:44)
Superman II Chapter 7 (0:24:45 - 0:30:13)
Superman II Chapter 8 (0:30:14 - 0:33:12)
Superman II Chapter 9 (0:33:13 - 0:37:13)
Superman II Chapter 10 (0:37:14 - 0:41:44)
Superman II Chapter 11 (0:41:45 - 0:46:20)
Superman II Chapter 12 (0:46:21 - 0:49:44)
Superman II Chapter 13 (0:49:45 - 0:51:42)
Superman II Chapter 14 (0:51:43 - 0:54:56)
Superman II Chapter 15 (0:54:57 - 0:57:56)
Superman II Chapter 16 (0:57:57 - 0:59:04)
Superman II Chapter 17 (0:59:05 - 1:01:42)
Superman II Chapter 18 (1:01:43 - 1:03:43)
Superman II Chapter 19 (1:03:44 - 1:06:34)
Superman II Chapter 20 (1:06:35 - 1:10:31)
Superman II Chapter 21 (1:10:32 - 1:14:42)
Superman II Chapter 22 (1:14:43 - 1:18:13)
Superman II Chapter 23 (1:18:14 - 1:21:39)
Superman II Chapter 24 (1:21:40 - 1:23:31)
Superman II Chapter 25 (1:23:32 - 1:26:12)
Superman II Chapter 26 (1:26:13 - 1:29:12)
Superman II Chapter 27 (1:29:13 - 1:32:23)
Superman II Chapter 28 (1:32:24 - 1:39:44)
Superman II Chapter 29 (1:39:45 - 1:41:44)
Superman II Chapter 30 (1:41:45 - 1:44:12)
Superman II Chapter 31 (1:44:13 - 1:46:39)
Superman II Chapter 32 (0:46:40 - 1:50:27)
Superman II Chapter 33 (1:50:28 - 1:55:38)
Superman II Chapter 34 (1:55:39 - 2:00:45)
Superman II Chapter 35 (2:00:46 - 2:02:33)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 32 (1:49:07 - 1:50:53)
Superman II Chapter 36 (2:02:34 - 2:03:18)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut Chapter 32 (1:50:54 - 1:51:13)

????
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 24-25)
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 13-18)

December 25
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 19)

2002
April
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 20)

2006
February 11
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 1-5)

February 12
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 7)
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 21-23)

February 13
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane" (pg. 24-26)

????
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 1-2)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 7-8)
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 13-28)

September 26
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 1-6)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 9)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 11-12)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 17-18)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 21)
Superman Returns Chapter 2 (0:05:04 - 0:07:33)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 21)
Superman Returns Chapter 3 (0:07:34 - 0:09:04)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 26-27)
Superman Returns Chapter 3 (0:09:05 - 0:09:49)
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent" (pg. 28)
Superman Returns Chapter 3 (0:09:50 - 0:10:46)
Superman Returns Chapter 4 (0:10:47 - 0:16:31)

September 27
Superman Returns Chapter 5 (0:16:32 - 0:17:46)
Superman Returns Chapter 5 (0:19:18 - 0:19:46)
Superman Returns Chapter 6 (0:19:47 - 0:21:28)
Superman Returns Chapter 7 (0:21:29 - 0:25:22)
Superman Returns Chapter 8 (0:25:23 - 0:27:25)
Superman Returns Chapter 9 (0:27:26 - 0:31:10)
Superman Returns Chapter 10 (0:31:11 - 0:35:08)
Superman Returns Chapter 11 (0:35:09 - 0:38:48)
Superman Returns Chapter 12 (0:38:49 - 0:41:54)
Superman Returns Chapter 13 (0:41:55 - 0:46:48)
Superman Returns Chapter 14 (0:46:49 - 0:49:24)
Superman Returns Chapter 15 (0:49:25 - 0:53:49)
Superman Returns Chapter 16 (0:53:50 - 0:56:48)
Superman Returns Chapter 17 (0:56:49 - 1:01:13)
Superman Returns Chapter 18 (1:01:14 - 1:01:22)

