superman is a 1978 movie based on the popular superman superhero comic book. it was directed by richard donner, produced by ilya salkind, and the music was provided by john williams. the movie starred christopher reeve, margot kidder, marlon brando, gene hackman, ned beatty, phyllis thaxter, glenn ford, and jackie cooper. it was very successful at the box office and with critics, and inspired three sequels along with the 2006 movie, "superman returns".