Richard Donner Gives His Thoughts On Superman: Man Of Steel

Richard Donner Gives His Thoughts On Superman: Man Of Steel

In an interview with MTV, the director of the original Superman movie gives his opinion on Henry Cavill and the choice of villain in Zack Snyder's reboot, General Zod...

News
By MarkCassidy - Jun 07, 2011 11:06 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman
Source: MTV Splashpage

Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology (1978-2006) hits Blu-ray and DVD today and to mark the occasion, MTV sat down with the director of Superman: The Movie and the follow up in the form of a director's cut. Richard Donner gives his opinion on various aspects of the character and his time working on the films, but I chose a couple of excerpts that deal with his views on Zack Snyder;s upcoming reboot of the franchise, Superman : Man Of Steel..



MTV: Well, one of the things that makes "Superman II" notable is that it featured the debut of Zod, who was so popular that he made the rare leap from the screen to comics. Now that we know he's also going to bein the new "Superman: Man of steel" reboot movie that's coming up, do you feel some pride in seeing the character continue on and have such a legacy?

DONNER: No, not really... He's Zod. He doesn't belong to me. He belongs to the world of Krypton and he's just another part of the Superman anthology of villains. The best part about Zod is that he makes an incredibly worthy adversary for our hero. That's why he's so great.

MTV: What do you think of the upcoming reboot of the "Superman" franchise and the new lead, Henry Cavill?

DONNER: It's going to be really tough on this guy, but he's a wonderful actor and has a great director working with him. I think they'll do a sensational job, because I truly believe their dedication to the product is honest. That film that they're making, they believe in it, and that's all you need: a good director, and to believe in your project. You can't ask for more.

MTV: Do you have any advice for the new "Superman: Man of Steel" team? What would you tell Zack Snyder about bringing the character to the big screen again?

DONNER: The only advice I have is to tell them good luck and go make a damn good movie. They're filmmakers and they wouldn't be doing this or getting this job if they weren't well qualified to do it. I look to them to show me something new and something different, and totally respect what they do. I don't think I can help them in any way except by patting them on the shoulder and wishing them all the luck in the world. In the business today, there are so many bright, quick-witted, talented young people coming up that all I can do is sit back, watch, and wish them luck.


Things have been fairly quiet on the Man Of Steel front recently. We still await the news of who has been cast as Lex Luthor..if anyone! And of course an official pic of Cavill in the costume, which Snyder promises will hit before any unofficial set pics do. But it's nice to hear from Donner, who for many people(myself included) gave us not only one of the best CBMs of all time, but best movies period.



By: TwitterButtons.com

By TwitterButtons.com


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DeadShizzle
DeadShizzle - 6/7/2011, 12:12 PM
This movie is not working for me, it's like their smashing 1 & 2 together. Is their ever going to be an original supes movie again? I'm sorry but as great as 1 and 2 were, get away from them and do something that hasn't been done shouldn't really be that hard as in 30 years we've really only seen Zod and Lex Luther.
write33
write33 - 6/7/2011, 12:13 PM

DONNER: "I look to them to show me something new and something different, and totally respect what they do."

NOTE TO THE WORLD...

STOP. REMAKING. REFERENCING. OR WHATEVER. DONNER'S MOVIE.

He wants something new! listen to him!!!! i am
beyond sick of zealot love for that movie / score all of it. be fresh and new and still Superman. that's what he did and he made a classic. it's time for a new generation to get the same. (live action, animation has understood that for decades)
Dynamo
Dynamo - 6/7/2011, 12:22 PM
I'm glad we're getting an origin, it might be the last time in a while we see it again, thanks to the lawsuit.
leprakhauns
leprakhauns - 6/7/2011, 12:33 PM
Why do people keep saying Superman 2 was the premiere of Zod when he appeared in the 60s?
OptimusBurgundyMaximus
OptimusBurgundyMaximus - 6/7/2011, 12:36 PM
New Cap spot shows Red skull !!! Win
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 6/7/2011, 12:38 PM
Donner's version is a classic and always may remain the difinitive Superman movie. But come in people, that cannot and will not ever be the only superman movie. It needs updating, a new direction and refreshing.

