See Rare Behind-the-Scenes Photos From the Set of the Original ‘Superman: The Movie’

Remind Staff July 11, 2025

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978 — Everett Collection

He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound — and after he landed in theaters in 1978, when Superman: The Movie was released, Hollywood would never be the same.

Christopher Reeve‘s second-ever film was the first major comic book movie of the modern era. Earning more than $300 million and yielding three sequels, it opened the door for the comic book adaptation frenzy that is still going on today.

To celebrate the release of the latest cinematic re-imagining of the Man of Steel, take a second to look back at the first (and still highest-grossing) entry in the Superman franchise.

SUPERMAN, cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, director Richard Donner on set, 1978 — Everett Collection

Cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth and director Richard Donner on set in 1978.

SUPERMAN, director Richard Donner, Gene Hackman on the set, 1978 — Everett Collection

Director Richard Donner and Gene Hackman.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. — ©Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

A studio shot of the handsome Christopher Reeve.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, Richard Donner 1978. — ©Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Christopher Reeve and Richard Donner.

SUPERMAN, John Williams Conducting score, 1978. — ©Warner Bros./ Courtesy: Everett Collection

John Williams is seen here conducting a score.

SUPERMAN, Marlon Brando, Susannah York, 1978 — ©Warner Bros.

Marlon Brando and Susannah York on the set, was that a fake baby though??

Superman 1978 Marlon Brando Collection/Getty Images — Silver Screen Collection/© 2013 Getty Images

Marlon Brando certainly wasn't cheated out of a costume and publicity photos (the actor would later sue Warner Bros.).

SUPERMAN, from left: screenwriter Mario Puzo, producer Piere Spengler, Margot Kidder, director Richard Donner on set, 1978, — © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Screenwriter Mario Puzo, producer Pierre Spengler, Margot Kidder and director Richard Donner on set.

SUPERMAN, Marlon Brando, 1978 — © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Marlon Brando passing time in between scenes.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Superman's x-ray vision gets checked out (as well as lighting).

SUPERMAN, director Richard Donner (seated right) on set, 1978, — © Warner Brothers/ Everett Collection

Director Richard Donner (seated right) on set.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve on the set, 1978 — © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Christopher Reeve on the set, 1978

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. — © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder filming a scene most likely outside the Daily News Building (on E 42nd Street) in New York.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. ©Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Christopher Reeve and Marc McClure (who played Jimmy Olsen) pose for cameras.

SUPERMAN Marlon Brando, Richard Donner 1978. — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Richard Donner and Marlon Brando.

SUPERMAN, Suzannah York, Lee Quigley, Marlon Brando, 1978 — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Suzannah York, 7-month-old Lee Quigley (baby Kal-El) and Marlon Brando.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

"When you're strapped to someone hanging from the ceiling for months and months, you get pretty darned close," Margot Kidder said in an interview with CBS on her friendship with Christopher Reeve.

SUPERMAN, Christopher Reeve, 1978. ©Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection — © Warner Brothers/Everett Collection

Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve maintained a close friendship from 1978 until the actor passed in 2004.