7 Times Movie Studios And Directors Went To War

Superman and Superman II were initially supposed to be shot simultaneously, but director Richard Donner and producers the Salkinds fell out publicly and the productions were separated with filming on the second halted. When his first film - laboured though the production was - was a success, the follow-up was re-greenlit, in effect.

Sadly, Donner wouldn't be directing it. He was fired for criticising the producer on the back of rising tensions about the escalating budgets. He was replaced with Richard Lester - a man who never heard of Superman when he was offered the job. Good work, Salkinds.

It should come as no surprise that the film didn't do as well, even if it was met with positive reviews. Eventually, Donner was given an opportunity to finish his cut of the movie, much to the delight of fans.