Editing Superman II

{{short description|1980 superhero film by Richard Lester}}
{{for|the 2006 re-edited version|Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name                = Superman II
| image               = Superman II.jpg
| caption             = 1981 US theatrical release poster
| director            = [[Richard Lester]]{{efn|[[Richard Donner]], the film's original director, was fired from the film in March 1979 after 75 percent of it had already been filmed. Lester took over directing duties and, as he could not be credited according to the [[Directors Guild of America]] unless he shot 40 percent of the film, re-shot most of the film.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Crane|2012|pp=212–213}}{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=126}}}}
| producer            = [[Pierre Spengler]]
| screenplay          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mario Puzo]]
* [[David Newman (screenwriter)|David Newman]]
* [[Leslie Newman]]}}
| story               = Mario Puzo
| based_on            = {{Based on|[[Superman]]|[[Jerry Siegel]]|[[Joe Shuster]]}}
| starring            = {{Plainlist|
* [[Gene Hackman]]
* [[Christopher Reeve]]
* [[Ned Beatty]]
* [[Jackie Cooper]]
* [[Sarah Douglas (actress)|Sarah Douglas]]
* [[Margot Kidder]]
* [[Jack O'Halloran]]
* [[Valerie Perrine]]
* [[Susannah York]]
* [[Clifton James]]
* [[E. G. Marshall]]
* [[Marc McClure]]
* [[Terence Stamp]]}}
| music                = [[Ken Thorne]]{{efn|Original [[Music of Superman|Superman themes]] by [[John Williams]]}}
| cinematography       = [[Robert Paynter]]
| editing              = John Victor-Smith
| production_companies = {{Plainlist|
* Dovemead Ltd.
* International Film Production}}
| distributor          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Columbia Pictures|Columbia]]–[[EMI Films|EMI]]–[[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Distributors]] (United Kingdom)
* Warner Bros. (United States)}}
| released             = {{Film date|1980|12|4|Australia|ref1=<ref name="Australia release" />|1981|4|9|United Kingdom|ref2=<ref>{{cite news |title=Entertainments (cinema listings)|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=April 9, 1981 }}</ref>|1981|6|19|United States|}}
| runtime              = 127 minutes
| country              = United Kingdom<ref name="Superman II">{{cite web|title=Superman II|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/56701-SUPERMAN-II|website=American Film Institute|access-date=December 21, 2015}}</ref><br />United States<ref name="Superman II" />
| language             = English
| budget               = $54 million<ref name="boxoffice">{{Cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Superman-II#tab=summary |title=Superman II (1981) |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=December 28, 2020 |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615043608/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Superman-II#tab=summary |url-status=live}}</ref>
| gross                = $216.3&nbsp;million<ref name="BOM"/>
}}
'''''Superman II''''' is a 1980 [[superhero film]] directed by [[Richard Lester]] and written by [[Mario Puzo]] and [[David Newman (screenwriter)|David]] and [[Leslie Newman]] from a story by Puzo based on the [[DC Comics]] character [[Superman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Release – Superman II |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] |url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/64725?view=release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120021614/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/64725?view=release |archive-date=January 20, 2009 |access-date=July 10, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16442/superman-ii |title=Superman II (1980) |website=[[Turner Classic Movies]] |access-date=July 10, 2011 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320092801/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16442/superman-ii |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Superman 2 credits" /> It is the second installment in the [[Superman in film#Salkind/Cannon film series (1978–1987)|''Superman'' film series]] and a sequel to ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' (1978). A direct continuation of the first ''Superman'', [[Christopher Reeve]] reprises his role as [[Superman]]. The returning cast includes [[Gene Hackman]], [[Terence Stamp]], [[Ned Beatty]], [[Sarah Douglas (actress)|Sarah Douglas]], [[Margot Kidder]], [[Marc McClure]] and [[Jack O'Halloran]].

The film's plot features the arrival of [[General Zod]] and his comrades on Earth, following their release from the [[Phantom Zone]] (a prison that had been made by the people of Krypton). Zod seeks revenge for imprisonment by pursuing the planet's last son, Kal-El, alias “Superman.” As a result, Kal-El, who had unknowingly freed them, must now face threats from his long-dead home planet. Zod also allies with [[Lex Luthor]], who still aspires to world domination. The hero also faces an internal conflict, torn between his duties as Earth's hero and his desire to live amongst them solely as Clark Kent, and especially with his love interest, [[Lois Lane]].

In 1977, producers [[Alexander Salkind|Alexander]] and [[Ilya Salkind]] decided that they would film ''Superman'' and its sequel simultaneously; [[principal photography]] began in March 1977 and ended in October 1978. Tensions rose between original director [[Richard Donner]] and the producers, as a result of which a decision was made to stop filming the sequel, 75 percent of which had already been completed, and simply finish the first film. After the release of ''Superman'' in December 1978, Donner was fired as director (a controversial decision) and replaced by Lester. Several members of the cast and crew declined to return to complete the sequel in the wake of Donner's firing. In order to be officially credited as the director, Lester re-shot most of the film: principal photography resumed in September 1979 and ended in March 1980.

The film was released in Australia and most of Europe on December 4, 1980,<ref name="Australia release">{{Cite book |last=Langford |first=David |title=The Sex Column and Other Misprints |year=2005 |publisher=[[Wildside Press]] |isbn=978-1-930997-78-3 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=n78kYbvUd_8C&pg=PA42 42]}}</ref> and in other countries in 1981. It received positive reviews from film critics, who praised the performances of Hackman, Kidder, Stamp and Reeve, as well as the visual effects and the humor. It grossed $216 million worldwide against a production budget of $54 million, which meant it was a box office success, albeit less so than its predecessor. A sequel, ''[[Superman III]]'', was released in June 1983, for which Lester returned as director.

A [[director's cut]] of the film, restoring the original vision for the film under Donner's supervision, titled ''[[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut]]'', was released on November 28, 2006, in various home media formats.

== Plot ==
{{longplot|date=March 2025}}
''The following synopsis reflects the original theatrical version of the film.''

<!--If appropriate, please copy any changes made here into [[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut#Plot]]--><!--Per [[WP:FILMPLOT]], plots are 400–700 words ONLY-->
Before the destruction of [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]],{{efn|As depicted in the 1978 film ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]''.}} the criminals [[General Zod]], [[Ursa (comics)|Ursa]] and [[Non (comics)|Non]] are sentenced to banishment into the [[Phantom Zone]]. Years later, the Phantom Zone is shattered near Earth by the shockwave of a [[hydrogen bomb]], thrown from Earth by [[Superman]]. The three criminals are freed and find themselves with superpowers granted by the yellow light of the Sun. After landing on the Moon and effortlessly killing a team of astronauts exploring there, they continue toward Earth with plans to conquer the planet.

