Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is a fascinating cinematic experiment and a rare glimpse into what could have been. Released in 2006, this version of Superman II restores director Richard Donner’s original vision, which had been shelved in favor of a drastically altered theatrical cut by Richard Lester in 1980. The Donner Cut reassembles footage shot by Donner before he was fired from the project and reintroduces crucial narrative elements, deeper emotional arcs, and a tone more consistent with the 1978 Superman: The Movie.
Detailed Summary
The Opening: Rewind and Recontextualize
The film begins not with the Eiffel Tower terrorist incident from the theatrical version but with a clever re-edit of events from the first Superman film. Superman’s decision to hurl a nuclear missile into space (at the end of Superman: The Movie) triggers the release of General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O’Halloran) from the Phantom Zone. This change restores Donner’s original intent—connecting the two films as a single, coherent narrative.
The Phantom Zone Villains Arrive
Once freed, Zod and his cohorts descend upon Earth. Their arrival is marked by classic 1980s cheese mixed with genuine menace, particularly through Terence Stamp’s commanding performance. The trio wreaks havoc across the planet, ultimately making their way to the White House, where Zod demands the President kneel before him—setting the stage for a Superman showdown.
Lois Lane’s Suspicions and the Niagara Falls Incident
Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), ever the sharp reporter, grows increasingly suspicious that Clark Kent is Superman. Her investigation comes to a head in a now-iconic scene at Niagara Falls. Unlike Lester’s version, where Clark trips and falls into a fire, Donner’s version features a bold move from Lois—she jumps into the rapids, believing Superman will be forced to save her if Clark is indeed the Man of Steel. Clark manages to save her without revealing his identity, but this merely delays the inevitable.
The Fortress of Solitude: Truth and Consequence
Lois eventually tricks Clark into revealing the truth. Once in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman chooses to give up his powers to live a mortal life with her. This is a crucial and emotional moment—restored from Donner’s original footage—that emphasizes the sacrifices Superman is willing to make for love.
However, upon returning to the real world, Clark realizes the world needs Superman now more than ever. He returns to the Fortress in desperation, unsure if his powers can be restored. A deleted scene from Superman: The Movie—originally unused—serves to bring back his abilities, guided by Jor-El’s spirit (played by Marlon Brando, who was also reinstated in the Donner Cut after being cut from the theatrical version for budgetary reasons).
Zod’s Rule and the Battle for Earth
With the world now under Zod’s control, Superman returns in heroic fashion. The climactic battle takes place in Metropolis and the Fortress of Solitude. Unlike the more cartoonish version seen in the theatrical cut, Donner’s take is leaner and darker. Superman tricks Zod and the others into thinking he is surrendering, but he secretly reverses the power-draining crystal in the Fortress. The villains lose their powers, and Superman defeats them without taking vengeance, staying true to his values.
⇢ VIRAL RIGHT NOW
Movie Ending – Full Breakdown
After defeating Zod, Ursa, and Non—who are left powerless and presumably fall to their deaths in the icy abyss—Superman restores the Fortress of Solitude. One of the most emotionally weighty moments comes next: realizing that his relationship with Lois cannot work, Clark uses a mysterious “kiss of forgetfulness” (a bit of a narrative stretch, but carried over from the original script) to erase her memory of his secret identity and their shared intimacy.
Lois returns to her normal life, heartbroken but unaware of why. Superman, burdened but resolute, resumes his duty to protect humanity. In a final callback to Superman: The Movie, he flies into orbit and gives Earth a reassuring glance before speeding off into the stars.
The Donner Cut closes the loop more cohesively than the theatrical version, ending on a bittersweet yet satisfying note.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Like most films from that era, even in its 2006 restoration, it opts for a traditional closing with John Williams’ triumphant score playing over the credits.
Type of Movie
This is a superhero fantasy drama with strong elements of sci-fi and romance. It carries an operatic tone that elevates Superman’s internal struggles and moral dilemmas beyond basic heroics.