Superman doesn't start and end with Donner's version. Zod is an equal nemesis and is a great way to start a new cinematic chapter in the life of Superman. I welcome it and anticipate this as much as any of the big players we are getting next year!
ironknight
ironknight - 6/7/2011, 12:43 PM
People, it is NOT a remake of Superman II! So it shares a villain. So, what! He was used as the villain in ONE movie. ONE.

So Snyder decides to use him again, and everyone forgets how perfect of a first movie villain he is for Supes, and its WHY ARE YOU REMAKING SUPERMAN II!!!! I would understand complaints like that if he decided to use Luthor as the main villain for the, well lets see, fifth time, but give Zod a break. Hes a great villain for Superman. I have a feeling that a great movie will come out of this. "I'm not seeing it until they admit they're remaking Superman II" is just narrow-minded.
BlackPather2018
BlackPather2018 - 6/7/2011, 12:52 PM
I think people need to stop bi**hin about them using Zod as the villian. People remember it's a reboot and origins story so he is actually perfect for the villian. TDK used the same villians no one complains and everyone said that was the best batman movie ever. Captain America is a reboot and i think a lot of people forget that there was a lame a$$ movie brought out in the late 80 or early 90 about him and if featured no other that red skull and everyh seems to love him being the villian for this new one. Let's give the movie a chance and see what happens just the X man first class..... Besides it can't be worst than that bullsh** Superman return that dosen't even have the man throw one fu**in punch!!! who does that? who make a fu**in superhero film and dosen't have one fight sequence!!
PapaEmeritus
PapaEmeritus - 6/7/2011, 12:52 PM
Want it or not, Donner made an anthological movie, the best embodiment of Superman in cinema and a great debut of the character on movies! The guy told the very true: if the new product is honest and the envolved ones believe in it, so everything will be fine!
blackcelebration
blackcelebration - 6/7/2011, 12:54 PM
Err Zod appeared in the first Superman movie too...

@leprakhauns- Exactly. Although, I loved how Donner completely owned that mtv reporter.

Donner's a legend, and not just for what he did for Superman, but the Lethal Weapon franchise too. But I agree with everyone, we need a fresh and new direction. I'm actually for a new origin tale, as long as it isn't a copy and paste of Donner's origin (Obvious thing is to take out The Fortress and Jor-El's role).

Also, let's not forget, that back in 78, George Reeve's was considered the quintessential Superman, because of his performance in the 1950's Adventures of Superman TV programme. But Donner took a fresh out-take (Started of by The Salkinds and Mario Puzo) and re-defined what a Comic Book Movie could be.

Hell, 99% of us wouldn't be on this site now if it wasn't for the guy.

Respect to Donner for what he did... But, excuse me for the pun... The King is Dead, long live the new King (Fingers crossed).
blackcelebration
blackcelebration - 6/7/2011, 12:54 PM
Err Zod appeared in the first Superman movie too...

@leprakhauns- Exactly. Although, I loved how Donner completely owned that mtv reporter.

Donner's a legend, and not just for what he did for Superman, but the Lethal Weapon franchise too. But I agree with everyone, we need a fresh and new direction. I'm actually for a new origin tale, as long as it isn't a copy and paste of Donner's origin (Obvious thing is to take out The Fortress and Jor-El's role).

Also, let's not forget, that back in 78, George Reeve's was considered the quintessential Superman, because of his performance in the 1950's Adventures of Superman TV programme. But Donner took a fresh out-take (Started of by The Salkinds and Mario Puzo) and re-defined what a Comic Book Movie could be.

Hell, 99% of us wouldn't be on this site now if it wasn't for the guy.

Respect to Donner for what he did... But, excuse me for the pun... The King is Dead, long live the new King (Fingers crossed).
BillyBatson1000
BillyBatson1000 - 6/7/2011, 12:57 PM
Sorry, but the previous Superman films and the god-awful Smallville series ENDLESSLY covered everything I ever want to know about the origin of Superman and Zod. Why can't they just jettison the origin (yawn) and just make a GOOD, SOLID film with a COMPLETELY ORIGINAL PLOT? Is it really so difficult?
blackcelebration
blackcelebration - 6/7/2011, 1:09 PM
@billybatson1000

I know what you're saying, and I agree with you somewhat. But, I don't think people want a whole 60 minutes on the journey, but just something a little different to his background than what we've had before. (For example, Jonathan and Martha around to give him advice, Clark a star reporter, other characters like Cat Grant, or even Daniel Turpin maybe). Just basically, something we haven't seen before.