The ''[[Daily Planet]]'' sends journalist Clark Kent—whose [[secret identity]] is Superman—and his colleague [[Lois Lane]] to [[Niagara Falls]]. Lois suspects Clark and Superman are the same person after Clark is absent when Superman saves a child. Lois intentionally places herself in the falls, but Clark saves her without exposing himself. That night, Clark trips, and his hand lands in a lit fireplace. When Lois sees that his hand is unscathed, Clark reveals that he is indeed Superman. He takes her to his [[Fortress of Solitude]] in the [[Arctic]], showing her the traces of his past stored within energy crystals. Superman declares his love for Lois and his wish to spend his life with her. After conferring with the artificial intelligence of his mother Lara, Superman removes his superpowers by exposing himself to red Kryptonian sunlight in a crystal chamber, becoming a mortal. Clark and Lois spend the night together, then leave the Fortress and return from the Arctic.

Meanwhile, Zod and his cohorts travel to the [[White House]] and force the [[President of the United States]] to surrender. Clark and Lois arrive at a diner in Alaska, where a trucker named Rocky sexually harasses Lois and beats up Clark to a bloodied pulp, Rocky then leaves the diner, while Lois tries to help Clark with his wounds, the owner of the diner turns on the TV and the President makes a speech which was interrupted by Zod, Clark looks up at the TV and realizes that Zod, Ursa, and Non had taken over the planet. The President then asks for Superman's help and then Zod challenges Superman. Clark realizes that he made a terrible mistake, he tells Lois that he has to go back to the Fortress to restore the powers so he can save the planet and defeat Zod, Lois tells him that it's too late for him to do it, but Clark then returns to the Fortress and finds the original green crystal that Lois left on the floor, sparing it when the control module and all the other crystals are destroyed after Superman becomes human.

[[Lex Luthor]] escapes from prison with Eve Teschmacher's help. They infiltrate the Fortress of Solitude, and Luthor learns of Superman's connection to Jor-El and General Zod. He finds Zod at the White House and tells him Superman is the son of Jor-El, their jailer, and offers to lead him to Superman in exchange for control of [[Australia]]. The three Kryptonians ally with Luthor and go to the ''Daily Planet''. Superman arrives, after restoring his powers, and battles the three. Zod realizes that Superman cares for the humans and takes advantage by threatening bystanders. Superman realizes the only way to stop Zod and the others is to lure them to the Fortress so he flies off with Zod, Ursa, and Non in pursuit, kidnapping Lois and taking along Luthor. Superman tries to get Luthor to lure the three into the crystal chamber to depower them. However, Luthor reveals the chamber's secret to the villains. Zod forces Superman into the chamber and activates it. Afterwards, assuming him deprived of his powers, Zod tells Superman to kneel, take his hand and swear eternal loyalty to him; instead, Superman crushes Zod's hand and tosses him into a crevice. Luthor deduces that Superman reconfigured the chamber to expose the trio to red sunlight while Superman was protected from it. Non falls into another crevice when trying to fly over it, and Lois knocks Ursa into a third. Superman flies back to civilization, returning Lois home and leaving Lex stranded in the Fortress.

At the ''Daily Planet'' the following day, Clark kisses Lois, using his abilities to wipe her mind of the knowledge of her past few days. Later, he returns to the diner and gets even with Rocky. Superman restores the damage done by Zod, replacing the [[American flag]] atop the White House, and tells the President he will not abandon his duty again.<!--If appropriate, please consider copying any changes made here into [[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut#Plot]]-->

== Cast ==
* [[Gene Hackman]] as [[Lex Luthor (1978 film series character)|Lex Luthor]]: Criminal genius and Superman's archnemesis. Armed with vast resources and scientific brilliance, Luthor's contempt for mankind is only surpassed by his hatred for Superman. Luthor strikes a bargain with the three Kryptonian criminals in an effort to destroy Superman.<ref name="Superman 2 credits">{{cite news|title=Superman II (1980) – Cast, Credits and Awards|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/47870/Superman-II/details|access-date=May 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201173003/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/47870/Superman-II/details|department=Movies & TV Dept.|work=[[Baseline (database)|Baseline]] & [[All Movie Guide]]|via=[[The New York Times]]|date=2008|archive-date=2008-02-01}}</ref>
* [[Christopher Reeve]] as [[Superman (1978 film series character)|Clark Kent / Superman]]: Born on Krypton and raised on Earth, Superman is a being of immense strength, speed, and power. Morally upstanding and instilled with a strong sense of duty, Superman tirelessly uses his formidable powers, which he gets from the Earth's yellow Sun, to protect the people of his adoptive homeworld. His alter ego is mild-mannered ''[[Daily Planet]]'' reporter Clark Kent. Superman's abilities include: X-ray and [[Heat vision (fiction)|heat vision]], vast strength, speed and invulnerability, super-intelligence and flight.<ref name="Superman 2 credits" />
* [[Ned Beatty]] as Otis: Luthor's incompetent henchman.
* [[Jackie Cooper]] as [[Perry White]]: Mercurial editor-in-chief of the ''Daily Planet'' newspaper and Lois and Clark's boss.
* [[Sarah Douglas (actress)|Sarah Douglas]] as [[Ursa (comics)|Ursa]]: Zod's second-in-command and consort. Ursa's evil will and power-lust are equal to and sometimes surpass those of General Zod. Her contempt and utter disregard for humans, [[Misandry|men in particular]], make her a very deadly adversary. She has an inclination to collect insignia and heraldry from people she defeats or dominates, such as the NASA patch from the [[EVA suit]] of an astronaut she kills.
* [[Margot Kidder]] as [[Lois Lane (1978 film series character)|Lois Lane]]: The ace reporter for the ''Daily Planet'' and Superman's love interest. Lois is a driven career journalist, who lets nothing stand in the way of breaking the next big story and scooping rival reporters while ignoring the potential consequences that sometimes put her in peril. She finds out that Clark is Superman, but her memory is erased when Clark kisses her.
* [[Jack O'Halloran]] as [[Non (comics)|Non]]: The third of the Kryptonian criminals, Non is "as without thought as he is without voice." At {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall, Non is a formidable hulking [[muteness|mute]] who easily matches Superman's strength, but has the intelligence and sometimes curiosity of a child, and communicates only with guttural grunts and growls. Though he lacks the mental ability to use his powers effectively, he does however possess the same taste for destruction as his Kryptonian companions and his physical strength is even greater than Zod and Ursa's.
* [[Valerie Perrine]] as [[Eve Teschmacher]]: Lex Luthor's beautiful assistant and girlfriend who helps him escape from prison.
* [[Susannah York]] as [[Lara (comics)|Lara]]: Jor-El's wife and Superman's biological mother.
* [[Clifton James]] as Sheriff.
* [[E.G. Marshall]] as the [[President of the United States]].
* [[Marc McClure]] as [[Jimmy Olsen]]: Young photographer at the ''Daily Planet''.
* [[Terence Stamp]] as [[General Zod (1978 film series character)|General Zod]]: The ruthless, arrogant and [[wikt:megalomania|megalomaniacal]] leader of three Kryptonian criminals banished to the [[Phantom Zone]] and unwittingly set free by Superman. Zod, upon landing on Earth and gaining the same superpowers as Superman, immediately views humans as a weak and insignificant sub-species and imposes his evil will for world dominance. However, his arrogance causes him to quickly become bored with his powers and he is almost disappointed at how little of a challenge humans are. His insatiable lust for power is replaced however by revenge when he learns that the son of Jor-El stands in the way of his absolute rule of the planet.