September 28
Superman Returns Chapter 18 (1:01:23 - 1:06:39)
Superman Returns Chapter 19 (1:06:40 - 1:11:48)
Superman Returns Chapter 20 (1:06:40 - 1:17:12)
Superman Returns Chapter 21 (1:17:13 - 1:17:53)

September 29
Superman Returns Chapter 21 (1:17:54 - 1:19:41)
Superman Returns Chapter 22 (1:19:42 - 1:22:58)
Superman Returns Chapter 23 (1:22:59 - 1:28:52)
Superman Returns Chapter 24 (1:28:53 - 1:32:58)
Superman Returns Chapter 25 (1:32:59 - 1:35:48)
Superman Returns Chapter 26 (1:36:49 - 1:40:08)
Superman Returns Chapter 27 (1:40:09 - 1:44:30)
Superman Returns Chapter 28 (1:44:31 - 1:49:27)
Superman Returns Chapter 29 (1:49:28 - 1:51:51)
Superman Returns Chapter 30 (1:51:52 - 1:56:15)
Superman Returns Chapter 31 (1:56:16 - 1:58:33)
Superman Returns Chapter 32 (1:58:34 - 2:01:53)
Superman Returns Chapter 33 (2:01:54 - 2:04:36)
Superman Returns Chapter 34 (2:04:37 - 2:07:42)
Superman Returns Chapter 35 (2:07:43 - 2:11:40)
Superman Returns Chapter 36 (2:11:41 - 2:15:46)
Superman Returns Chapter 37 (2:15:47 - 2:19:37)
Superman Returns Chapter 38 (2:19:38 - 2:20:28)
Superman Returns Chapter 39 (2:20:29 - 2:24:05)
Superman Returns Chapter 40 (2:24:06 - 2:26:32)

2013
March 19
Superman III Chapter 1 (0:00:00 - 0:02:34)
Superman III Chapter 2 (0:02:35 - 0:08:30)
Superman III Chapter 3 (0:08:31 - 0:12:05)
Superman III Chapter 4 (0:12:06 - 0:14:31)
Superman III Chapter 5 (0:14:32 - 0:20:00)
Superman III Chapter 6 (0:20:01 - 0:21:54)
Superman III Chapter 7 (0:21:55 - 0:25:42)

March 20
Superman III Chapter 7 (0:25:43 - 0:26:31)
Superman III Chapter 8 (0:26:32 - 0:28:39)
Superman III Chapter 9 (0:28:40 - 0:30:47)
Superman III Chapter 10 (0:30:48 - 0:32:48)
Superman III Chapter 11 (0:32:49 - 0:37:53)
Superman III Chapter 12 (0:37:54 - 0:39:17)
Superman III Chapter 13 (0:39:18 - 0:43:58)
Superman III Chapter 14 (0:43:59 - 0:44:10)

March 21
Superman III Chapter 14 (0:44:11 - 0:46:35)
Superman III Chapter 15 (0:46:36 - 0:51:25)
Superman III Chapter 16 (0:51:26 - 0:53:36)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:55:45 - 0:55:48)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:04 - 0:56:07)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:32 - 0:56:38)
Superman III Chapter 16 (0:53:24 - 0:53:36) (Audio Only)
Superman III Chapter 16 (0:53:37 - 0:53:44)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:53:45 - 0:55:44)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:55:45 - 0:55:48) (Audio Only)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:55:49 - 0:56:03)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:04 - 0:56:07) (Audio Only)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:08 - 0:56:31)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:32 - 0:56:38) (Audio Only)
Superman III Chapter 17 (0:56:39 - 0:59:09)
Superman III Chapter 18 (0:59:10 - 1:02:19)