Just because it's an origin, doesn't mean they can't change things around a bit.

Also, the counter argument is that there have been so many different universes to the character, that to just go straight into the thick of the action, and just assume the audience knows everything, would not only be naive, but perhaps alienate and confuse the audience to its main characters.(Watch Superman Returns for an awesome example of this).

Don't get me wrong, I wanna see full on action, but not in sacrifice or expense of the characters (Superman/Clark, Lois, Zod, Jonathan, Martha...).
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 1:10 PM
(Sigh) Look, yes they're using Zod again, but that does not mean by any reason that it's going to be a remake of Superman 2.

I mean if people are saying this based on assumption or rumors that "haven't" been confirmed to be true, then that is not a justified reason in calling it a remake.

Even so if some of those rumors are true such as Faora and Jax-ur being used as Zod's allies, then it's not exactly copying the Donner films. I mean Jax-ur is the self proclaimed worst Kryptonian in the phantom Zone, a scientist responsible for destroying Krypton's populated moon. He's nothing like NON who's a dumb brute. Ursa maybe based off of Faora, but they could easily make Faora much more ruthless and brutal.

The point is that they can do something new with these characters that hasn't been done in the previous films. Just because they're using Zod again does not automatically make this "Superman 2" all over again. They'll probably give these characters a lot more depth and a stronger reason for their actions.

Bottom line we still don't know that much about the plot a side from what's been confirmed from Snyder and some of the actors.

Other than that I agree that Snyder's latest films haven't given much confidence, but hopefully he pulls a miracle. I mean he even said in a couple of interviews that this film won't be as "stylized" as his others.

Plus, considering that "critically" his remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD is his best film and his most grounded thus far, there's a chance that this will have more substance to add with the action (especially if the story is at least good).
ironknight
ironknight - 6/7/2011, 1:19 PM
@blackcelebration

Appeared, yes.

Was he the villain? No. That was Lex.
ar8898
ar8898 - 6/7/2011, 1:32 PM
Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, and Bryan Singer take turns raping Superman.
LP4
LP4 - 6/7/2011, 1:40 PM
@ar8898- I agree dude, I hated those 3 turds. They KILLED Superman.
AlanWarlock
AlanWarlock - 6/7/2011, 1:48 PM
The MTV Reporter is, of course, wrong. Zod wasn't introduced in "Superman II"; he was introduced in Adventure Comics in 1961. He wasn't even introduced in "Superman II." He appeared at the beginning of the first "Superman."
Illuminatus
Illuminatus - 6/7/2011, 1:56 PM
The involvement of David Goyer in this film is starting to annoy me. He is a terrible writer, for lack of a better description. Yes, he did write The Dark Knight, but his various colossal failures in both the writing and directing roles, have shown that he has very little talent to offer, if any at all. I know that he is a really awesome guy, known to be incredibly friendly, and he actually reads comics. But I believe that a few/a couple dozen writing workshops for him wouldn't be out of the question.

Zack Snyder is possibly the weakest link in this film. From what I have heard/read, Nolan doesn't have too much of an influence on both Snyder and the film as a whole. This could possibly lead to a catastrophic flop on part of Snyder's poor directing talents. Sucker Punch was evidence that he obviously can get carried way incredibly quickly, and that his writing "skills", lack their of, are poor. Apparently, he is/was "working" on the Man of Steel screenplay's third act. This does not bode well for the film as a whole. With Snyder on board, this movie could be a near visual masterpiece, reminiscent of Watchmen and 300. It could also be a tremendously drab adaption of the character.

