Superman and Lois Lane Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder portrays Lois Lane. It was directed by Richard Donner with music by John Williams. The film led to three theatrical sequels, "Superman II" (1980), "Superman III" (1983) and "" (1987). Kidder's role in "Superman III" was greatly reduced due to her conflict with the producers of the film. She returns as the female lead and Superman's love in the fourth film. In 2006, "" was released on DVD, featuring director Richard Donner's original vision for "Superman II". One of the most important aspects in the first and second films was the romantic relationship between the
Christopher Reeve standing in for a character." On the commentary track for the director's edition of "", creative consultant Tom Mankiewicz spoke of how Reeve had talked to him about playing Superman and then playing Clark Kent. Mankiewicz then corrected Reeve, telling him that he was always, "always" playing Superman and that when he was Clark Kent, he was "playing Superman who was playing Clark Kent." Mankiewicz described it to Reeve as a role within the role. The film grossed $300,218,018 worldwide (unadjusted for inflation). Reeve received positive reviews for his performance: Christopher Reeve also guest starred in "Smallville", the successful American