March 27
Superman III Chapter 19 (1:02:20 - 1:03:19)
Superman III Chapter 20 (1:03:20 - 1:06:54)
Superman III Chapter 21 (1:06:55 - 1:09:33)
Superman III Chapter 22 (1:09:34 - 1:12:47)
Superman III Chapter 23 (1:12:48 - 1:16:50)
Superman III Chapter 24 (1:16:51 - 1:18:46)

March 28
Superman III Chapter 24 (1:18:47 - 1:21:00)

March 29
Superman III Chapter 24 (1:21:01 - 1:23:38)
Superman III Chapter 25 (1:23:39 - 1:25:56)
Superman III Chapter 26 (1:25:57 - 1:31:52)
Superman III Chapter 27 (1:31:53 - 1:34:42)
Superman III Chapter 28 (1:34:43 - 1:38:28)
Superman III Chapter 29 (1:38:29 - 1:41:31)
Superman III Chapter 30 (1:41:32 - 1:43:48)
Superman III Chapter 31 (1:43:49 - 1:46:27)
Superman III Chapter 32 (1:46:28 - 1:48:35)
Superman III Chapter 33 (1:48:36 - 1:50:45)
Superman III Chapter 34 (1:50:46 - 1:52:58)
Superman III Chapter 35 (1:52:59 - 1:56:54)
Superman III Chapter 36 (1:56:55 - 1:58:40)
Superman III Chapter 37 (1:58:41 - 2:00:03)
Superman III Chapter 38 (2:00:04 - 2:01:17)

????
Supergirl Chapter 1 (0:02:31 - 0:10:25) [Inner Space]
Supergirl Chapter 2 (0:10:26 - 0:11:17) [Inner Space]
Supergirl Chapter 3 (0:11:18 - 0:14:03)
Supergirl Chapter 4 (0:14:04 - 0:18:28)
Supergirl Chapter 5 (0:18:29 - 0:23:56)
Supergirl Chapter 6 (0:23:57 - 0:26:48)
Supergirl Chapter 7 (0:26:49 - 0:30:56)
Supergirl Chapter 8 (0:30:57 - 0:38:09)
Supergirl Chapter 9 (0:38:10 - 0:42:01)
Supergirl Chapter 10 (0:42:02 - 0:47:34)
Supergirl Chapter 11 (0:47:35 - 0:53:59)
Supergirl Chapter 12 (0:54:00 - 1:01:41)
Supergirl Chapter 13 (1:01:42 - 1:09:19)
Supergirl Chapter 14 (1:09:20 - 1:18:45)
Supergirl Chapter 15 (1:18:46 - 1:27:04)
Supergirl Chapter 16 (1:27:05 - 1:30:02)
Supergirl Chapter 16 (1:30:03 - 1:31:18) [Phantom Zone]
Supergirl Chapter 17 (1:31:19 - 1:39:32) [Phantom Zone]
Supergirl Chapter 18 (1:39:33 - 1:45:27) [Phantom Zone]
Supergirl Chapter 19 (1:45:28 - 1:53:16)
Supergirl Chapter 20 (1:53:17 - 1:56:59) [Inner Space]

2015
August 26
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 2 (0:02:51 - 0:05:10)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 3 (0:05:11 - 0:07:48)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 4 (0:07:49 - 0:10:06)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 5 (0:10:07 - 0:12:39)

August 27
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 6 (0:12:40 - 0:14:42)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 7 (0:14:43 - 0:17:40)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 8 (0:17:41 - 0:20:21)

August 28
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 9 (0:20:22 - 0:22:45)

August 29
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 9 (0:22:46 - 0:24:19)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 10 (0:24:20 - 0:25:44)

August 30
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 11 (0:25:45 - 0:31:05)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 12 (0:31:06 - 0:33:57)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 13 (0:33:58 - 0:35:53)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 14 (0:35:54 - 0:39:31)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 15 (0:39:32 - 0:42:37)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 16 (0:42:38 - 0:44:57)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 17 (0:44:58 - 0:48:22)

August 31
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 18 (0:48:23 - 0:54:15)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 19 (0:54:16 - 0:58:16)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 20 (0:58:17 - 1:02:12)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 21 (1:02:13 - 1:05:21)