Zod being the villain is..underwhelming. Yes, I realize that this isn't a remake of Superman II, and I'm not going to complain that he had already been used in a past installment. However, Zod's character is extremely one dimensional. He is just a power hungry psychopath, who feels the need to oppress mankind with his trusty henchmen. In a sense, he is no different then some Metropolis mob boss. I would've preferred a far more interesting villain, Brainiac.
Hellsing
Hellsing - 6/7/2011, 2:01 PM
so according to people because the joker was used in TDK it was remake of burton Batman and because Red Skulls being used in the new Cap movie means its Remake of the 90's cap movie. Long as Snyder doesn't try to re write the script it should be fine. I'll wait till I read an official plot synopsis and actually hear some concrete info before I jump to a conclusion.
SHAZAM171
SHAZAM171 - 6/7/2011, 2:06 PM
THIS SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL IS GONNA SUCK!!!! SO LIKE GRIF SAYS "F#@K THIS REBOOT". HENRY CAVILL, AMY ADAMS, KEVIN KOSTNER, LINDSAY LOHAN, YEAH... IT'S GONNA SUCK BAD.
Jimdlux
Jimdlux - 6/7/2011, 2:27 PM
...a good director...this movie is gonna suck so bad...
gabe3096
gabe3096 - 6/7/2011, 2:29 PM
most of you guys said the same thing about green Lantern, i cant wait to hear the wind change yet again. I have Faith in snyder to pull it out zod or no zod.
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 2:34 PM
@Illuminatus, Zod is not as one dimensional as he started out to be. His motives for conquering Krypton was no longer simply because of his desire to command. He cared greatly for Krypton and when Non and Jor-el told the Kryptonian council that the planet was going to be destroyed, he was one of the first to believe them.

However, the council out of fear of a panic and unreasonable denial, ordered Jor-el and Non to be silent. Jor-el decided then that if he couldn't save Krypton, he could at least try to save his son.

Non being the more noble, went out into the streets trying to warn Kryptonians and gained Zod's support. However, because of Non's defiance, the council had his brain mutilated, turning him into a mindless brute. It was this incident that gave Zod the motivation for over throwing the council which in the process made him power hungry.

Jor-el being one of Zod's close friends, was forced to be his jailor. Zod took it as a personal betrayal for Jor-el refused his offer to join them in their rebellion. But Jor-el only didn't it so the council wouldn't have Zod executed. - Action Comics Annual #10
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 2:43 PM
@Illuminatus, to add to that Zod's motivations for conquering Earth could also be fleshed out better. By observing our cultures and way of life, Zod sees our world as primitive, but has the potential to be as great as Krypton could have been under his rule. However, we wouldn't just rollover obviously so he decides to take over by force using extreme tactics that result in many losses as he sees it necessary in order to try and break us so that we may willingly "kneel."
JosePetrelli12
JosePetrelli12 - 6/7/2011, 2:45 PM
@gabe3096 - Amen. Why trash it if we haven't even seen any footage. If it is a reboot, then why not throw in some origin stuff at the beginning. If you've seen it before, who the F--- cares. ITS A REBOOT!!! They have to start over. You go back and retell aspects of the story that was great in the 80's, but kids today would call those movies crap because of the effects. Start over, throw in some old stuff with a new, modern twist, and then build on it from there. Besides, even if it is exactly like Superman II, the sequel will have to be 1000x better than Superman III and IV!!!
localman
localman - 6/7/2011, 2:55 PM
Too much respect and reverance is paid to the Donner version of Superman. Yes, Christopher Reeve looked great and did a great job of separating Superman from a bumbling Clark Kent. But the writing and the plots were TERRIBLE.

The first film was great . . . until the end of the Helicopter scene. From there, the movie was bad choice after bad choice. Turning Lex Luthor into an idiot and surrounding him with idiots. (I guess that since this was a "comic book movie" that it was supposed to be "comic.") The real estate scheme. Margot Kidder -- I like the lady, but she was badly miscast as Lois. The romantic flying scene. And worst of all -- warnings that Supes could not "change the course of human history," but when he does go back in time to reverse Lois's death, there were NO CONSEQUENCES. It was a horribly cheap "deus ex machina" plot point that was supposed to be the climax.

And Superman II, viewed as this great masterpiece, had even worse writing. Again, comic villains -- Terrance Stamp was great because he WASN'T comic, but that third guy and Lex . . . ugh. "Throwing the 'S'" and fingerspray telekinesis. And this time there were TWO "deus ex machina" events to resolve the plot. (1) warnings that if he chose to give up his powers that it would be forever, but of course it wasn't, (2) the Amnesia Kiss. Dumb, dumb writing.
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 3:13 PM
@SHAZAM171 the Lohan rumor has been debunked some time ago and even if it wasn't it's still hasn't been confirmed either way. However, we get it, you feel the film is going to suck because you don't like the cast, the director and perhaps Goyer.

