2nd most-quoted character in Man of Steel (2013): in 11 of its 44 quotes
Most scenes with: General Zod (4), Lois Lane (2)
I have so many questions. Where do I come from?
My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they'd reject me…out of fear. I let my father die because I trusted him. Because he was convinced that I had to wait, that the world was not ready. What do you think?
Let's put our cards on the table, General. You're scared of me because you can't control me. You don't, and you never will. But that doesn't mean I'm your enemy.
YOU THINK YOU CAN THREATEN MY MOTHER?
Why are you surrendering to Zod?
I'm surrendering to mankind. There's a difference.
You let them handcuff you?
Wouldn't be much of a surrender if I resisted. And if it makes them feel more secure, then all the better for it.
What's the "S" stand for?
It's not an "S". On my world it means "Hope".
Well, here it's…an "S"....how about "super....".
Hello, Kal. Or do you prefer Clark? That's the name they gave you, isn't it? I was Krypton's military leader. Your father, our foremost scientist. The only thing we agreed on was that Krypton was dying. In return for my efforts to protect our civilization and save our planet, I and my fellow officers were sentenced to the Phantom Zone. And then, the destruction of our world freed us. We were adrift, destined to float amongst the ruins of our planet until we starved.
How did you find your way to Earth?
We managed to retrofit the phantom projector into a hyper-drive. Your father made a similar modification to the craft that brought you here. And so, the instrument of our damnation become our salvation. We sought out the old colonial outposts looking for signs of life. But all we found was death. Cut off from Krypton, these outposts withered and died long ago. We salvaged what we could: armor, weapons, even a World Engine. For 33 years, we prepared, until finally we detected a distress beacon, which you triggered when you accessed the ancient scout ship. You led us here, Kal. And now, it's within your power to save what remains of your race. On Krypton, the genetic template for every being yet to be born is incarnate in the Registry of Citizens. Your father stole the registry's Codex and stored it in the capsule that brought you here.
For what purpose?
So that Krypton can live again, on Earth. Where is the Codex, Kal?
If Krypton lives again, what happens to Earth?
A foundation has to be built on something. Even your father recognized that.
No Zod, I can't be a part of this.
Then what can you be a part of?
Your father acquitted himself with honor, Kal.
You killed him?
I did. And not a day goes by where it does not haunt me. But if I had to do it again, I would. I have a duty to my people, and I will not allow anyone to prevent me from carrying it out.
Look at this. We could have built a new Krypton in this squalor, but you chose the humans over us. I exist only to protect Krypton. That is the sole purpose for which I was born. And every action I take, no matter how violent, or how cruel, is for the greater good of my people. And now, I have no people. My soul…That! Is what you! Have taken! From me!
I am going to make them suffer, Kal, these humans you've adopted. I will take them all from you, one by one!
You're a monster, Zod. And I'm going to stop you.
If you love these people so much...you can mourn for them! [Zod starts firing heat vision next to a cornered family, and Superman struggles to keep him from killing the family]
Don't do this! [the beams get closer to the family] Stop! [Zod doesn't stop as the family panics more] STOOOOOOOP!!
Never.
[left with no other option, Superman cringes and yells as he snaps Zod's neck, killing him and saving the family. Afterwards, he falls to his knees in victory, and after a moment of shock and stunned silence, the family was saved, instead of being happy Superman screams out in despair that he had to kill and knowing he is the only Kryptonian left now.]
Are you effing stupid?
It's one of your surveillance drones.
That's a $12 million dollar piece of hardware!
It was. I know you're trying to find out where I hang my cape. You won't.
Then I'll ask the obvious question: how do we know know you won't one day act against America's interests?
I grew up in Kansas, General. I'm about as American as it gets. Look, I'm here to help. But it has to be on my own terms. And you have to convince Washington of that.
Even if I was willing to try, what makes you think they'd listen?
I don't know, General. I guess I'll just have to trust you.
What are you smiling about, Captain?
Nothing, sir... I just think he's kinda hot.
Get in the car.
Glad to be here, Lois.
