Superman II is a 1980 superhero film directed by Richard Lester. It is a sequel to the 1978 film Superman and stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. The film follows Superman as he battles three Kryptonian criminals who were released from the Phantom Zone and seek to conquer Earth. The film was originally directed by Richard Donner, but he was replaced by Lester during production. The film received mixed reviews upon release but has since gained a cult following. It was also notable for its use of special effects and its iconic scene of Superman giving up his powers for love.