September 1
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 22 (1:05:22 - 1:09:57)

September 2
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 23 (1:09:58 - 1:12:38)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 24 (1:12:39 - 1:14:51)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 25 (1:14:52 - 1:19:17)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 26 (1:19:18 - 1:21:35)

September 3
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 27 (1:21:36 - 1:24:27)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 28 (1:24:28 - 1:26:04)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Chapter 29 (1:26:05 - 1:26:33)

2019
December 10
Batwoman 1x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two" (0:23:22 - 0:24:12) [Pre-Crisis]
Batwoman 1x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two" (0:25:09 - 0:30:02) [Pre-Crisis]

2020
January 16
Legends of Tomorrow 5x00, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five" (0:37:32 - 0:37:40)

Unknown Placement
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor" (pg. 5-6)

Viewing Order
Superman Returns: Prequel #1, "Krypton to Earth"
Superman: The Movie: Extended Cut
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Superman '78 #1
Superman '78 #2
Superman '78 #3
Superman '78 #4
Superman '78 #5
Superman '78 #6
Superman '78 #7
Superman '78 #8
Superman '78 #9
Superman '78 #10
Superman '78 #11
Superman '78 #12
Superman II
Superman Returns: Prequel #4, "Lois Lane"
Superman Returns: Prequel #3, "Lex Luthor"
Superman Returns: Prequel #2, "Ma Kent"
Superman Returns
Superman III
Supergirl: Director's Cut
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Supergirl 5x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part One"
Crisis on Infinite Earths: Paragons Rising
Batwoman 1x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two"
The Flash 6x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three"
Arrow 8x09, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four"
DC's Legends of Tomorrow 8x00, "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five"

 

[Pro Bot]

I always like the idea that in these standalone worlds there are unseen heroes. For example, Raimi Spider-Man has Doctor Strange, Earth-89 has a Superman and Earth-96 has Viki Vale, the Joker, Batman and possibly Robin. In Superman Returns: Prequel, Perry White mentions bringing Viki Vale from the Gotham Gazette on "The World Needs Superman" story because she knows a thing about caped wonders, suggesting Batman and possibly a sidekick or two exist in this world. In Superman Returns, Gotham is directly mentioned. In Crisis on Infinite Earths, Gotham and a reference to the Joker are made, with Joker gassing the Daily Planet killing Clark's wife, Lois Lane.

I honestly wouldn't mind if post-crisis Earth-89 and Earth-96 were merged and The Flash set up a loose adaptation of Kingdom Come with classic film versions of characters. It would allow them to reboot Michael Keaton easily, though personally I think that if Batman & Robin were canon it would be better since "This is why Superman works alone". I guess whatever Joker killed Lois and friends is the one Batman captured shortly before his universe was wiped out.

Concept art showed Michael Keaton as Earth-99 Bruce Wayne, so we've kinda seen what he'd look like in a Kingdom Come inspired world.

Wishful thinking, I know. I'm contempt not knowing anything about Batman or other heroes. The idea of Christopher Reeve in a version of the Justice League is enough of an image to leave an impression on me.

I included the entirety of Crisis on Infinite Earths because to watch this Superman you need to have context for his appearance, unlike the Batman Anthology/Burtonverse.

 

[selfishmisery]

Superman 3 and 4 as "[Erased Pre-Crisis Timeline]", perhaps?

Clark mentioned the evil clone scenario (which happened in the third film) in Crisis. You can also just assume he had a kid pre-Crisis (where 3 and 4 were canon) and post-Crisis (where Returns is canon but not 3 & 4).

 

[selfishmisery]

I always like the idea that in these standalone worlds there are unseen heroes. For example, Raimi Spider-Man has Doctor Strange, Earth-89 has a Superman and Earth-96 has Viki Vale, the Joker, Batman and possibly Robin. In Superman Returns: Prequel, Perry White mentions bringing Viki Vale from the Gotham Gazette on "The World Needs Superman" story because she knows a thing about caped wonders, suggesting Batman and possibly a sidekick or two exist in this world. In Superman Returns, Gotham is directly mentioned. In Crisis on Infinite Earths, Gotham and a reference to the Joker are made, with Joker gassing the Daily Planet killing Clark's wife, Lois Lane.