According to the 2006 documentary ''You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman'', Sarah Douglas was the only cast member to do extensive around-the-world press tours in support of the film and was one of the few actors who held a neutral point of view in the [[Superman_II:_The_Richard_Donner_Cut|Donner–Lester controversy]].

Richard Donner briefly appears in a "walking cameo" in the film. In the sequence where the de-powered Clark and Lois are seen approaching the truck-stop diner by car, Donner appears walking "camera left" past the driver's side. He is wearing a light tan jacket and appears to be smoking a pipe. In his commentary for ''Superman II'', [[Ilya Salkind]] states that the inclusion of his cameo in that scene is proof that the Salkinds held no animosity towards Donner, because if there were, then surely they would have cut it out.<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler|title=Superman II|section=Audio commentary|type=DVD|publisher=Warners Bros. Home Video|location=Burbank, California|year=2006}}</ref> Conversely, Donner used his cameo to debunk praise heaped on Lester around the release of the film where Lester took credit for the intense nature of the "bully" scene in the diner, pointing out that he (Donner) filmed the scene and not Lester.<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Richard Donner, Tom Mankiewicz|title=Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut|section=Audio commentary|type=DVD|publisher=Warner Bros. Home Video|location=Burbank, California|year=2006}}</ref>

== Production history ==
{{See also|Superman (1978 film)#Production}}
{{Multiple image
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 300
| image1            = Richard Donner (4505771045) (cropped).jpg
| alt1              = Donner in 1979.
| image2            = Richard Lester.jpg
| alt2              = Lester in 1967.
| footer            = Original director, Richard Donner (left, pictured in 1979) was fired during production in 1979 and was replaced by Richard Lester (right, pictured in 1967).
}}

=== Original production ===
[[Principal photography]] for both ''Superman'' films began on March 28, 1977 at [[Pinewood Studios]] for the Krypton scenes, but by May 1977, production had run two weeks behind schedule.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=83}} It was reported that Donner had developed tensions with [[Alexander Salkind|Alexander]] and [[Ilya Salkind]] and [[Pierre Spengler]] concerning the escalating production budget and production schedule. Donner responded by claiming he was never given a budget.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harmetz|first=Aljean|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/14/movies/the-life-and-exceedingly-hard-times-of-superman.html|title=The Life and Exceedingly Hard Times of Superman|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|at=Section 2, p. 1|date=June 14, 1981|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013135/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/14/movies/the-life-and-exceedingly-hard-times-of-superman.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1977, [[Richard Lester]]—who had previously directed ''[[The Three Musketeers (1973 live-action film)|The Three Musketeers]]'' (1973) and ''[[The Four Musketeers (1974 film)|The Four Musketeers]]'' (1974) for the Salkinds—came onboard the project as an uncredited [[Film producer|associate producer]] and [[intermediary]] on ''Superman'' to mediate the relationship between Donner and the Salkinds, who were no longer on speaking terms.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kilday |first=Gregg |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/383383074/ |title=Short Takes |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |at=Part IV, p. 6 |date=July 13, 1977 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009052722/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/383383074/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to this, Lester had won a lawsuit against the Salkinds for money still owed to him from making the films, but the assets were held in legal entanglements in the [[Bahamas]]. The Salkinds then offered to compensate him if he would help on the ''Superman'' films, in which Lester became a [[second unit]] director where he and Donner formed an effective partnership.{{sfn|Rossen|2008|pp=93–94}}{{sfn|Weldon|2013|pp=185–186}}

By October 1977, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, and Valerie Perrine had completed their scenes. They were all under contract to finish both pictures. Nevertheless, with months left of filming, the Salkinds had halted filming ''Superman II'', of which Donner had shot 75 percent, to focus on finishing ''Superman''.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|pp=86–87}}<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Fyrbourne|first=Richard|title=The Man Behind Superman: Richard Donner|magazine=[[Starlog]]|date=January 1979|pages=40–44}}</ref> During the pause in filming, the Salkinds agreed to a [[negative pickup deal]] with [[Warner Bros. Pictures]], granting the studio rights to foreign distribution and television airings in exchange for more financing.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|pp=87–88}}

=== Replacing Richard Donner ===
Following the release of ''Superman'' in December 1978, Spengler encountered ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' columnist [[Army Archerd]] at a Christmas party at which he confirmed that while there had been tension between him and Donner, he was proud of the film and looked forward to working with him on the sequel. Archerd then contacted Donner, who responded "If he's on it—I'm not."<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga Of Superman|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtYkdt4LjiY&index=4&list=PLvJw6yjjzAGsUjPyNDtLxueR3PcouvcWl |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/EtYkdt4LjiY |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|type=Documentary film|publisher=[[Warner Home Video]]|format=DVD|year=2006|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Two days after the first film's general release, [[Marlon Brando]] had sued the Salkinds for $50 million claiming he had never received his percentage of the film's gross and filed a restraining order to prevent the use of his likeness. While his restraining order request was thrown out, Brando received $15 million from the settlement.{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=106}} Following this, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind announced that Marlon Brando's completed scenes for ''Superman II'' would be excised from the movie to avoid having to pay the actor the reported 11.75%<ref name="budget">{{cite web|last=Morris|first=Clint|url=http://www.moviehole.net/interviews/20060511_exclusive_interview_ilya_salki.html|title=Exclusive Interview: Ilya Salkind|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060623024024/http://www.moviehole.net/interviews/20060511_exclusive_interview_ilya_salki.html |website=Moviehole.net|archive-date=June 23, 2006}}</ref> of gross U.S. box-office takings he was now demanding for his performance in the sequel. In addition to this, Ilya Salkind had also claimed Brando was removed due to creative differences, in which he suggested to his father: "What if it's the mother [instead]? She talks about love to her son. And it kind of made sense creatively....Jor-El had done his thing if you want."<ref name="Salkind-interview">{{cite interview|url=https://www.supermanhomepage.com/movies/movies.php?topic=interview-salkind|last=Freiman|first=Barry|title=One-on-One Interview with Producer Ilya Salkind|website=Superman Homepage|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005192504/https://www.supermanhomepage.com/movies/movies.php?topic=interview-salkind|url-status=live}}</ref> Donner publicly lambasted this decision, in which he told ''Variety'', "That means no games... They have to want me to do it. It has to be on my terms and I don't mean financially. I mean control."{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=91}}

