uperman II hit international screens starting in December 1980 (Australia and most of Europe) and arrived in the U.S. on June 19, 1981. This superhero sequel took everything fans loved about the original Superman (1978) and elevated it with more action, romance, and epic villains. Directed by Richard Lester (after Richard Donner’s departure), the film had Superman (Christopher Reeve) squaring off against three powerful Kryptonian criminals—General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O’Halloran).
Plot in a Nutshell
The film follows Superman as he battles the trio of villains from Krypton, who escape from the Phantom Zone and arrive on Earth with one goal: domination. With powers equal to Superman’s, Zod and his crew wreak havoc on Earth. Meanwhile, Clark Kent grapples with his love for Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and sacrifices his powers to be with her, only to face the ultimate dilemma when Zod’s threat becomes too great.
Why It Was Totally Rad
Superman II set a new bar for superhero films, combining heart-pounding action and deep character development. The epic showdown between Superman and the villains in Metropolis was mind-blowing for its time. Terence Stamp’s portrayal of General Zod, with his menacing command to “Kneel before Zod,” remains iconic to this day.
The movie also delved into Superman’s internal struggle—torn between being a savior to humanity and his desire for a normal life with Lois. This balance of action, drama, and romance made Superman II an unforgettable 80s classic.
Gnarly Nuggets:
- International Release: The film was released in Australia and most of Europe in December 1980, with its U.S. release following on June 19, 1981.
- Richard Donner’s Cut: Richard Donner, the original director, had shot a large portion of the film before being replaced. His version was later released in 2006, offering a new take on the classic.
- Groundbreaking Effects: The film’s fight sequences between Superman and the Kryptonian trio in Metropolis pushed special effects to new heights in the early 80s.