The Superman franchise is marked by changes in directorial vision and power struggles, particularly evident in the creation of Superman II. Richard Donner’s original cut of the film featured a more intriguing reveal of Clark Kent’s identity, with Lois Lane tricking him using a gun. The eventual identity reveal of the man behind the mask is a satisfying aspect of many superhero movies, and Christopher Reeve’s performance as Clark Kent/Superman showcases his acting skills in both director Richard Lester’s and Richard Donner’s versions of the reveal scene.
In 1978, Richard Donner directed what is still one of the best superhero movies ever made, Superman, starring Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. Donner was in the director’s chair for Superman II, but behind-the-scenes issues led to his removal, resulting in Richard Lester replacing some of Donner’s scenes with his own vision. Donner’s cut of the film would have been a more cohesive and exciting film, but the real issue was not with Donner’s vision but with the power struggles and creative differences between Donner and the producers.
A Still From Superman II (Photo: DC)
The biggest change came with the reveal to Lois Lane that Clark Kent is Superman. Lester’s version involves fire, with Lois and Clark sitting by an open fire in their hotel room. Clark trips and falls into the fire, and Lois immediately goes to see how badly he’s burned, only to see that Clark is completely unscathed. She looks at him in shock, and Clark walks away, frustrated, before turning around and showing Lois who he really is. In contrast, Donner’s version is much more dramatic and intense, with Lois pulling out a gun and shooting Clark right in the chest, literally putting the power in her hands.
Donner’s Superman reveal scene works better than Lester’s due to the power and agency given to Lois. She is done with her suspicions and decides to come up with a way to trick Clark, showcasing her strength and intelligence. It’s a more thrilling and empowering scene, highlighting why Clark would fall in love with Lois. Despite being removed from the project, Richard Donner’s vision may not have been realized in his original cut, but his Superman reveal scene lives on in Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, available to watch on Prime Video.