As Donner had become unavailable because he was promoting ''Superman'' in Europe, the Salkinds approached [[Guy Hamilton]] to take over directional reins for ''Superman II'' since Lester was filming ''[[Cuba (film)|Cuba]]'' (1979) at the time. Hamilton was unavailable, but by the time ''Superman II'' was ready to begin filming, Lester had completed ''Cuba'' and was available to direct.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|pp=91–92}} Eventually, on March 15, 1979, the Salkinds decided to replace Donner with Richard Lester. Donner recalled, "One day, I got a telegram from them saying my services are no longer needed and that my dear friend Richard Lester would take over. To this day, I have not heard from them." Ilya Salkind countered, "Dick Donner said, 'I will do the second movie on my terms and without [Pierre] Spengler' ... Spengler was my friend since childhood and my father and I were very loyal guys. We said no, and it really boiled down to that."{{sfn|Tye|2013|p=232}}

The decision to replace Donner was controversial amongst the cast and crew.{{sfn|Tye|2013|p=232}} Creative consultant [[Tom Mankiewicz]] was approached by [[Terry Semel]], then a Warner Bros. vice president, to return for the sequel, but he declined out of loyalty to Donner. Mankiewicz recounted, "I have a lot of respect for [Lester]. Friendship is more important than anything. And Dick [Donner] brought me on the picture and my loyalty was with Dick and I couldn't believe that they fired him."<ref>{{cite interview|url=http://www.capedwonder.com/the-2006-tom-mankiewicz-interview/|title=The 2006 Tom Mankiewicz Interview|website=CapedWonder|date=2006|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=April 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425021559/https://www.capedwonder.com/the-2006-tom-mankiewicz-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Rossen|2008|pp=114–115}} Editor [[Stuart Baird]] also declined to return for the sequel. Gene Hackman declined to return for re-shoots, which necessitated the use of a [[body double]] and a voice impersonator for several scenes.{{sfn|Weldon|2013|p=200}}

=== Production under Richard Lester ===
To replace Mankiewicz, ''Superman'' co-screenwriters [[David Newman (screenwriter)|David]] and [[Leslie Newman]] were then brought back to re-tool the script constructing a new opening and ending. The new script featured newly conceived scenes such as a new opening involving Superman thwarting the nuclear terrorists at the [[Eiffel Tower]], Clark rescuing Lois at Niagara Falls, and a new ending in which Clark causes Lois to forget his secret identity through a hypnotic kiss.{{sfn|Weldon|2013|p=200}} Furthermore, cinematographer [[Geoffrey Unsworth]] had died before the release of ''Superman''. Now director, Lester was not sympathetic to Donner's filmmaking style: "Donner was emphasizing a kind of grandiose myth. There was a kind of [[David Lean]]-ish attempt in several sequences, and enormous scale. There was a type of epic quality which isn't in my nature, so my work really didn't embrace that...That's not me. That's his vision of it. I'm more quirky and I play around with slightly more unexpected silliness."<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/SciFiNow.80s.Sci-Fi.Almanac.3rd.Edition.2016.True.PDF|title=SciFiNow's 80s Sci-Fi Almanac Complete Movie Guide|year=2015|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/SciFiNow.80s.Sci-Fi.Almanac.3rd.Edition.2016.True.PDF/page/n41 42]|isbn=978-1-78546-105-7|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> Lester then brought on cinematographer [[Robert Paynter]] to have the film evoke the garish color scheme of the comics.{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=119}} Another replacement happened when set designer [[John Barry (set designer)|John Barry]] suddenly collapsed on the nearby set of ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'' (1980) and died from [[meningitis]]. [[Peter Murton]] was then hired in Barry's place.

Before filming was to begin, [[Christopher Reeve]] was initially unavailable as he had agreed to star in the film ''[[Somewhere in Time (film)|Somewhere in Time]]'', five months into the production shutdown by which time his contract to shoot both ''Superman'' films back-to-back had expired. Reeve had claimed that twelve hours after his casting was announced, he received a letter from the producers to be available for ''Superman II'' on July 16, which was only five days after he was to finish filming ''Somewhere in Time''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mann |first=Roderick |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74340664/the-los-angeles-times/ |title='Superman' Sequel: Flying in the Soup |work=Los Angeles Times |at=Part IV, p. 8 |date=March 20, 1979 |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320092757/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74340664/the-los-angeles-times/ |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 1979, the Salkinds filed suit against Reeve alleging he had breached his contract by walking off the sequel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Royce|first=Bill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105599023/hartford-courant/|title='Superman' Sequel Runs into Snags|newspaper=[[The Hartford Courant]]|page=32|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 28, 1979|access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref> Furthermore, Reeve had reservations with Lester and the Newmans' script following the departure of Donner. During the renegotiation of his contract, Reeve agreed to the financial terms, but demanded more artistic control.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harmetz|first=Aljean|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/20/archives/reeve-shaking-off-his-superman-image-it-takes-a-toll.html|title=Reeve Shaking Off His Superman Image|newspaper=The New York Times|page=C13|date=August 20, 1979|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013454/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/20/archives/reeve-shaking-off-his-superman-image-it-takes-a-toll.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Filming for ''Superman II'' re-commenced in September 1979{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=92}} at Pinewood Studios. The remaining sequences left to be shot included the scenes of the super-villains in [[Midwestern United States|Midwest America]] and the battle in [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]]. With Brando cut from the film, the decision was made to re-shoot the scene in which Clark confesses his love for Lois and surrender his powers. Another scene, as written in the film's original shooting script and shot, was to have Jor-El restore his superpowers by reaching out to him in a tableau reminiscent of the painting ''[[The Creation of Adam]]'', but the younger Salkind felt it was over the top.<ref name="Salkind-interview" /> The first scene was re-shot with actress [[Susannah York]] taking Brando's place while the restoration of Superman's powers would take place off-screen.{{sfn|Weldon|2013|p=200}} Location shooting took place in Canada, Paris, Norway and [[Saint Lucia]]. The Metropolis scenes—in contrast to the first film where they were filmed on location in [[New York City|New York]]—were filmed entirely on the [[back lot]] at Pinewood. The East Houston, Idaho scenes were shot on [[Chobham Common]] in [[Surrey]], 30 miles from London. Throughout filming, Lester opted to retain his directorial technique for the [[Multi-camera setup|three-camera setup]] while shooting scenes, which frustrated the actors as they did not know from where they were being filmed for their close-ups.{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=119}} However, Reeve noted that it made the production move at a faster pace.<ref>{{cite book|last=Reeve|first=Christopher|title=Still Me|url=https://archive.org/details/stillmereev00reev|year=1998|location=New York|publisher=[[Random House]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/stillmereev00reev/page/206/mode/2up 207]|isbn=978-0-679-45235-5|url-access=registration}}</ref> Filming was completed on March 10, 1980.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=94}}

Due to budgetary reasons and actors being unavailable, key scenes filmed by Donner were added to the final film. Since the Lester footage was shot two years later, continuity errors are present in the physique and styling of stars Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. In Donner's footage, Reeve appears less bulked as he was still gaining muscle for the part. Kidder also has dramatic changes throughout; in the montage of Lester–Donner material, shot inside the ''Daily Planet'' and the [[Fortress of Solitude]] near the movie's conclusion, her hairstyle, hair color, and even make-up are all inconsistent. Kidder's physical appearance in the Lester footage is noticeably different; during the scenes shot for Donner she appears slender, whereas in the Lester footage she looks thinner.

