‘Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut’ 20 Years Later

Forbes Business

by Mark Hughes, Contributor

February 26, 2026

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'Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut' marks its 20th anniversary as a landmark in cinema history. This version, released in 2006, was the first major director’s cut of a superhero sequel and revolutionized how films are marketed and consumed. After Richard Donner's firing during production, his original vision for 'Superman II' remained buried until fans and industry insiders pushed for its release. The Donner Cut, featuring Christopher Reeve and Terence Stamp, showcased an alternative narrative that differed significantly from Richard Lester's more lighthearted approach. This release not only restored Donner's artistic intent but also set a precedent for studios to revisit older films with fresh edits, creating new revenue streams through special editions and director’s cuts. The production history of 'Superman II' is fraught with challenges. Donner had initially filmed a cohesive two-part story in 1977, but his firing in 1979 led to reshooting key scenes under Richard Lester, resulting in a vastly different film. Decades later, fan efforts to resurrect Donner's original version gained momentum, culminating in Warner Bros.' surprising decision to fund the project. Despite lacking some visual effects and relying on alternative takes, the Donner Cut was celebrated by fans for its faithfulness to Donner’s vision, even as critics remained mixed. This release had a profound cultural impact, influencing films like 'Blade Runner' and popularizing the concept of director’s cuts. It also shifted business strategies in Hollywood, encouraging studios to explore extended cuts and special editions, which became lucrative ventures. By reimagining older films,

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026