Yahoo Movies Marvel's Kevin Feige and Zack Snyder pay tribute to Superman director Richard Donner
Marvel boss Kevin Feige and Justice League's Zack Snyder have led tributes to Superman director Richard Donner following his death.
The legendary director, who helmed the original 1978 superhero movie alongside a string of classics including The Goonies and Scrooged, passed away yesterday (July 5) aged 91.
Sharing a tribute on Marvel's social media, Feige said: "Richard Donner not only made me believe a man could fly, he made me believe that comic characters could be brought to life on the big screen with heart, humor, humanity and verisimilitude.
"Above all he taught me that it can and must be done with respect, caring, and kindness to everyone in front of and behind the camera. Dick and Lauren became mentors during my early career, and key supporters throughout the birth of the MCU.
"I owe my career to the way they took the time to nurture and teach a kid from New Jersey who didn't know how to use a fax machine or make coffee very well. I always thought Dick was immortal. I still do. My thoughts are with Lauren and the entire family."
Snyder, who has directed a number of DC hits including Superman movie Man of Steel, shared a picture of the Superman logo with the words "you'll believe a man can fly".
"Thank you, Richard Donner. You made me believe," he added.
Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins tweeted: "I loved Richard Donner as [a] person, and massively admired him as a director. To think he made The Omen, Superman, The Goonies and Lethal Weapon in just over 10 years' time, and many more.
"Stunning. Truly one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time. He will be sorely missed."
Many more famous names, including Steven Spielberg, Ben Stiller, Antonio Banderas, Sean Astin and Elijah Wood, also shared their own tributes:
Steven Spielberg reflects on the passing of Richard Donner, friend, and beloved director of THE GOONIES for Amblin Entertainment, who passed away today at 91.#RichardDonner #TheGoonies pic.twitter.com/6KSmKvWqVI
— Amblin (@amblin) July 5, 2021
Richard Donner made big time movies. Movies that remain in our consciousness. That never has been and never is easy. Always admired his work. #RIP https://t.co/NPqlIqcApe via @variety
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) July 5, 2021
Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you could imagine.
He commanded attention and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before. Dick was so much fun. What I perceived in him, as a 12 year old kid, is that he cared. I love how much he cared.
- Goonies Never Say Die— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) July 5, 2021
I will always fondly remember that booming raspy voice and laugh. My childhood and life was so impacted by the incredible Richard Donner. Heart of a giant and spirit of a child. His impact on cinema is truly immense; deftly bouncing from genre to genre. Love you, Dick. pic.twitter.com/nb6mMbpfVd
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) July 6, 2021
To my mind this word captures the first priority and goal of a film director, regardless of genre or style. And Dick Donner achieved it time and time again, in all sorts of films. It's not easy. It takes artistry. RIP Richard Donner. https://t.co/I6SInbMKr7
— Mangold (@mang0ld) July 5, 2021
I am sorry to learn of his passing. He was a wonderful director. I don’t really have many memories of the shoot. It was chaotic; it was supposed to be a 4 day shoot & they cut it in half. They kept us there all night on the 2nd day to finish it. We were all sleep deprived.🥱😴 https://t.co/sk4QLxZEWu
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 6, 2021
For this last shot of The Omen, Richard Donner told his child actor to look back at the camera like he was angry, and when he did, Donner started joking “Don’t you smile! Don’t you smile!”
And that’s how we got one of the great evil smiles in cinema history.#RIPRichardDonner pic.twitter.com/xoGJtX8dqX— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) July 5, 2021
I met the boisterous, passionate Dick Donner auditioning for Lost Boys and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with him that year. He was a "Hollywood movie director" to the bone. RIP
— Alex Winter (@Winter) July 5, 2021
RIP to the legendary Richard Donner who should be a household name. A master of action, comedy, and drama - a true artist. Phil and I once called him for advice and I’ll never forget our conversation.
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) July 6, 2021
Good bye dear Richard. Thanks for your films, for your elegance, your sense of humor, your friendship and for those happy and funny days we spent during the shooting of “Assassins”. We will never forget you amigo.
RIP #RichardDonner pic.twitter.com/VumJPZkLe3— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) July 6, 2021
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