Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade Deadline that Donner died Monday. Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976âs âThe Omen.â A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978âs âSuperman.â 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 âSupermanâ for the rest of his life. 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 Entertainmentâproducers of most of todayâs superhero fareâ both worked for Donner when they were starting out in Hollywood.