Before the film's release, Warner Bros. had appealed to the [[Directors Guild of America]] to arbitrate the appropriate co-director credit, in which they argued Lester could not be credited unless he shot 40 percent of the film. Although Lester had earlier thought he would not be credited, he approached Donner to see if he wished to be credited as co-director. Donner replied, "I don't share credit".{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Crane|2012|pp=212–213}}{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=126}}

== Music ==
{{Main|Superman music}}
Composer [[John Williams]] was originally slated to score ''Superman II'', whereby he was given a screening with Ilya Salkind and Richard Lester. When Salkind left the projection room, Williams and Lester fell into an argument; when Salkind returned, Williams told him that he "could not get along with this man." To take his place, Richard Lester's frequent composer [[Ken Thorne]] was selected to score the sequel.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=94}}{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=125}}<ref>{{cite interview|url=http://www.capedwonder.com/an-interview-with-ken-thorne/|title=An Interview with Ken Thorne|website=Caped Wonder|archive-date=November 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105204103/http://www.capedwonder.com/an-interview-with-ken-thorne/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thorne wrote minimal original material and adapted source music, such as [[Average White Band]]'s "[[Pick Up the Pieces (Average White Band song)|Pick Up the Pieces]]," which appears both in the restaurant in Idaho and during Clark's second encounter with Rocky in the Alaska diner. The music was performed at the CTS Studios, Wembley, London in the Spring of 1980 by a studio session orchestra (rather than the [[London Symphony Orchestra]], which had played for the first film). The soundtrack was released on [[Warner Bros. Records]], with one edition featuring [[Laser engraving|laser-etched]] "S" designs repeated five times on each side.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Superman II: Original Soundtrack |people=Ken Thorne, John Williams |publisher=Warner Brothers Records |year=1981}}</ref>

A complete score was released in 2008, as part of ''Superman: The Music--1978-1988'', an 8-CD box set released by Film Score Monthly, with a limited edition of 6,000 units.

As part of Superman's 80th anniversary, La-La Land Records released Thorne's expanded orchestral scores for the second and [[Superman III|third film]] into the expanded archival collection in October 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lalalandrecords.com/superman-ii-iii-limited-edition-3-cd-set/|title=Superman II & III: Limited Edition|website=La-La Land Records|access-date=October 21, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021224926/https://lalalandrecords.com/superman-ii-iii-limited-edition-3-cd-set/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Release ==
During a preview of the finished film, Warner Bros. executives had hoped to maximize its box office returns by releasing the film in every part of the world during their peak movie-going period. The film premiered in Australia on Thursday, December 4, 1980, and opened at the weekend in South Africa, followed by [[France]] on December 10 with Christmastime releases in [[Italy]] and [[Spain]].<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title='Superman' O'Seas First; U.S. Takeoff, 1,000 Sites, June|date=December 17, 1980|page=5}}</ref> The film opened in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[West Germany]] in Easter 1981.<ref name="MarketingofSuperman">{{cite news|last=Harmetz|first=Aljean|title=The Marketing of Superman and His Paraphernalia|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/21/movies/the-marketing-of-superman-and-his-paraphernalia.html|newspaper=The New York Times|page=50|date=June 21, 1981|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013306/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/21/movies/the-marketing-of-superman-and-his-paraphernalia.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 1, 1981, the film premiered at the [[National Theatre (New York)|National Theater]] in [[New York City]], and received its general release in 1,354 theaters in the United States and [[Canada]] on June 19—six months after its release in other parts of the world.{{sfn|Scivally|2008|p=94}}

=== Marketing ===
To promote the film, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that Warner Bros. had licensees for 34 products including posters, [[Pepsi-Cola]], pajamas, and [[T-shirts]] with Superman carrying the American flag. They had also enlisted their publishing division to produce calendars, pop-up books, a film novelization, a behind-the-scenes book, and a children's dictionary.<ref name="MarketingofSuperman" />

Before production on ''Superman II'' resumed in 1979, the [[Philip Morris USA|Philip Morris Company]] had paid $40,000 (£30,570) for their [[Marlboro (cigarette)|Marlboro]] cigarette to appear in the film.<ref>{{cite news|last=Levin|first=Myron|title='Protect Children Act' Aims to Ban Cigarette Deals in Film|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-08-ca-322-story.html|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=March 8, 1989|access-date=October 8, 2018|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421152915/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-08-ca-322-story.html|url-access=limited|url-status=live}}</ref> Lois Lane was shown as a chain smoker in the film, although she never smoked in the comic book.<ref>{{cite web |author=Vernellia R. Randall |url=http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/lesson04.htm#Lois |title=Lesson 04 Targeting of Children, Women and Minorities |publisher=[[University of Dayton]] |date=August 31, 1999 |access-date=March 11, 2011 |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720083445/http://academic.udayton.edu/health/syllabi/tobacco/lesson04.htm#Lois |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the Metropolis battle, General Zod throws Superman into a Marlboro delivery truck, although actual vehicles for tobacco distribution are unmarked for security reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/90490|title=Superman II|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625232431/http://www.tcm.com/thismonth/article/?cid=90490&rss=mrqe |publisher=[[Turner Classic Movies]]|date=March 11, 2011|url-status=live|archive-date=June 25, 2009}}</ref> This led to a congressional investigation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smokefreemovies.ucsf.edu/pdf/sfm10_variety.pdf |title=sfm10_variety |access-date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030309213051/http://www.smokefreemovies.ucsf.edu/pdf/sfm10_variety.pdf |publisher=[[Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education]]|archive-date=March 9, 2003 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tobaccodocuments.org/youth/AmCgPMI19791018.Lt.html |title=Re: Superman II – The Movie |publisher=Tobaccodocuments.org |date=October 18, 1979 |access-date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223024532/http://tobaccodocuments.org/youth/AmCgPMI19791018.Lt.html |archive-date=December 23, 2010 }}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Critical response ===
On the review aggregator website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], ''Superman II'' has an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on {{RT data|count}} reviews, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. The site's critics consensus reads, "The humor occasionally stumbles into slapstick territory, and the special effects are dated, but ''Superman II'' meets, if not exceeds, the standard set by its predecessor."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_ii|title=Superman II (1980)|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]]|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 83 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/superman-ii |website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Superman II Reviews |access-date=June 24, 2022}}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] during its opening weekend gave the film a rare average grade of "A+" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 28, 1981|title=CinemaScore|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=0klj8wIChNAC&dat=19810828&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=April 11, 2025|work=[[The Spokesman-Review]]|location=[[Spokane, Washington]]|page=23}}</ref>

