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.”
Donner s career spanned five decades. Author: LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer Published: 5:37 PM EDT July 5, 2021 Updated: 5:52 PM EDT July 5, 2021
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 was associated with “Superman” for the rest of his life.
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 and Lethal Weapon director Richard Donner dead at 91
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By Lindsey Bahr
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Superman and mastered the buddy comedy with the
Lethal Weapon franchise, has died. He was 91.
Donner died Monday in Los Angeles, his family said through a spokesperson.
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, Lethal Weapon director Richard Donner dies
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LINDSEY BAHR, AP Film Writer
July 5, 2021
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FILE - Richard Donner arrives at the American Film Institute s 41st Lifetime Achievement Gala on June 6, 2013, in Los Angeles. The filmmaker, 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, July 5, 2021. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP, File)Katy Winn/Katy Winn/Invision/AP
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.