The
Superman film series consists of five superhero films based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The films contain storylines such as Superman's origin story, growing up in Smallville, fighting Kryptonian supervillains and Lex Luthor, romancing with Lois Lane, and returning to Earth after a long visit to Krypton. Warner Bros. has served as main distributor of all films.
Ilya and
Alexander Salkind and
Pierre Spengler had purchased the Superman
film rights in 1974. After numerous scripts,
Richard Donner was hired to direct the film, filming
Superman (1978) and
Superman II (1980) simultaneously. Donner had already shot 80% of
Superman II before it was decided to finish shooting the first film.
Richard Lester finished with
II and returned for
Superman III (1983). The Salkinds further produced the 1984 spin off
Supergirl before selling the rights to
Cannon Films, resulting in
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). With over 15 years of development for a fifth Superman film,
Superman Returns was released in 2006, along with
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut.