Paradoxically, the movie that set Hollywood on its superhero-laden trajectory, Superman from 1978, wasn’t a guaranteed triumph during its assembly under producers Pierre Spengler, Alexander Salkind, and Ilya Salkind. Given that the allure of the Superman character wasn’t sufficient to secure funding, the project demanded both a renowned star and an experienced director. Marlon Brando played Jor-El in the film.
In the not-so-distant future, Spengler and the Salkinds would come to realize that assembling the ideal blend of individuals resembled a challenge befitting Kal-El himself. Their initial selections of Marlon Brando as the star and Guy Hamilton as the director would be entangled in a complex web, as both individuals found themselves barred from various countries at the time due to a series of circumstances. These hurdles nearly spelled the demise of Superman before it even took flight.
Marlon Brando’s Presence Attracted Other Actors
Aware of the pivotal role Marlon Brando played, the Salkinds and Spengler understood that he wasn’t merely a cornerstone for Superman, but a linchpin for the film’s overall credibility. Brando’s involvement acted as a magnet that drew in Gene Hackman, who eagerly committed to portraying Lex Luthor, thus setting the stage for the film’s expansion.
Persistently seeking a solution to the directorial puzzle, the producers embarked on a quest to identify the creative minds behind the prevailing blockbuster hits of that era. Their quest led them to the door of Richard Donner, a seasoned television director with burgeoning aspirations in filmmaking, who had recently achieved success with the horror sensation The Omen.
“I don’t have a director and I’ll pay you a million dollars.” Donner recollecting how the producer told him, “I have Marlon Brando for X number of weeks and I have Gene Hackman, and we start shooting on such and such date.”
Donner’s enthusiasm for the project ignited immediately, and his drive intensified when he assessed the script’s condition. Witnessing how it portrayed Superman in a less-than-flattering light, he was compelled to take it on, fueled by a desire to stand up for the iconic character. While “Superman” and its tumultuous production journey were far from concluded, at least the film was poised for realization without any further obstacles of international prohibition.
Christopher Reeves Made Blunt Remarks About Marlon Brando
Renowned for his convictions, Marlon Brando notably turned down an Oscar in protest against Hollywood’s insensitive depiction of Native Americans in films. Despite his remarkable career, he’s earned a reputation for being challenging to collaborate with, particularly during his later years.
Hence, when Christopher Reeves was queried about his encounter with Brando during the making of Superman, he didn’t mince words, offering a candid perspective. While some might shy away from publicly addressing such an esteemed actor, Reeves showed no concern for potential criticism or its impact on his reputation. Instead, he chose to assert a valid perspective, a stance that was justified.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