[[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'', who gave the original film very high acclaim,<ref>{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/superman |title=Superman Movie Review & Film Summary (1978) |work=Chicago Sun-Times |via=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=December 15, 1978 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703075946/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/superman |url-status=live}}</ref> also praised ''Superman II'', giving it four out of four stars. He wrote in his review, "This movie's most intriguing insight is that Superman's disguise as Clark Kent isn't a matter of looks as much as of mental attitude: Clark is disguised not by his glasses but by his ordinariness. Beneath his meek exterior, of course, is concealed a superhero. And, the movie subtly hints, isn't that the case with us all?"<ref>{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/superman-ii-1981 |title=Superman II Movie Review & Film Summary (1981) |work=Chicago Sun-Times |via=RogerEbert.com |date=January 1, 1981 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727052122/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/superman-ii-1981 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gene Siskel]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' awarded three-and-a-half out of four stars<ref>{{cite news |last=Siskel |first=Gene |title=Siskel's Flicks Picks |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |at=Section 3, p. 10 |date=June 26, 1981}}</ref> and declared it "better than the original."<ref>{{cite news |last=Siskel |first=Gene |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27674931/chicago-tribune/ |title='Superman II': A sequel tops the original |work=Chicago Tribune |at=Section 6, p. 5 |date=June 14, 1981 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320092756/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27674931/chicago-tribune/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sheila Benson]] of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "the most interesting 'Superman' yet," adding, "This film's fun comes from character, dialogue and performance, not effects. There are, of course, enough effects to fill a dozen Saturday matinee serials but they aren't necessarily the film's deliciousness."<ref>{{cite news |last=Benson |first=Sheila |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27675157/the-los-angeles-times/ |title='Superman II': A Human Touch to the Invincible |work=Los Angeles Times |at=Part VI, pp. 1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27675169/the-los-angeles-times/ 3] |date=June 18, 1981 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320092758/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27675157/the-los-angeles-times/ |via=Newspapers.com |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Janet Maslin]], reviewing for ''The New York Times'', wrote that "''Superman II'' is a marvelous toy. It's funny, it's full of tricks and it manages to be royally entertaining, which is really all it aims for." She also praised the performances of Reeve and Hackman and found the directing style between Donner and Lester to be indistinguishable.<ref>{{cite news |last=Maslin |first=Janet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/19/movies/superman-ii-is-full-of-tricks.html |title='Superman II' is Full of Tricks |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 19, 1981 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009014906/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/19/movies/superman-ii-is-full-of-tricks.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly, [[David Denby]], reviewing for the ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine, praised the film's light approach and Hackman's performance.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Denby |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BeYCAAAAMBAJ&q=superman+II+humor&pg=PA49 |title=The Decline and Fall of Mel Brooks |magazine=New York |date=June 22, 1981 |pages=49–50 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320092756/https://books.google.com/books?id=BeYCAAAAMBAJ&q=superman+II+humor&pg=PA49#v=snippet&q=superman%20II |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |via=Google Books}}</ref>{{sfn|Andersen|2008|p=34}} Christopher John, reviewing the film in ''[[Ares (magazine)|Ares Magazine]]'', commented that "''Superman II'' falls into the category of sequels containing such films as ''[[Jaws 2]]'' - highly absorbing and entertaining, yet better films only if you never saw the original."<ref name="Ares">{{cite magazine | last=John | first=Christopher | title=Film & Television | magazine=[[Ares (magazine)|Ares Magazine]] | publisher=[[Simulations Publications, Inc.]] | date=July 1981 | issue=9 | pages=20–21}}</ref>

British cinema magazine ''[[Total Film]]'' named Terence Stamp's version of General Zod No. 32 on their 'Top 50 Greatest Villains of All Time' list (beating out the No. 38 place of [[Lex Luthor]]) in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/the-top-50-greatest-heroes-villains-of-all-time-total-film-compiled-list/ |title=The Top 50 Greatest Heroes & Villains Of All Time – 'Total Film' Compiled List |publisher=Snarkerati.com |date=November 24, 2007 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504151132/http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/the-top-50-greatest-heroes-villains-of-all-time-total-film-compiled-list/ |archive-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> Pop culture website [[IGN]] placed General Zod at No. 30 on their list of the 'Top 50 Comic Book Villains' while commenting "Stamp ''is'' Zod" (emphasis in original).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/30.html |title=General Zod is number 30 – IGN |website=IGN |access-date=December 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224011850/http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/30.html |archive-date=December 24, 2010}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
The film opened on 19 screens in Australia and grossed A$287,072 in its first four days.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=December 17, 1980|page=35|title='Superman II' Stays Strong In Oz With Rugged 608G Total}}</ref> On its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, ''Superman II'' broke box office records with a first day gross of $4.3 million.<ref name=open>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|page=1|date=June 23, 1981|title=Super B.O. For 'Superman' II|last=Ginsberg|first=Steven}}</ref> The next day, it grossed $5.5 million, which at the time was the highest-single box office day, surpassing the record previously set by ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' (1977) with $4.5 million.<ref name=open /> It also recorded the highest-grossing weekend up to that time with $14.1 million,{{sfn|Scivally|2008|pp=94–95}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/22/movies/superman-ii-in-first-weekend-sets-records.html |title='Superman II,' In First Weekend, Sets Records |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 22, 1981 |access-date=October 8, 2018 |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009015003/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/22/movies/superman-ii-in-first-weekend-sets-records.html |url-status=live}}</ref> surpassing the record $11.9 million set by ''[[Star Trek: The Motion Picture]]'' (1979)<ref name=open /> and the $13.1 million 4-day weekend set by ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman]]'' in its third weekend.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|date=October 27, 1987|page=46|title=Biggest North American Film Boxoffice Weekends In History|last=Murphy|first=A.D.}}</ref>

The film remained number one for the next three weekends, outpacing ''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'', but ''Raiders'' eventually overtook it and returned to number one in its sixth week of release.<ref name=superaid>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|page=1|date=July 27, 1981|title='Superman,' 'Raiders' Neck & Neck|last=Ginsberg|first=Steven}}</ref> In its first month of release, ''Superman II'' had grossed $75 million,<ref name=superaid /> and went on to gross $108.2 million in the United States and Canada (with the [[gross rental]] coming to $65 million), the third [[1981 in film#Highest-grossing films (U.S.)|highest-grossing film of 1981]].<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4084368897/ |title=Superman II (1981) |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525224751/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4084368897/weekend/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Aljean|last=Harmetz|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/19/movies/hollywood-s-winners-and-losers-in-83.html|title=Hollywood's Winners and Losers of 1983|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 19, 1984|access-date=July 14, 2022|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706172800/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/19/movies/hollywood-s-winners-and-losers-in-83.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Internationally, it grossed $108.2 million for a worldwide total of $216.3 million.<ref name="BOM" />

