Before filming began, Routh bulked up for the role, gaining 22 pounds to reach a high of 218 pounds. Filming for "Superman Returns" began in Sydney in February 2005. The film was released in the U.S. on June 28, 2006 and impressed most critics, but was a box office disappointment, grossing only $200 million in the US compared to its estimated budget of $270 million. Routh was signed on to appear in two potential sequels, but due to mediocre box office results those never materialized.