Richard Donner’s 1978 film Superman remains iconic for Christopher Reeve’s depiction of the hero but one aspect of it drew backlash.
Christopher Reeve’s Superman remains iconic in every right despite several decades since he donned the iconic cape and suit. Although a new iteration helmed by James Gunn is on the horizon, the Richard Donner version is still a classic. However, given the character’s popularity, even Donner wasn’t spared from the scrutiny that comes with tackling Superman.
Christopher Reeve’s 1978 Superman remains iconic (Credit: Warner Bros).
During an interview, Donner spoke about working on the classic movie. He admitted to receiving death threats for one approach that has continued to be associated with the character. Donner was understandably surprised by the response. As a result, Gunn must take notes from the director’s rare misstep, and here is why.
Superman director Richard Donner received death threats over religious symbolism
Filmmaker Richard Donner became the first director to bring DC Comics superhero Superman to the big screen. Starring Christopher Reeve in the titular role, the film took flight in December 1978. It received critical acclaim and became a blockbuster, grossing $300 million worldwide.
During an interview with The Telegraph, Donner talked about directing the now-iconic movie, which also won an Academy Award for its visual effects. Donner revealed that he received a death threat for the religious symbolism in his depiction of Superman and Jor-El.
They threatened my life… One woman wrote a letter saying how dare I compare Brando to God and Christopher Reeve to Jesus. She said my blood would run in the streets. I guess you make a good movie, somebody takes it as a reality.
Donner made the above statement, referencing the aspect of Superman’s origin story where Jor-El sends his only child to Earth, who is then expected to become the savior of humanity.
As a result of the vague religious parallels comparing Reeve’s Clark Kent / Superman to Jesus and Marlon Brando’s Jor-El to God, it is understandable why certain sections of the audience had a drastic reaction to the film, resulting in Donner receiving death threats.
James Gunn needs to avoid religious symbolism in Superman
Despite the death threats Donner received, the religious allegories have never quite escaped the depiction of Superman, especially in mainstream media. Following the very vague reference in Donner’s film, filmmaker Zack Synder doubled down on it in his take on Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel.
James Gunn’s Superman needs to avoid religious allegory (Credits: Warner Bros).
The film featured several scenes that directly compared Superman to a Jesus-like messianic figure. Moreover, Superman’s death in Batman v Superman and revival in Justice League, make his story arc extremely similar to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Given the unfavorable reactions to Snyder’s take and the death threats Donner received, it is safe to say that religious allegory doesn’t blend well with the depiction of Superman, and rightly so. The character is supposed to be a paragon of hope and represent the best of humanity. As a result, comparing him to Jesus will always be unfavorable.
Gunn’s upcoming Superman film recently launched its first teaser trailer, confirming Gunn was going for a more hopeful take on the character. However, episode 4 of Creature Commandos depicts a possible apocalyptic future depicting Superman crucified on a cross. Therefore, Gunn must take notes from Donner and Snyder’s missteps and avoid religious allegory completely.
Superman (1978) is streaming on Max.