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Recipient
! Result

|-
| rowspan="4" | [[9th Saturn Awards|1982]]
| rowspan="4" | {{nowrap|[[Saturn Awards]]}}
| [[Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film|Best Science Fiction Film]]
| ''Superman II''
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| Christopher Reeve
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]]
| Margot Kidder
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Saturn Award for Best Music|Best Music]]
| Ken Thorne
| {{nom}}
|}

== Broadcast television versions ==
As with the first film, Alexander and Ilya Salkind prepared a version for worldwide television release that re-inserted unused footage (in this case 24 minutes) into the film. It was through this extended version that viewers first caught a glimpse into the ''Superman II'' that might have happened had Richard Donner remained as director. In fact, a majority of the added footage was shot by Donner before Richard Lester became director.

17 of the 24 added minutes were utilized by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] for its 1984 network premiere. Subsequent ABC airings of the longer version were cut further for more advertising time. The full 146-minute extended cut was shown internationally, including parts of Canada.

=== Additional footage ===
The added footage offers an alternative ending to the film. In the theatrical cut, it is implied that Superman has killed the three Kryptonian villains (going against the strict code that Superman does not kill). In the extended ending, a U.S. "polar patrol" is shown picking up the three Kryptonians and Lex Luthor, after which Superman, with Lois standing beside him, destroys the Fortress of Solitude.

Among the other "lost" scenes:
* Superman passes a [[Concorde]] jet on his way to Paris. This is not in the video release and was actually an outtake from ''[[Superman (1978 film)|Superman: The Movie]]'' as a bridge between Superman saving [[Air Force One]] and his conversation with [[Jor-El]] after his first night.
* At the end of the film, [[Clark Kent]] bumps into a large bald man, which reminds him to go to the diner to face the obnoxious trucker who beat him up earlier.
* The [[Phantom Zone]] villains land outside the Fortress of Solitude with [[Lex Luthor]] and [[Lois Lane]], trying to figure out how to get in.
* Extended scenes of the three [[Kryptonian|Kryptonians']] invasion of the [[White House]], with [[General Zod|Zod]] using a gun and [[Non (comics)|Non]] frightening a dog.
* Superman cooks a [[soufflé]] using his heat vision, during dinner with Lois at the Fortress of Solitude.
* Extended discussion between Zod and [[Ursa (comics)|Ursa]] on the Moon.
* In East Houston, a boy tries to escape on horseback, only to be killed by Non, who throws a police siren at him.

Some telecast versions remove the following for content:
* Much violence in the opening White House scene was left out, including Zod murdering several [[United States Secret Service|Secret Service]] agents and [[United States Capitol Police|Capitol Police]] officers with an [[AR-10]] assault rifle.
* The bully's line in the bar ("I don't like your meat anyway!" was re-edited to "I don't like you anyway").
* About 35 seconds of the "Battle of Metropolis" (Superman flying over Metropolis River) was deleted.
* Some language and profanity were re-dubbed.

Among the footage seen in the international/Canadian telecasts:
* A girl in [[Japan]] watching the destruction of East Houston on TV to the disapproval of her father, who believes it's a violent TV show.
* Longer conversation between Lois and Superman after he destroys the Fortress of Solitude.
* Lex Luthor taking [[Perry White]]'s coffee during the Times Square battle.
* Lex and Miss Teschmacher admiring the Fortress of Solitude.
* Lex's negotiating with Superman after they leave the fortress is longer.
* Zod and his cronies being arrested by Arctic Patrol officers.

In 2004, the fan-restored [[DVD]] known as ''Superman II: Restored International Cut'' was released through many Superman fan sites.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bridges|first=Jeffrey|url=https://www.supermanhomepage.com/movies/movies.php?topic=sup2-RIC-review|title=Superman II – Restored International Cut Reviewed |publisher=Superman Homepage |access-date=October 8, 2018}}</ref> It featured extended scenes pulled from international television broadcasts over the years. Warner Bros. threatened legal action over the [[Bootleg recording|bootleg release]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2005/04/18/original-superman-ii-movie-gets-revived-fans/|last=Pastorek|first=Whitney|title=Original ''Superman II'' movie gets revived by fans|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=April 18, 2005|access-date=October 5, 2018|archive-date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009052730/https://ew.com/article/2005/04/18/original-superman-ii-movie-gets-revived-fans/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Rossen|2008|p=130}}

==''The Richard Donner Cut''==
{{Main|Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut}}
During the production of ''[[Superman Returns]]'', Warner Bros. acquired the rights from Marlon Brando's estate to use the late actor's footage from ''Superman'' in the film.{{sfn|Rossen|2008|pp=130–131}} Shortly after, Ilya Salkind confirmed that Donner was involved in the project to re-cut ''Superman II'' using Brando's unused footage. Editor Michael Thau worked on the project alongside Donner and [[Tom Mankiewicz]], who supervised the ''Superman II'' reconstruction.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Superman II: Restoring the Vision|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIyVcnlDDgE&list=PL8dON12l62c6yjGk_ooK-8NxXbMX3QppC|publisher=Warner Bros. Home Video|type=Bonus feature|format=DVD|year=2006|via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref> Despite some initial confusion, Thau confirmed that all the footage shot by Donner in 1977 was recovered and transferred from a vault in England.

The new edition, titled ''[[Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut]]'', was released on DVD, [[HD DVD]], and [[Blu-ray]] on November 28, 2006. In order to make Donner's vision of ''Superman II'' feel less incomplete, finished scenes by Lester that Donner was unable to shoot were incorporated into the film as well as the [[screen test]]s by Reeve and Kidder for one pivotal scene. The film also restores several cut scenes including Marlon Brando as Jor-El, an alternate prologue and opening sequence at the ''Daily Planet'' that omits the Eiffel Tower opening from the original, as well as the original scripted and filmed ending for ''Superman II'' featuring Superman reversing time before it was cut and placed at the end of the first film.