Cast
- Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent / Superman
- Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
- Terence Stamp as General Zod
- Sarah Douglas as Ursa
- Jack O’Halloran as Non
- Marlon Brando as Jor-El (restored in this version)
- Ned Beatty as Otis
Film Music and Composer
The music is based on John Williams’ original themes from Superman: The Movie, with some new arrangements conducted by Ken Thorne. The Donner Cut makes more extensive use of Williams’ iconic Superman theme to restore the emotional weight and grandeur of the original vision.
Filming Locations
- Pinewood Studios, UK – Used for many of the indoor sets, including the Fortress of Solitude and Metropolis scenes.
- New York City (doubling as Metropolis) – Exterior shots used throughout the series.
- Niagara Falls, Ontario – The location for the pivotal Lois-and-Clark scene, important both narratively and symbolically for the emotional plunge Lois takes.
These locations play crucial roles in grounding Superman’s cosmic power in relatable, Earth-based settings.
⇢ KEEP UP WITH THE TREND
Awards and Nominations
As a re-edited version of an older film, The Richard Donner Cut didn’t qualify for traditional awards. However, it was highly praised by critics and fans for its emotional coherence and for restoring Donner’s original vision.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Richard Donner shot about 75% of Superman II before being replaced by the producers.
- Marlon Brando’s footage was cut from the original release due to salary disputes, but restored here with the blessing of his estate.
- Some scenes had to be cobbled together using screen tests (notably, Clark revealing his identity to Lois).
- Gene Hackman refused to return for reshoots after Donner was fired; all his scenes in the Donner Cut are from original footage.
- The re-edit took over a year to complete and was assembled with editor Michael Thau and Donner’s close involvement.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from DC Comics’ Superman mythology, particularly storylines involving Zod and the Phantom Zone. Donner’s Superman also embodies classical heroism inspired by Greek myths and Judeo-Christian allegory, with Superman often portrayed as a Christ-like figure.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
One notable alternate ending involves Superman reversing time again, as he did in the first film. This is a reused concept, as it was originally intended to be the ending of Superman II. The time reversal effectively undoes the destruction caused by Zod and erases knowledge of Clark’s identity from Lois and the world.
While controversial among fans for its narrative shortcut, it does bring thematic closure—highlighting Superman’s godlike powers and their unintended consequences.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Superman II was novelized in 1981, based more on the theatrical cut. The Donner Cut differs significantly in tone and character development:
- The Donner Cut leans heavily on the emotional cost of Clark’s decisions.
- The theatrical version included more slapstick and comedic bits (thanks to Richard Lester), which are absent here.
- Lois’ discovery of Clark’s identity is drastically different in both versions.
⇢ MOST SHARED RIGHT NOW
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lois jumps into Niagara Falls to expose Clark.
- Clark sacrifices his powers in the Fortress.
- Superman’s return after regaining his powers.
- The battle with Zod in Metropolis.
- Lois forgetting everything after the memory-erasing kiss.
Iconic Quotes
- General Zod: “Kneel before Zod!”
- Clark Kent: “I wish it didn’t have to be this way.”
- Lois Lane: “There’s only one man in the world who can fly like that…”
- Superman (to Zod): “You don’t win. Ever.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The time reversal ending connects directly to the original Superman: The Movie, making both films a two-part story.
- Marlon Brando’s restored footage changes Superman’s emotional arc, showing his relationship with his father rather than his mother (as in the theatrical version).
- A blink-and-you-miss-it cameo from Larry Hagman (TV’s Dallas) during a brief crowd scene.
Trivia
- The “Donner Cut” was made possible largely due to fan campaigns and DVD-era restoration efforts.
- This version was assembled using footage stored for over 25 years, some of which had to be digitally restored frame-by-frame.
- It’s one of the few major Hollywood films where a fired director got to re-release his version decades later.
- Christopher Reeve was only 24 years old when filming these scenes.
Why Watch?
If you’re a Superman fan or a film buff, The Richard Donner Cut is essential viewing. It offers a deeper, more mature take on Superman’s internal conflict and fixes many of the tonal inconsistencies of the theatrical cut. It’s not just a director’s cut—it’s the fulfillment of a long-unfinished artistic vision.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Omen (1976)
- Superman (1978)
- The Goonies (1985)
- Lethal Weapon (1987)
- Scrooged (1988) – producer
- Maverick (1994)