7 Times Movie Studios And Directors Went To War

6. Superman II

Superman II S
Warner Bros. Pictures

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.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows