Superman is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner. It stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. The film tells the story of Superman's origins on the planet Krypton, his arrival on Earth, and his journey to become the world's greatest superhero. Along the way, he must battle his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor, who plans to use a nuclear missile to destroy California and create his own continent. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and receiving numerous awards and nominations. It is widely regarded as a classic of the superhero genre.