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Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Play trailer Poster for Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut PG 2006 1h 56m Adventure Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
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Kryptonian villain Gen. Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen are accidentally freed from their outer-space imprisonment and threaten Earth with destruction, just as Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to renounce his superpowers for his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). This alternate version of the film is based on footage shot by director Richard Donner before being replaced on the project, and it includes material not seen in the film's original 1980 release.
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Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Critics Reviews

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Brad Cook Flickering Myth The Donner cut is a fun exercise in what could have been, Rated: 3/5 Jul 1, 2025 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Loyalists overpraised this edition as superior -- that’s hardly accurate for a few reasons. Rated: 3/4 May 13, 2023 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Given everything that happened, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut restores Donner's vision and makes the best out of an otherwise terrible situation. Rated: 4/5 May 9, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Adam P A treat to be able to see this on the big screen along with the original. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/20/23 Full Review Randal so unlike the original. changed lines and scenes. Don't ruin a classic!! Rated 1 out of 5 stars 04/19/23 Full Review Zayden C. The classic OG Superman 2 and this is the real Superman 2 not the theatre cut. This is what Superman 2 was meant to be. One of the best storytelling i ever seen. Dooners vision came true and he made one of the greatest classic OG Superman of all time. It’s truly astonishingly astounding even that Superman 2025 movie borrowed elements from Superman duology. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review F I I got the dvd ASAP. Much better version. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/24/25 Full Review Matthew D The Definitive Version of Superman II. This review is specifically for Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. God bless Richard Donner for undergoing all the painstaking effect to restore Superman II to how it was originally intended to be seen. This edition is the only version of Superman II you will want to watch. It is restored in all its glory as Donner initially conceived for audiences to see. Superman II is at his best under the wonderful direction of Richard Donner. Donner's work on Superman is immaculate and so caring. It only makes sense that when Donner released his cut of Superman II it is nearly as good as the first film. Donner's Cut is also vastly superior to the theatrical release of Superman II. This is the version you will want to watch. Donner cuts out the campy elements of Superman II's theatrical cut and adds in his own more serious scenes. It is as beautifully shot, well written, visually charming, competently acted, with creative practical effects like the original movie. You must understand that Donner was not allowed to finish all of the special effects so some of them look incomplete, but you still believe you are watching these events happen. You should ignore their incompleteness because Donner's version is so much more compelling and complex than the childish theatrical release. Christopher Reeve again is Superman incarnate as he shows goodwill towards men in his heroic actions to save lives. You will love him as the iconic hero all over again like the first movie. He strives to live in love with Lois Lane, but he must take up the challenge of the villainous General Zod. It's a brilliant tale of self sacrifice and demonstrates why we must do what is right. Reeve's acting is so sincere and endearing as Superman, you are always rooting for him. The supporting cast is as delightful as the star. Margot Kidder is even more lovable and fun as Lois Lane. Her clever reaction and intuition in finding out Clark Kent is Superman is a blast to witness. Gene Hackman returns as the greedy Lex Luthor in all his vanity and deception. His joyous revelry in being conniving is a pleasure to see. Terence Stamp is magnificent as General Zod with his booming deep voice and commanding presence. Director Richard Donner even managed to get new footage from the legendary Marlon Brando to reprise his role as Superman's loving father Jor-El. Superman II boasts an excellent ensemble. John Williams' score for Superman II is as superb as Superman: The Movie's musical accompaniment. When the main theme swells, so does your heart. It is as captivating as when you first heard these notes reverberate into your memory. In conclusion, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is a must see superhero film just like Donner's debut Superman movie. He improves the terrible theatrical release in every way. I will always love this film. Thank you for the experience Richard Donner. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/20/25 Full Review Matheus F A better version of an epic sequel. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/09/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

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Movie Info

Synopsis Kryptonian villain Gen. Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen are accidentally freed from their outer-space imprisonment and threaten Earth with destruction, just as Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to renounce his superpowers for his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). This alternate version of the film is based on footage shot by director Richard Donner before being replaced on the project, and it includes material not seen in the film's original 1980 release.
Director
Richard Donner
Producer
Pierre Spengler, Michael Thau
Screenwriter
Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman
Production Co
Dovemead Films, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Comics
Rating
PG (Some Language|Sequences of Action Violence|Brief Mild Sensuality)
Genre
Adventure, Sci-Fi
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 29, 2013
Runtime
1h 56m
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