Richard Donner talks comic book movies and Shane Black

Richard Donner has been doing press for the recent release of the Superman Blu-ray Box Set, which is in stores now. Jordan Hoffman over at UGO recently spoke to him and he shared his thoughts on comic book movies and much more. 

This summer is a dream come true for superhero films. We have had Thor, X-Men: First Class and Green Lantern is on the way next weekend. Soon after that we have Captain America: The First Avenger. Richard Donnner directed one of my favorite superhero film, the first Superman film. I grew up watching these films over and over as a kid. What I liked about that movie is that the Superman universe was done great justice by Donner. 

Below are some excerpts from the interview, be sure to check out the whole thing HERE.

Here is what Donner had to say about his fight to make the film serious when it's rumored the producers wanted to make it tongue in cheek:

Well tongue in cheek I would’ve accepted. Silly and not too clever is more what I’d say.

He went on to say: 

Well you’re right. A lot of people that were involved in this project maybe looked at it as something you get out there and make some quick money on, and that’s it. I don’t think Ilya Salkind, the son, did. I think in his heart, he wanted to make a good picture, but I think we was kind of stuck that he had the [Alexander Salkind] family, people that control the money and everybody was on his case to make the movie fast and quick, and . . .and I'm sorry I forgot your goddamn question.

Donner then goes on to talk about his long working relationship with writer-director Shane Black. Black wrote Lethal Weapon, directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and is set to direct Iron Man 3. Here is what he had to say:

I had lunch with Shane the day he got the message that he was going to direct that. I couldn’t say anything more than I said to him, except give him a big damn hug, wish him all the love and luck in the world.  I say of all the people in the world, he’s totally capable. I thought what he did. . .what’s the name of that picture he directed?

Jordan Hoffman:  Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Yeah, I thought it was wonderful. I thought it was brilliantly done, and knowing Shane and having spoke to him, he did it under some very adverse conditions of hierarchy that were somewhat controlling him. But he stood up to protect the cast in that picture. He stood up for so many things, I give him all the credit. He’s going to knock your socks off I promise you.

I am excited to see the Superman films on Blu-ray. Be sure to read the full interview and share your thoughts below!