I honestly wouldn't mind if post-crisis Earth-89 and Earth-96 were merged and The Flash set up a loose adaptation of Kingdom Come with classic film versions of characters. It would allow them to reboot Michael Keaton easily, though personally I think that if Batman & Robin were canon it would be better since "This is why Superman works alone". I guess whatever Joker killed Lois and friends is the one Batman captured shortly before his universe was wiped out.

Concept art showed Michael Keaton as Earth-99 Bruce Wayne, so we've kinda seen what he'd look like in a Kingdom Come inspired world.

Wishful thinking, I know. I'm contempt not knowing anything about Batman or other heroes. The idea of Christopher Reeve in a version of the Justice League is enough of an image to leave an impression on me.

I included the entirety of Crisis on Infinite Earths because to watch this Superman you need to have context for his appearance, unlike the Batman Anthology/Burtonverse.

Might as well share my ideal Kingdom Come additions, to add to your ideas that you brought up:
1.) Wally West succeeding John Welsey Shipp's Flash; after he 'vanished' and Central City is destroyed. (Earth-90 merged as well, and the destruction of Central City takes the place of Kansas in the adaptation.)
2.) A reference to Wes Craven's or 90s TV series Swamp Thing (NOT the same continuity) and Shaq's Steel (but don't bring him on, because he can't act) but making his movie canon.
But both Swampy and Steel were in Kingdom Come. I'm not just condensing continuities lol.

This will never happen...But perhaps a Kingdom Come mini-series on HBO Max will one day.

 

[Pro Bot]

Superman 3 and 4 as "[Erased Pre-Crisis Timeline]", perhaps?

Clark mentioned the evil clone scenario (which happened in the third film) in Crisis. You can also just assume he had a kid pre-Crisis (where 3 and 4 were canon) and post-Crisis (where Returns is canon but not 3 & 4).

I don't know, they treated Crisis as a sequel to Superman Returns. It could also be either timeline, as Superman could have fought himself in both.

I think the intent was either to retcon Superman Returns after Superman IV: The Quest for Peace or place III-IV after Superman Returns, which, ignoring technology and retconing dates, could work, and I'm okay with them not mentioning Jason personally, we know White was out of the picture in Crisis anyway, but a reference in Superman Returns to Superman's new costume shows that it's not just a DCAU TNBA/JL batsuit situation where they're the same suit with different artistic styles, and that Clark attends his 15th Class Reunion, which can't fit with Superman Returns even if you put Superman: The Movie the same year as Superman II. That is, without ignoring the 15th and making it 20th, which is really more of a "I guess you can force it to work?".

I'm open to them being pre/post Crisis universes, though. Pahaps it's the other way around? All we know of Post-Crisis Superman is that he exists. Kryptonians don't age under a yellow sun, so the original film series could have happened when they were originally intended.

 

[Pro Bot]

Might as well share my ideal Kingdom Come additions, in addition to your ideas that you brought up:
1.) Wally West succeeding John Welsey Shipp's Flash; after he 'vanished' and Central City is destroyed. (Earth-90 merged as well, and the destruction of Central City takes the place of Kansas in the adaptation.)
2.) A reference to Wes Craven's or 90 TV series Swamp Thing (NOT the same continuity) and Shaq's Steel (but don't bring him on, because he can't act) but making his movie canon.
But both Swampy and Steel were in Kingdom Come. I'm not just condensing continuities lol.

This will never happen...But perhaps a Kingdom Come mini-series on HBO Max will one day.

What about Lois Lane being referenced, and Batman and Superman being films?

