Superman: Dying for Real

    It may be all over for Superman this weekend. Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” took the biggest hit day to date from Tuesday to Wednesday this week, losing an astonishing 38.9 percent.

    This was the biggest drop on that day for any film in the top 10. “Superman Returns” has now limped to about $119 million since its opening 10 days ago.

    Now comes the second “Pirates of the Carribean” adventure from Disney. “Pirates 2” will likely swamp “Superman” Friday night, leaving the Man of Steel with a huge problem. With a $300 million bill to pay off, “SR” has lost significant momentum.

    The fascination with “SR” box office is simply because it is probably the most expensive film ever made. “P2” may be hot on its heels, but “SR” — including various people like Nicolas Cage who were paid to go away before shooting even started — looms as a textbook case of a blockbuster gone bad.