The argument over which superhero movie is the best has been fiercely ongoing in the world of comic book adaptations for years. As the MCU and DC Universe have grown in popularity, fans and critics often contrast their respective movies and debate which franchise is the best.

However, Kevin Feige, the MCU’s mastermind, believes that the most perfect superhero film is not from either of these universes but rather the iconic and groundbreaking Richard Donner’s Superman.

Well, no doubt, because when it was released in 1978, this Christopher Reeve-starred movie single-handedly paved the way for the success of the superhero genre in movies. It captured the imagination of countless viewers by bringing our favorite comic book characters to life. According to the new tell-all book (MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios), the Marvel CEO recognizes the $300 million classic as the starting point for his and his peers’ success.
Kevin Feige

Kevin Feige Claims Richard Donner’s Superman To Be ‘The Most Perfect Superhero Movie’

Over four decades have passed since the release of the beloved 1978 movie starring Christopher Reeve as Superman, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Marlon Brando as Jor-El. There is a reason why Richard Donner’s Superman is still largely regarded as the best Superman movie of all time, despite decades of CGI advancements and new comic book stories to adapt.

Kevin Feige, like many of us, is a huge fan of Donner’s films. Despite the fact that the conflict between the MCU and DCU continues to fascinate viewers, the 51-year-old film and television producer believes that the late filmmaker’s films carry a lot of weight.
Richard Donner’s Superman
According to MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, the president of Marvel Studios:
“Was a big fan of Richard Dinner’s movies, including Lethal Weapon, The Goonies, and the most perfect superman movies’, Superman.”
The first of four Superman movies, Superman established the standard for all subsequent comic book movies. The beloved superhero has appeared in countless TV shows and movies since he first appeared, influencing generations of filmmakers. However, none of them can compare to the inspiring magic of the 1978 film.

Richard Donner’s Superman Made an Impression on Kevin Feige

Marvel Head Kevin Feige
The beliefs of Richard Donner, the man who directed the first Superman film, served as the foundation for Kevin Feige’s initial actions in erecting his films, which are now adored and lauded by many. As much as the president of Marvel Studios, during a speech at the 2017 Oscars described Donner’s 1978 $300 million classic as
“to this day the archetype of the perfect superhero film origin story.”
Feige gave a speech in which he beautifully paid tribute to the late director, adding:
“The films Dick [Richard Donner] made inspired me to even want to go down that track. And, of course, in particular Superman the movie is still to this day the archetype of the perfect superhero film origin story. And we watch it before we make almost any one of our films and that’s been the case for the past 17 years since I left the fold to go work for Marvel.”
Richard Donner’s Superman
Superman, which had a budget of $55 million, was a commercial and critical success, earning $300 million at the box office globally, making it the second-highest-grossing release of the year.

MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios, written by entertainment journalists Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzalez, and Gavin Edwards, charts Marvel’s rise to international success and the people behind the motion pictures and television programs.

Stream Superman on Max.