Pahaps in this hypothetical world, the post-Crisis version of the show doesn't have these easily dismisable easter eggs and references, and the films are replaced with some other franchise and Lois is simply a recognisable reporter.

I also like the idea of Earth-52 (GR Superman), Earth-66 Earth-76 and Earth-72 (MG Shazam) being combined, honestly. Could make for a pretty funny comic.

I'd love to see Brandon wear the cape again someday. It seems as if DC realized they had an excuse for multiple versions of characters and decided to have 3 Batmen in the span of 3 years, assuming Keaton comes back, so maybe theres hope for the most iconic version of Superman?

 

[selfishmisery]

Speaking of Flash in a Kingdom Come universe

 

[Pro Bot]

Speaking of Flash in a Kingdom Come universe

I forgot about that, haha.

 

[selfishmisery]

For Superman II, you gonna go with the Richard Donner version?

 

[Pro Bot]

For Superman II, you gonna go with the Richard Donner version?

I personally don't think that version fits as well as the Lester cut. It was released after Superman Returns, so the film was already written as a sequel to the original version, it's implied Clark got Lois pregnant with Jason in Superman II and left earth before they realised, while in the Donner Cut Superman erases that entire event. Lex also hints he's been to the Fortress, which happened in Superman II, but not after the end of the Donner Cut, though I suppose it could give him a sense of Déjà vu like Lois had. If Superman goes back in time after something bad happens, why didn't he save the Daily Planet? I think it could fit, Lois and Clark could date after, have sex then Clark wipes her mind, assuming he can still do that in the Donner Cut timeline, and leaves Earth for Krypton, but the Lester Cut gives that information on-screen rather than us having to infer that.

 

[Pro Bot]

Timeline Reasoning created. I take back that Superman suit statement, even though that comment is true, because a newspaper showing an old picture of Superman shows the Returns uniform. Since Superman Returns: Prequel, which Singer was directly involved with, uses the Reeve suit, it stands to reason that the reference in the film was a fourth wall break and that both suits are actually the same, just with some modern elements.

Superman III, Supergirl and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace still don't fit for me yet. Just that particular element doesn't bother me anymore.

 

[Pro Bot]

So it looks like Superman III fits after all. I watched it directly after Superman Returns, and nothing really bothered me canon wise. A date of March '83 is given, so that would put it in March 2013 in this modern Returns timeline. Between Superman Returns and Superman III, Lois broke up with Richard. I'd guess Richard felt jealous of Superman, and respectfully broke up with Lois. This is because Lois views Lana Lang as competition, and asked Clark to dinner. Jason would be 11.

I wonder what Singer would think of DC forcing the other Superman II sequels in his timeline. It's a little weird seeing 80's technology in 2013, but that just seems to be how this universe operates. It's no different than Superman I-II.

Before I add anything or change the title to Superman Anthology, I'll watch the other films and then decide, but so far Clark's timeline goes:
1997 - Superman: The Movie: Special Edition
2001 - Superman II
2006 - Superman Returns
2013 - Superman III
2013 - Supergirl
2015 - Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
2019 - Crisis on Infinite Earths (Pre-Crisis Earth-96)
2020 - Crisis on Infinite Earths

Edit: Supergirl seems to fit, only Superman is on a peace-seeking mission to another Galaxy which is "estimated" to be several hundred trillion light years away. As it took him 3 years as a baby to travel from Krypton to Earth, and 5 and a half years to travel to Krypton and back as Superman, I think it fits better in 2013 to allow time for him to go back and fourth between Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. This is to keep the release order, by the way. It could be anywhere between his debut as Superman to Jokers attack on the planet.

 

[Pro Bot]

Yep, all films are canon. You can see Lacy Warfield, from Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, on the memorial on the wall in Metropolis in Crisis.

0:24, top row, second across.

I suppose it really is like Gotham, huh? Well, you can't argue that they didn't intend to combine these worlds. It's all connected, apparently.

