Death of a Superhero is a 2011 Irish drama film based on the New Zealand novel of the same name by Anthony McCarten.

The film stars Thomas Sangster alongside Andy Serkis.

Don walks home from school and balances on the wall of a bridge as cars rush past below him.

Don shows his opinion on King's methods by painting a Skull 'n' Crossbones on the latter's boat.

Don later cleans it off and King offers love advice for his crush Shelly.

At a party, Don and his friends "perfect" a recipe for a drink made from alcoholic wines and beers.

The party goes well until they discover a video of Shelly exposing her breasts and lying on the floor and beginning to strip off her clothes.

Don arrives home, heartbroken, and is spotted by King, who asks what is wrong.

Development of the project was announced in 2008, with it being reported that Anthony McCarten was to direct his adaptation of his own novel.

[2] McCarten hoped the film would be shot in New Zealand after receiving German funding and also considered the big names it could draw in.

[2][3] In February 2009, it was announced that Freddie Highmore was to join the cast as the central character and that filming was to begin later in the year.

[5] Highmore left the role and was replaced by Thomas Sangster, with Andy Serkis also signing on.

The film was shot throughout 2010 in Ireland, with principal photography wrapping in December 2010.

[7][8] The film received positive reviews, with Variety praising the cast, specifically Sangster and Serkis.