Support NeoGAF

[VulcanRaven]

Richard Donner Dies: ‘Superman’, ‘Lethal Weapon’ And ‘The Goonies’ Director Was 91

Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood director and producer who helmed some of the most iconic movies of the 1970s and '80s, died at 91.

deadline.com

Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood director and producer whose helming credits include some of the most iconic movies of the 1970s and ’80s including the Christopher Reeve-starring Superman, The Goonies and the Mel Gibson-Danny Glover buddy cop series Lethal Weapon, has died. He was 91.

Donner died Monday, according to his wife, the producer Lauren Schuler Donner, and his business manager. No cause of death has been revealed.

The Bronx-born Donner started his career directing for television, like his film credits a laundry list of staple shows including Route 66, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason and The Wild Wild West. After his debut feature, the 1968 crime comedy Salt & Pepper starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford, Donner segued to films full time with 1976’s spooky The Omen.

That led to 1978’s Superman, the original superhero movie that starred Reeve as the Man of Steel along with Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman. The blockbuster with a budget of about $55 million grossed more than $300 million at the global box office.

RIP

He directed the best Superman movie:


He had plans to direct Lethal Weapon 5. He talked about it last year:

Lethal Weapon 5 Will Be Last Movie In Series, Confirms Director

Richard Donner says Lethal Weapon 5 will wrap up the series.

screenrant.com

 

[Rival]

Legend. Rip.

 

[DeepEnigma]

 

[mansoor1980]

RIP legend , no lethal weapon 5 then

 

[AlteredForms]

Richard Donner's last words confirmed.

 

[GeorgioCostanzaX]

Oh that’s too bad but 91 is a fantastic run and his film legacy is timeless.

 

[kunonabi]

Man, what an amazing career and individual. Might have to make tonight a Donner night.

 

[SantaC]

RIP legend , no lethal weapon 5 then

Is there a complete script?

 

[mansoor1980]

Is there a complete script?

shane black did write a script but it was not final .

 

[T8SC]

RIP.

Such a shame, with the rumours of a Lethal Weapon 5 circulating with both Mel, Danny & Richard attached, it could've been a nostalgic blast. I doubt it'll happen now. His legacy will live on though through some classic movies.

 

[Aggelos]

 

[ManaByte]

He also gave us one of the greatest GAF memes of all time:

 

[AJUMP23]

He made some good entertainment.

 

[Revolutionary]

RIP

 

[Birdo]

Damn. Lethal Weapon films and The Goonies were part of my childhood Rest in peace.

 

[Robot Carnival]

RIP. always love the Lethal Weapon series. and Goonies always holds a special place in my heart.

 

[ManaByte]

Watching Superman in 4K with DV/Atmos right now.

 

[Aggelos]

He also gave us one of the greatest GAF memes of all time:

My thoughts exactly. Had it not been for Richard Donner and Assassins (1995 film), we wouldn't have had one of the greatest gifs in the age of internet forums and social media. Truly an amazing internet meme with Banderas reacting over his laptop screen (from the film Assassins). Nothing can top such a reaction.

Antonio Banderas Knows About the 'Assassins' Computer GIF

Antonio Banderas acknowledges his internet meme status, i...

www.complex.com

Antonio Banderas' Laptop Reaction | Know Your Meme

Antonio Banderas’ Laptop Reaction is an animated computer reaction GIF of Spanish actor Antonio Banderas laughing smugly in front of a laptop computer in a

knowyourmeme.com

 

[DeepEnigma]

My thoughts exactly. Had it not been for Richard Donner and Assassins (1995 film), we wouldn't have had one of the greatest gifs in the age of internet forums and social media. Truly an amazing internet meme with Banderas reacting over his laptop screen (from the film Assassins). Nothing can't top such a reaction.

Antonio Banderas Knows About the 'Assassins' Computer GIF

Antonio Banderas acknowledges his internet meme status, i...

www.complex.com

Antonio Banderas' Laptop Reaction | Know Your Meme

Antonio Banderas’ Laptop Reaction is an animated computer reaction GIF of Spanish actor Antonio Banderas laughing smugly in front of a laptop computer in a

knowyourmeme.com

 

[Mossybrew]

I have no thoughts on Richard Donner, but man, living to 91 just seems crazy to me. You mean I could potentially still live for 40+ years? Unfathomable.

 

[RavageX]

The guy was behind many of my still fav movies. 91? Good long life and it sounds like he was still mentally sharp? Nice.

 

[TheInfamousKira]

RIP.

Condolences to all affected.

91 is a pretty good run, though!

 

[nush]

and

 

[Setzer]

RIP to a legendary Director. I was fortunate to grow up in the 80's and The Goonies & Superman were both a big part of my childhood.

 

[Airbus Jr]

RIP to this legend

 

[Porcile]

The Omen is my favourite horror film of all time. RIP sir.

 

[VulcanRaven]

One of my favorite scenes:

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Great filmmaker. He hung in there though. 91 is nothing to sneeze at. RIP

 

[nush]

This is also worth checking out, imperfect as is is due to production and a change of director.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Neff]

Brilliant director, one of my favourites. He could do anything and make it look easy.

 

[strange headache]

"People say, You paid your dues, but I never paid any dues. It's always been a great trip." - Richard Donner
RIP

 

[MacReady13]

Massive part of my childhood. The Goonies. Lethal Weapon films. Superman. The Omen. Even his amazing Twilight Zone episode Nightmare at 20,000 Feet is iconic. Such a versatile director. He will be sorely missed.