If you don't remember:

 

[Pro Bot]

Do you think I should move everything to the 1970s-1980s?
1977 - Superman: The Movie: Special Edition
1977 - Superman II
1982 - Superman Returns
1983 - Superman III
1983 - Supergirl
1985 - Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
1995 - Crisis on Infinite Earths

This might be a much better way to fit everything together. I don't think I saw anything in Crisis that makes it modern day. It could be like Earth-16, Earth-F or Earth-666, where a traveller to that universe ends up at a different point in time. Lex also states that Superman took 5 years of his life in Superman Returns: Prequel. If Superman II took place a couple months after the first film, that would fit better. A lot of the timeline evidence fits better overall if this reality was set in the 1970s or 1980s. For example, the technology, the arms race and the twin towers remain in tact. I'd have to ignore some newspapers in Superman Returns that are related to Superman Returns: Prequel, but I don't think that matters too much.

Though, more time between Superman Returns and the other films gives a bit more time for Lois and Richard to split. I suppose Jason could have a baby sitter, but they had no problem bringing him to the planet. Pahaps now he has powers to an extent because they stopped treating his "health issues", they feel they don't need to. My head-canon is that Richard has shared custody, he's still "technically" the father after all. No idea why he's not at the planet, but that's what retconing does. These films were never meant to fit together, but thankfully it's not impossible.

I do like a long gap of 10 years, though. Enough time for Clark or Superman to date Lois, reveal his identity without using a mind wiping kiss, get married, and finally a remix of Kingdom Come to occur.

Edit:

Computers, so no, but at 1:30 is that a typewriter or am I seeing things? It's probably just a printer.

Although, 5 films vs 1 film + tv crossover. It's all a mess anyway, either decade works. Pahaps in this world of heroes, technology evolved faster due to their presence from 1977 onward. You can come up with whatever reason you want for Superman Returns, though.

 

[selfishmisery]

Do you think I should move everything to the 1970s-1980s?
1977 - Superman: The Movie: Special Edition
1977 - Superman II
1982 - Superman Returns
1983 - Superman III
1983 - Supergirl
1985 - Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
1995 - Crisis on Infinite Earths

This might be a much better way to fit everything together. I don't think I saw anything in Crisis that makes it modern day. It could be like Earth-16, Earth-F or Earth-666, where a traveller to that universe ends up at a different point in time. Lex also states that Superman took 5 years of his life in Superman Returns: Prequel. If Superman II took place a couple months after the first film, that would fit better. A lot of the timeline evidence fits better overall if this reality was set in the 1970s or 1980s. For example, the technology, the arms race and the twin towers remain in tact. I'd have to ignore some newspapers in Superman Returns that are related to Superman Returns: Prequel, but I don't think that matters too much.

Though, more time between Superman Returns and the other films gives a bit more time for Lois and Richard to split. I suppose Jason could have a baby sitter, but they had no problem bringing him to the planet. Pahaps now he has powers to an extent because they stopped treating his "health issues", they feel they don't need to. My head-canon is that Richard has shared custody, he's still "technically" the father after all. No idea why he's not at the planet, but that's what retconing does. These films were never meant to fit together, but thankfully it's not impossible.

I do like a long gap of 10 years, though. Enough time for Clark or Superman to date, reveal their identity without using a mind wiping kiss, get married, and finally a remix of Kingdom Come to occur.

Edit:

Computers, so no, but at 1:30 is that a typewriter or am I seeing things? It's probably just a printer.

Although, 5 films vs 1 film + tv crossover. It's all a mess anyway, either decade works. Pahaps in this world of heroes, technology evolved faster due to their presence from 1977 onward. You can come up with whatever reason you want for Superman Returns, though.

In my opinion, no. Once again, the whole "Time is moves different on Earth-whatever" was an assumption of Tom Ellis' that people used as an absolute fact.

That idea gets super convoluted the more you think about how different universes move at different times despite the big bang in Crisis (Part 4) being what created ALL Earths. I would assume the same pre-Crisis since the Dawn of Time IS where all Earths came from. No late bloomers, that would imply a secondary big bang.
There's not gonna be a dark age where an Earth freezes in time, they all have to be concurrent with each other. Same day, same month, same year.