So it's not as you pictured it, that does not by any means indicate that it's going to suck. As I've said before, a side from what's actually been confirmed,we still do not know the official plot of this film nor have we seen a trailer or any pics of the suit etc.

But whatever, it's your assumption... it's going to suck for you and maybe some others. Because "the guy's not tall enough, he's British" etc etc. No point in arguing I guess.
blackcelebration
blackcelebration - 6/7/2011, 3:32 PM
@localman

As far a Lex Luthor goes, you have to remember that it was 1978, and business tycoon Lex wasn't until Byrne's 1986 Man of Steel Comic series. Hackman played him as he was in the comics back in that time period, and because it was a comedy role, doesn't make it a bad role.

Also, Lex for that film was a good enough threat for an origin film. As far as Margot Kidder as Lois goes, although, not my personal favourite Lois, she is no way near the worst. Also the can you read my mind sequence, is one of the most romantic thing's I've ever seen on film, so I strongly disagree with you on that.

As far as turning back time goes, it oddly works better here than it would have in Superman II (As intended). As Superman decides to take his Earth Father's lessons and save Lois, as he couldn't save Jonathan earlier in the film 'All those powers and I couldn't save him.'

Not saying this is a perfect ending, but not all films need a dark and edgy ending to be considered good.

What you've described as problems in Superman II are actually barely 10 minutes of a 2 hour film. Also, Lex was more better here arguably than he was in the first film. And yes, I'll admit Superman II has plot holes, but name me a film that doesn't.

And although the amnesia kiss was a big cop out, it was actually a well acted scene between Reeve's and Kidder.

Also, giving up his powers is better explained in Donner's Superman II, but yeah, never got the green crystal glowy thingy.

Besides, believe it or not, modern day Comic Book movies have bigger plot holes (Even The Dark Knight, Spiderman II, The Incredibles) it's a matter of how they effect you enjoying the film. Personally Superman turning back time, Silver Age Lex, Superman gaining his powers without explanation, and amnesia kissing have never stopped me enjoying Superman I & II.
jaysin420
jaysin420 - 6/7/2011, 3:39 PM
Am I reading that wrong or did Donner create Zod?
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 3:42 PM
@Donner did not create Zod, he appeared in adventure comics in the 60's. MTV just doesn't have their facts straight on his history.
comicb00kguy
comicb00kguy - 6/7/2011, 3:56 PM
I love Zod as a villain as much as anyone, but come on. This is just remaking Superman 2.

Donner himself says it: "I look to them (Snyder and company) to show me something new and something different". Something new and different would show us some of Superman's many other great villains. They want to do the Krypton stuff, why not do Brainiac? He offers all kinds of interesting conflict and drama to be explored.

Why continue to rehash what's already been done when directors have barely scratched the surface of Superman's rich history?
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 4:41 PM
@comicb00kguy just because Zod is the villain does not in anyway make this a Superman 2 remake. Seriously, so they're using him again that doesn't mean the movie is going to have the exact same plot or go the same way Superman 2 went. They'll probably do something very different and new with the story and with Zod, Superman and the rest of the characters.

I mean when they used Joker for the Dark Knight(I know it was the second film),it was not the same plot that Joker had in Tim Burton's Batman; in fact there is very few similarities between the two at all.

My point is that using Zod doesn't ultimately make Man of Steel a remake of Superman 2 nor does doing origin story again make it a remake of Superman the movie. Because their story and plot will have a different approach to it than the previous films and explore Zod in probably a much deeper way.

I don't mean like Smallville either, the movie could explore the relationship much better than that and if done well it would be worth it.
johnny1
johnny1 - 6/7/2011, 4:49 PM
Zack Snyder is an excellent director. He's just a piss poor writer. I've got nothing to worry about, since, you know, he's not writing it.
ShadowlordSavage
ShadowlordSavage - 6/7/2011, 4:54 PM
@comicb00kguy I would like to see Superman's other villains too, but perhaps story-wise Goyer and Nolan came up with story they really thought was interesting and great exploring Superman in a cool new way as well as Zod.

We could at least give it a chance before we just give out remarks that it's gonna just another rehash of the previous films.
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