The new Superman film, "Superman Returns" is out and has been topping the box office since its release. The original comic book super hero, Superman has shown up in every manner of pop culture media from radio to movies to television to video games to songs. The latest "Superman" feature film underscores the enduring appeal of the character who first appeared nearly 70 years ago.
During the 90's, references to Superman were a running gag on "Seinfeld." Back in the 80's, a popular rock band had a song named after Superman, which had the catchy refrain "I am Superman, and I can do anything." What was the name of the band?
Bonus Question: Richard Donner's "Superman: The Movie" was meant to be the definitive film realization of the Superman saga, and it's inevitable that "Superman Returns" will get a lot of comparisons to the 1978 film and it's sequels. And not just for what shows up on the screen. Apparently, this latest installment was in the works for ten years, went through many rewrites and casting disputes, and passed through the hands of three different directors. Sounds very familiar: the 1980 sequel Superman II also had it's share of behind the scenes squabbling. Marlon Brando was cut from Superman II after he won a lawsuit seeking profits from the first film. Ironically, the footage that was shot of Brando way back then ended up in "Superman Returns" after Anthony Hopkins (cast to play Jor-El) walked out with one of the directors.
Well, getting back to the 80's, Brando wasn't the only one who wasn't around when the final version of Superman II was assembled. Director Richard Donner was fired after shooting a large portion of the film, including scenes featuring another actor from the first film. This actor still appeared at the top of the bill when "Superman II" was released, but his part was a combination of leftover Donner footage, along with footage of a look-alike and a voice impersonator. He left the project before the replacement director Richard Lester took over. What was the name of this famous actor?
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