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Superman III

Superman III is a 1983 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Superman III is a 1983 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman. It is the third film in the original Superman film series, directed by Richard Lester and starring Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, and Margot Kidder. The film was released in Canada as part of the wider North American theatrical market and remains part of the long-running Superman film franchise familiar to Canadian audiences.

Plot

The story centres on Superman's conflict with Ross Webster, a corrupt businessman who builds a powerful supercomputer. The film also includes a storyline involving synthetic kryptonite that splits Superman into good and evil versions.

Production

Superman III was directed by Richard Lester from a screenplay by David and Leslie Newman. It continued the film series based on DC Comics' Superman character.

Cast

The principal cast includes Christopher Reeve as Superman, Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Robert Vaughn as Ross Webster. Annette O'Toole appears as Lana Lang.

Reception

The film received a more mixed response than its predecessors and earned about $80.2 million worldwide. It is often noted for its lighter comic tone compared with the earlier Superman films.

Key facts

  • It is the third installment in the Superman film series and the sequel to Superman II.
  • The film features Superman battling industrialist Ross Webster, who uses a supercomputer in a plot for power.
  • Richard Pryor plays Gus Gorman, a computer genius drawn into Webster's scheme.
  • The film was released in 1983 and was less successful critically and financially than the earlier Superman films.
  • A sequel, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, was released in 1987.
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Canadian context

Superman III was released in Canada as part of the wider North American theatrical market and remains part of the long-running Superman film franchise familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Superman III?
It is a 1983 superhero film based on Superman, and the third film in the original Superman series.
Who directed Superman III?
Richard Lester directed the film.
Who stars in Superman III?
The film stars Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Margot Kidder, Robert Vaughn, and Annette O'Toole.
What is Superman III about?
Superman fights a corrupt businessman and a supercomputer-driven scheme, while also dealing with the effects of synthetic kryptonite.
When was Superman III released?
It was released in the United States on June 17, 1983.
Was Superman III successful?
It earned about $80.2 million worldwide but was less successful than the earlier Superman films.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_III
    Supports: Basic identification, release date, director, cast, plot summary, series position, and worldwide box office.
  2. DC — https://www.dc.com/movies/superman-iii-1983
    Supports: Official DC film page confirming title, cast, director, writers, and general premise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_iii
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and plot synopsis.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086393/
    Supports: Release date and plot synopsis.