== In other media ==
=== Comics ===
* Superman's publisher [[DC Comics]] published a commemorative magazine of ''Superman II'' in 1981. Published as ''[[DC Special Series]]'' #25, it was produced in "Treasury format" and included photos and background photos, actor profiles, panel-to-scene comparisons, and pin-ups.<ref name="Eury">{{cite journal|last = Eury|first = Michael|author-link = Michael Eury|title = The Amazing World of Superman Tabloids|journal= [[Back Issue!]]|issue = 61|pages = 11–16|publisher = [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date = December 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://www.comics.org/issue/35454/?style=default ''DC Special Series'' #25] at the Grand Comics Database</ref>
* In 2006, the Superman comics themselves adapted elements from the Superman movies, specifically the ice-like look of [[Krypton (comics)|Krypton]], and [[Jor-El]] banishing the criminals to the [[Phantom Zone]]. [[Ursa (comics)|Ursa]] and [[Non (comics)|Non]] made their first appearances in the comic book continuity. (This was facilitated in the "[[Last Son (comics)|Last Son]]" story arc, co-written by [[Richard Donner]].)<ref>''Action Comics'' #844–847, 851; ''Action Comics Annual'' #11 (DC Comics, 2006).</ref>
* In 2021, a Superman comic entitled ''[[Superman '78 (comic book)|Superman '78]]'' was released. Written by Robert Venditti and illustrated by Wilfredo Torres, the comic is set in Donnerverse continuity, acting as a continuation.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

=== Television ===
* In the television series ''[[Smallville]]'', much of the imagery and concepts of the first two Salkind/Donner/Lester ''Superman'' films, has been revived as a conscious homage to the film series by the show's creators. These include the ice-crystal [[Fortress of Solitude]], the spinning square in space to represent the [[Phantom Zone]], and the continued presence of the deceased [[Jor-El]] as a disembodied counselor and teacher to young Clark/Kal-El. [[Terence Stamp]], who played [[General Zod]] in the first two films, provided the voice of Jor-El for the series. [[Christopher Reeve]] made two appearances on the show as Dr. [[Virgil Swann]], a disabled scientist who had acquired knowledge of Krypton to pass on to Clark, before Reeve's death in 2004.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Rosetta|series=Smallville|credits=Miles Millar, Alfred Gough (writers), James Marshall (director).|network=[[The WB Television Network|The WB]]|air-date=Feb 25, 2003|season=2|number=17}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|title=Legacy|series=Smallville|credits=Jeph Loeb(writers), Greg Beeman (director).|network= CW|air-date=April 14, 2004|season=3|number=17}}</ref> A section of [[John Williams]]' [[Superman music|Superman]] theme was included when Reeve made his first appearance, and was later used in the series finale.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Finale|series=Smallville|credits=Turi Meyer, Al Septien (writers) part 1. Kelly Sunders, Brian Peterson (writers) part 2. Kevin G Fair (director) part 1, Greg Berman (director) part 2|network=[[The WB Television Network|The WB]]|air-date=May 13, 2011|season=10|number=21}}</ref> [[Margot Kidder]], [[Marc McClure]] ([[Jimmy Olsen]]), and [[Helen Slater]] (''[[Supergirl (1984 film)|Supergirl]]'') have also made appearances on the show. [[Annette O'Toole]] (Lana Lang in ''[[Superman III]]'') played Martha Kent.

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
=== Footnotes ===
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book|last=Andersen|first=Christopher|author-link=Christopher Andersen|title=Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve|publisher=Hyperion|year=2008|isbn=978-0-7868-9130-6}}
* {{cite book|last1=Mankiewicz|first1=Tom|last2=Crane|first2=Robert|title=My Life as a Mankiewicz: An Insider's Journey through Hollywood|year=2012|publisher=[[University Press of Kentucky]]|isbn=978-0-8131-6123-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Rossen|first=Jake|title=Superman vs. Hollywood: How Fiendish Producers, Devious Directors, and Warring Writers Grounded an American Icon|year=2008|publisher=[[Chicago Review Press]]|isbn=978-1-55652-731-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Scivally|first=Bruce|title=Superman On Film: Film, Television, Radio And Broadway|year=2008|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|isbn=978-0-7864-3166-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Tye|first=Larry|title=Superman: The High-Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero|year=2013|publisher=[[Random House]] Trade Paperbacks|isbn=978-0-8129-8077-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Weldon|first=Glen|author-link=Glen Weldon|title=Superman: The Unauthorized Biography|year=2013|publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons|Wiley]]|isbn=978-1-118-34184-1}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* [https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/superman-ii/ Official Warner Bros. Site]
* [https://www.dccomics.com/movies/superman-ii-1980-0 Official DC Comics Site]
* {{IMDb title|0081573}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|superman_ii}}
* {{Metacritic film}}
* {{TCMDb title|16442}}
* {{Mojo title|superman2}}
* [http://www.supermanii.com/ Supermanii.com]
* [http://thethunderchild.com/Reviews/Movies/ReeveSuperman/Superman.html The Superman Sourcebook, at The Thunder Child]
* [http://www.chrisreevehomepage.com/m-movie2.html Movie Reviews (Christopher Reeve Homepage) – Superman II]
* [http://www.supermanhomepage.com/movies/movies.php?topic=m-movie2 Superman Homepage: Superman II – Movie Synopsis/Review/Critique]
* [http://www.supermansupersite.com/movie2.html The Superman Super Site – Superman II] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520070124/http://www.supermansupersite.com/movie2.html |date=May 20, 2018 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180503181330/http://cinemademerde.com/Essay-Superman_II.shtml II Times the Superman II: A close comparison of the Lester and Donner versions.]

{{Christopher Reeve's/Brandon Routh's Superman}}
{{DC Comics films}}
{{Richard Lester}}
{{Mario Puzo}}
{{Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film 1972–1990}}
{{Authority control}}
<!--[[WP:FILMCAT]]-->
<!--Year categories-->

[[Category:1980 films]]
[[Category:1980 action films]]
[[Category:1980 science fiction films]]
[[Category:1980s superhero films]]
[[Category:Films about alien invasions]]
[[Category:American sequel films]]
[[Category:British sequel films]]
[[Category:1980s English-language films]]
[[Category:British films about revenge]]
[[Category:American films about revenge]]
[[Category:Films about terrorism]]
[[Category:Films directed by Richard Lester]]
[[Category:Films set in Houston]]
[[Category:Films set in Idaho]]
[[Category:Films set in Paris]]
[[Category:1980 fantasy films]]
[[Category:Films set in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Films set in the White House]]
[[Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios]]
[[Category:Films shot in Alberta]]
[[Category:Films shot in New York City]]
[[Category:Films shot in Norway]]
[[Category:Films shot in Paris]]
[[Category:Films shot in Saint Lucia]]
[[Category:Films shot in Toronto]]
[[Category:Niagara Falls in fiction]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by David Newman (screenwriter)]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Leslie Newman]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Mario Puzo]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Tom Mankiewicz]]
[[Category:Superman films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:Columbia Pictures films]]
[[Category:Superman (1978 film series)]]
[[Category:Films produced by Pierre Spengler]]
[[Category:Films about fictional presidents of the United States]]
[[Category:Films about terrorism in Europe]]
[[Category:Films set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Films set on the Moon]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ken Thorne]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on DC Comics]]
[[Category:American superhero films]]
[[Category:British superhero films]]
[[Category:1980s American films]]
[[Category:1980s British films]]
[[Category:English-language science fiction action films]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning films]]