2. Richard Donner - Superman II
Superhero cinema owes a lot to Richard Donners ground-breaking picture Superman: The Movie. However, Warner Bros and the films producers (the Salkinds) didnt have enough faith to stick with his vision for the films sequel, Superman II. The two films were shot back to back, but in October 1977 production on the second film ground to a halt so Donner could finish editing the first one. Come 1979, the Salkinds hired Richard Lester who theyd worked with before on The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers - to finish the movie in Donners stead. Exactly how Donner departed the project remains a topic of debate. The Salkinds assert that they offered Donner the chance to direct, but he turned it down. He denies that this ever happened, claiming that he was told via telegram that your services are no longer needed after Lester had already begun his shoot. Gene Hackman who plays Lex Luthor in both movies - refused to return and film more scenes without Donner, so a body double was used to fill in for him. Lester brought a campier feel to proceedings, but remarkably the movie still remains an impressive accomplishment. Its the third and fourth ones that suck.