At a moment when superheroes dominate pop culture, Gary Bettinson, a Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at Lancaster University, takes us back to the first comic book blockbuster. Superman: The Movie – The 40th Anniversary Interviews goes behind the scenes to reveal the personalities and expertise that went into making this landmark of Hollywood cinema.

Marking forty years since the film's release, this book presents first-hand interviews with the cast and crew (including actor Margot Kidder, director Richard Donner, producer Ilya Salkind, and others). It serves as a rare insider account of an acclaimed blockbuster that was steeped in controversy throughout production, from its record-breaking budget to conflicts between the director and producers. With refreshing candour, the interviewees cast light on the daily realities on set, as well as on the film’s release and reception. Beginning with Superman’s inception and continuing through its runaway success, this book provides valuable insights into the practical logistics and day-to-day realities of mounting a big-budget production, at a time when high-concept Hollywood blockbusters were only just emerging as a genre.

Review excerpt:

“Apart from the detailed introduction, Bettinson steers away from a standard narrative, instead delivering a series of fascinating and insightful interviews packed with juicy information. Bettinson talks to Producer Pierre Spengler, Executive Producer Ilya Salkind, Director Richard Donner, Lois Lane, the late Margot Kidder, Jimmy Olsen actor Marc McClure, young Clark Jeff East, and Ursa and Non, actress Sarah Douglas and actor Jack O'Halloran, painting a picture of the production of these two beloved films. He charts their progress from page to screen, discussing the controversial directorial change between Donner and The Three Musketeers director Richard Lester, the desire to shoot the first two films together - inspired by splitting their previous film The Three Musketeers into two movies and the commercial success that brought - and how that acrimoniously fell apart.” – Mark Newbold, Starburst magazine

Book details can be found here.