On this episode of Franchise Detours, we continue our deep dive into the original Superman film series with 1980's Superman II — both the theatrical cut and the 2006 Richard Donner Cut.

Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast and Back To Bluey joins us to explore how the behind-the-scenes turmoil affected the film’s tone and vision, from Richard Lester’s more comedic approach to Donner’s darker, character-driven version. We'll also discuss Superman’s (Christopher Reeve) relationship with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), the legacy of Terence Stamp's General Zod as a villain, and what both versions reveal about the evolution of superhero storytelling.

Did Superman II essentially create the template for modern superhero sequels? Perhaps. But whichever version you prefer, this episode has something for every fan of truth and justice.

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