"Superman II" is a 1980 superhero film and the sequel to the 1978 classic, "Superman: The Movie." The film continues the story of the Man of Steel, Superman, portrayed by Christopher Reeve.
The movie begins with Superman saving Paris from a hydrogen bomb launched by terrorists. As he successfully disarms the bomb, he hurls it into space, unknowingly releasing three Kryptonian criminals from the Phantom Zone. These criminals, General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran), land on Earth, gaining superhuman powers under Earth's yellow sun. They embark on a path of destruction, with Zod declaring himself ruler. Superman confronts Zod and his companions in Metropolis, leading to an epic battle.
"Superman II" is celebrated for its memorable performances, thrilling action sequences, and exploration of the personal and ethical dilemmas faced by the iconic superhero. It remains a beloved part of the Superman film canon and a classic of the superhero genre.
Some Fun Trivia:
In a 2004 interview, Margot Kidder claimed that Richard Donner shot enough scenes to make his own cut of the film, and that the unused footage was "somewhere in a vault". A website started a petition for Warner Bros. to allow and sponsor Donner's cut of this movie. The footage was re-edited into Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (1980).
Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor), Ned Beatty (Otis), Valerie Perrine (Eve Teschmacher) and E.G. Marshall (The President) were the only actors not to participate in the film's re-shoots under the direction of Richard Lester.
Gene Hackman did not return to do reshoots for the second film. All of his scenes were originally filmed by Richard Donner. Other scenes shot by the new director that required Hackman used a look-a-like and a voice impersonator to add any lines needed.
Christopher Reeve felt that this was the best film in the franchise.
The most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release.
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