Richard Donner, the iconic film director, has passed away at the age of 91. Donner lived a long, full life because he obviously had a mission and purpose to serve when it came to his groundbreaking presence in the film industry. Donner is most known for being the director of the very first original Superman starring Christopher Reeve in 1978. His other notable credits include The Goonies and the buddy cop film series Lethal Weapon. Since the announcement of his death, several stars and actors who had the pleasure of seeing him in action have come forward to pay tribute and honor his legacy.
Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, delivered a very heartfelt message via Twitter. Feige’s tribute spoke highly of Donner's power in making Superman one of the most popular franchises and heroes. He gives credit to Donner for being a major part of creating and bringing the MCU to life. Feige didn’t just mention Donner’s credentials but the way in which his presence affected the work environment itself. It’s one thing to be at the helm of one of the most successful superhero flicks to date, but Feige stresses that Donner also shared the integrity similar to Superman himself.
Feige wrote, “Above all, he taught me that it can and must be done with respect, caring, and kindness to everyone in front of and behind the camera.” Feige also highlighted that Donner helped him to allow his belief in seeing superheroes come to life on screen as more than just a pipe dream, grounding his dreams in reality. Donner’s presence also helped him to believe in himself the same way Donner believed in him. Feige was not the only one to honor and praise Donner. Actors filmmakers such as Edgar Wright, Kevin Smith, and Mark Hamill also took to Twitter to share the astounding influence Donner had on them personally and in the industry itself.
Wright tweeted, “You remember all the characters in Superman, Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, and more because Donner knew how to capture that magic on screen.” Smith tweeted that, “I got to meet with him last year about a project. [The] Guy was a natural-born storyteller.” Hamill rejoiced in the plethora of tributes that have been shared about the late Donner and expressed how lucky he felt to have worked with him in his final movie.
Steven Spielberg, who was an executive producer on and developed the story for The Goonies, has also stepped forward to speak of Donner’s talent and to once again drive home that he cared deeply off-screen about his co-creators. Spielberg stated, “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.”
Donner’s legacy will continue to live on through all of the people he touched and inspired - both personally and professionally. He will forever be the OG Superman and in the eyes of many, his take on the Man of Steel remains the best.
Superman: The Movie is available to stream on HBO Max.
Source: Marvel Studios/Twitter