The adventure continues as we look back and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Superman II. Directed by Richard Lester and written by Mario Puzo and David and Leslie Newman, Superman II is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Following the release of Superman in 1978, original director Richard Donner was controversially fired as director, and was replaced by Richard Lester. The Kryptonian villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O’Halloran), threaten the planet with destruction just as Superman (Christopher Reeve) decides to renounce his superpowers in order to live a normal life as Clark Kent with his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). All the while Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) escapes from prison and allies with Zod after learning Superman’s secrets.