A Divisive Film with a Groundbreaking Scene


One of many Man of Metal’s most fascinating movie scenes got here from some of the divisive Superman diversifications. As the primary actual superhero to realize recognition in fashionable tradition, it is sensible that Superman has had a presence on the large display for nearly his complete historical past.

Nevertheless, there are a handful of Superman motion pictures that did not seize the spirit of the character and led to mixed-to-negative evaluations. Nevertheless, even on the lowest factors within the character’s cinematic historical past, there are some worthwhile scenes.

Superman III Stays One Of The Most Divisive Superman Motion pictures

In relation to divisive Superman motion pictures, few, if any, come near topping Superman III. The movie was launched in 1983, and regardless of having the legendary Christopher Reeve reprise his function as Superman, this movie took the character in a really completely different course from the primary two motion pictures.

Its director, Richard Lester, had expertise with Reeve and the character due to taking the lead for Superman II. Nevertheless, whereas that movie nonetheless retained a number of the core of Richard Donner’s manufacturing, its follow-up did not fare as effectively. Superman III was solely in Lester’s palms, and the movie took on a a lot larger comedy focus that grated on followers and critics alike.​​​​​​​

Superman III’s Clark Kent Vs Superman Struggle Is Some Genuinely Fascinating Stuff

Christopher Reeve Superman versus Clark Kent in Superman III

There was one second within the film that stands out as groundbreaking so far as the hero’s historical past goes. This comes when Superman splits into two beings, one sporting Clark Kent’s signature clothes and the opposite within the Superman costume.

After Superman was contaminated by synthetic Kryptonite, he started to behave erratically. Nevertheless, by splitting himself into two, he may fight his darkish aspect. The 2 partake in an intense brawl, earlier than Clark in the end wins out over his evil counterpart and embraces his identification because the heroic Superman as soon as once more.

I Want Superman III’s Clark Vs Superman Struggle Had Occurred In One other Film

David Corenswet as Superman holding the kaiju's foot in Superman 2025

The factor is, due to the context of this film and its comedic focus, this combat feels misplaced. It nearly comes throughout as extra slapstick humor, much like the scene of Superman straightening out the Leaning Tower of Pisa from earlier in the identical movie.

In consequence, the scene does not land the best way that it may had been it offered in a extra critical tackle the hero. Certain, James Gunn’s Superman contains a combat between Superman and his evil clone, Ultraman, however when it comes to ethical quandaries, this doesn’t have the identical impact because the scene from Superman III.

Seeing Clark grapple together with his inside demons, in a literal sense, and exploring the hero overcoming inside struggles is an fascinating and essential a part of his journey. However alas, Superman III was the incorrect place to do it, and the possibility might by no means come up once more in a Superman story.


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Superman III

Launch Date

June 17, 1983

Runtime

125 minutes

Director

Richard Lester

Writers

David Newman

Producers

Ilya Salkind


  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Christopher Reeve

    Clark Kent / Superman

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Richard Pryor

    August ‘Gus’ Gorman



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