 

[Pro Bot]

In my opinion, no. Once again, the whole "Time is moves different on Earth-whatever" was a assumption of Tom Ellis' that people used as an absolute fact.

That idea gets super convoluted the more you think about how different universes move at different times despite the big bang in Crisis (Part 4) being what created ALL Earths. I would assume the same pre-Crisis since the Dawn of Time IS where all Earths came from. No late bloomers, that would imply a secondary big bang.
There's not gonna be a dark age where Earth freezes in time, they all have to be concurrent with each other. Same day, same month, same year.

Reasonable. What if it was the same day in terms of how long the universe had been in existence, but in Earth-96 the calendar was in the past?

 

[selfishmisery]

Reasonable. What if it was the same day in terms of how long the universe had been in existence, but in Earth-96 the calendar was in the past?

Printing error. Gotham (the show) could follow that same logic with its conflicting dates, so why not this universe?

 

[Pro Bot]

Printing error. Gotham (the show) could follow that same logic with its conflicting dates, so why not this universe?

Alright. What about Lex saying that Krypton exploded in 1948, which leads to one thing to another that places the film in 1977, or the "class of '65" sign from Superman III now actually meaning 1985. The Twin Towers too, but to a lesser extent as the attack may have not happened. The technology is inconsistent, but I suppose the Daily Planet may be testing experimental equipment, and humanity has really only got 80s technology but are in modern day. Newspapers are an indication of time, but I don't think they can fully be trusted, so those don't matter quite as much.

My idea in my previous comment was that the universe 96 was created the exact same time as everything else, but the human calendar was literally behind as everything was delayed by 20 years. In this way, the films are in the past if isolated but in modern day as a universe.

Probably overthinking it.

 

[selfishmisery]

Alright. What about Lex saying that Krypton exploded in 1948, which leads to one thing to another that places the film in 1977, or the "class of '65" sign from Superman III now actually meaning 1985. The Twin Towers too, but to a lesser extent as the attack may have not happened. The technology is inconsistent, but I suppose the Daily Planet may be testing experimental equipment, and humanity has really only got 80s technology but are in modern day. Newspapers are an indication of time, but I don't think they can fully be trusted, so those don't matter quite as much.

My idea in my previous comment was that the universe 96 was created the exact same time as everything else, but the human calendar was literally behind as everything was delayed by 20 years. In this way, the films are in the past if isolated but in modern day as a universe.

Probably overthinking it.

Hmm.
I would almost say that the events taking place 20 years earlier are post-Crisis since we don't see "Earth-96" interact with anything outside of Superman flying around the Earth in a brief shot.
Basically Superman is 30 years older in that shot than he was at the end of Superman IV post-Crisis.

Whereas with PRE-Crisis, it's more closer to present day like Superman Returns established.

 

[Pro Bot]

Hmm.
I would almost say that the events taking place 20 years earlier are post-Crisis since we don't see "Earth-96" interact with anything outside of Superman flying around the Earth in a brief shot.
Basically Superman is 30 years older in that shot than he was at the end of Superman IV post-Crisis.

Whereas with PRE-Crisis, it's more closer to present day like Superman Returns established.

Yeah, that's what I thought, but all the connections to the Reeve and Routh films are pre-crisis. For example, we get Brandon Routh, computers and Jason from Superman Returns, but "second time I've fought myself" from Superman III and Lacy Warfield from Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. I interpreted that as either the attack on the planet being rewritten or Superman no longer feeling that hope needs to cut through the darkness after getting closure.

It seems that the pre-crisis timeline is all the films, while post-crisis is pretty much the same but without Kingdom Come.

I hope we get some kind of appearance by Routh anywhere to clear this up, Arrowverse, HBO, DCEU, doesn't matter. That or confirmation of canonicity. For now, I'll keep it modern, as it just fits the bigger picture.