By the 21st century, the genre was dominating the box office in the U.S. and thriving overseas. The heads of Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment producers of most of today’s superhero fare both worked for Donner when they were starting out in Hollywood.
Steven Spielberg, who produced “The Goonies, wrote in a statement that, “Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and of course the greatest Goonie of all. He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”
By the 21st century, the genre was dominating the box office in the U.S. and thriving overseas. The heads of Marvel Studios and DC Entertainment producers of most of today’s superhero fare both worked for Donner when they were starting out in Hollywood.
Steven Spielberg, who produced “The Goonies, wrote in a statement that, “Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and of course the greatest Goonie of all. He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”
by Lindsey Bahr, The Associated Press
Posted Jul 5, 2021 6:40 pm ADT
Last Updated Jul 5, 2021 at 6:55 pm ADT
FILE - Richard Donner arrives at the American Film Institute s 41st Lifetime Achievement Gala on June 6, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP, File)
Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978’s “Superman” and mastered the buddy comedy with the “Lethal Weapon” franchise, has died. He was 91.
Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade Deadline that Donner died Monday.
Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976’s “The Omen.” A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978’s “Superman.” Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the title role, Donner cast Christopher Reeve, who
`Superman,â `Lethal Weaponâ director Richard Donner dies at 91 Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021 LINDSEY BAHR, Associated Press Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021
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GET ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATES Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021 LINDSEY BAHR, Associated Press Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978 s Superman and mastered the buddy comedy with the Lethal Weapon franchise, has died. He was 91.Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade Deadline that Donner died Monday. Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976 s The Omen. A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978 s Superman. Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the
Published Monday, July 5, 2021 6:02PM EDT Last Updated Monday, July 5, 2021 6:17PM EDT Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978 s “Superman” and mastered the buddy comedy with the “Lethal Weapon” franchise, has died. He was 91. Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade publication Deadline that Donner died Monday. Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976 s “The Omen.” A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978 s “Superman.” Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the title role, Donner cast Christopher Reeve, who was associated with “Superman” for the rest of his life.