3. Superman II (1980)
Superman II had a lot, and I mean a lot, of teething problems. Producer’s Alexander and Ilya Salkind’s relationship with director Donner had curdled. The film went over-budget and at one point production came to a holt. Marlon Brando had to be cut as they simply couldn’t afford his huge financial demands and composer John Williams quit to focus on other projects. Everything looked hopelessly bad for Superman II.
With Donner’s relationship with Salkinds failing to be resolved, Richard Donner stepped down as director and Richard Lester took over the reigns. Superman II was finally finished under Lester and was released in the summer of 1980. Like it’s predecessor, Superman II was a financial and critical success. In 2006, Donner finally released his own cut of the film. This was also met with praise from critics and the stars of the film. I personally feel Donner’s cut the more stimulating watch.
