“Superman” will return to the silver screen at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 in honor of the film’s 40th anniversary.

Directed by Richard Donner, it famously starred Christopher Reeve as Superman, and featured a stellar cast including Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Glenn Ford, Phyllis Thaxter, Jackie Cooper and Trevor Howard, among others.

It was, to that point, most expensive film made, with a budget of $55 million, and was met with instant critical and financial success. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, Best Music (Original Score) and Best Sound, and also received a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects.

From Wikipedia: “Groundbreaking in its use of special effects and science fiction/fantasy storytelling, the film’s legacy presaged the mainstream popularity of Hollywood’s superhero film franchises.”

In 2017, “Superman” was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.

Reeve infamously nearly did not get cast in what was to become his most iconic role.

From Wikipedia: “It was initially decided to first sign an A-list actor for Superman before Richard Donner was hired as director. Robert Redford was offered a large sum, but felt he was too famous. Burt Reynolds also turned down the role, while Sylvester Stallone was interested, but nothing ever came of it. Paul Newman was offered his choice of roles as Superman, Lex Luthor or Jor-El for $4 million, turning down all three roles.”

Opting instead for an unknown actor, casting director Lynn Stalmaster suggested Christopher Reeve, but the director and the producers felt he was “too young and skinny.”

Reportedly, more than 200 unknown actors auditioned for the part.

Olympic champion Bruce (now Caitlyn) Jenner had auditioned for the title role, and Patrick Wayne was supposedly cast, but dropped out when his father was diagnosed with cancer.

Hilariously, both Neil Diamond and Arnold Schwarzenegger “lobbied hard for the role, but were ignored,” according to Wikipedia.

“James Caan, James Brolin, Lyle Waggoner, Christopher Walken, Nick Nolte, Jon Voight and Perry King were approached. Kris Kristofferson and Charles Bronson were also considered for the title role.”

The search eventually became so desperate that producer Ilya Salkind’s wife’s dentist was screen tested.

Stalmaster finally convinced Donner and Ilya to have Reeve screen test in February 1977, and he stunned the director and producers but he was told to wear a muscle suit, which refused to do, instead undertaking a strict exercise regime, eventually going from 188 to 212 pounds during pre-production.

Visit www.farawayentertainment.com for ticket info.