Superman III: Plot, Characters & The Fight That Split Superman in Two
After the critical and commercial success of Superman II, expectations were sky-high for the next chapter in the Man of Steel’s story. But Superman III, released in 1983, took fans in a completely unexpected direction, blending superhero action with slapstick comedy and a surprising detour into Superman’s darker side. Directed by Richard Lester (who had finished Superman II), this film introduced a brand-new villain, not Lex Luthor, not General Zod, but a tech billionaire named Ross Webster, aided by a quirky computer genius, Gus Gorman, played by legendary comedian Richard Pryor.
From Superman turning evil under the effects of synthetic Kryptonite to a computer gaining sentience and attacking him, this movie felt like a wild departure from the tone of the earlier films. Some fans loved its boldness. Others not so much. But whether you view it as a creative risk or a tonal misstep, one thing’s clear: Superman III holds a unique place in Superman movie history.
What Happens in Superman III?
Superman III trades cosmic villains for corporate sabotage, moral conflict, and a surprising dose of comedy. While the plot may be all over the place, it delivers some unforgettable moments in Superman’s history.
Superman vs Synthetic Kryptonite
The story kicks off with Gus Gorman, a down-on-his-luck computer programmer (played by Richard Pryor), who discovers he can manipulate global systems through hacking. His new boss, billionaire industrialist Ross Webster, recruits him to create synthetic Kryptonite, aiming to control or eliminate Superman.
But one ingredient is off. The Kryptonite doesn’t kill Superman; it corrupts him. Slowly, Superman becomes darker, selfish, and reckless. He starts ignoring disasters, causing accidents, and even vandalizing public monuments. It’s the Man of Steel at his worst.
Clark Kent Returns to Smallville
Meanwhile, Clark travels back to Smallville for his high school reunion, reconnecting with his childhood friend and love interest Lana Lang (played by Annette O’Toole). This subplot adds a grounded, heartfelt layer, contrasting nicely with Superman’s unraveling moral compass.
As Clark tries to rekindle something simple with Lana, his Superman persona is spiraling into arrogance and chaos.
The Evil Superman Arc
Arguably, the most iconic part of the film is the internal showdown, where corrupted Superman splits into two:
- The dark, corrupted version
- The pure-hearted Clark Kent
In a scrapyard brawl that’s both symbolic and literal, Clark fights and defeats his evil self, reclaiming his identity and values. It’s a bold, psychological moment that still resonates with fans today.
Final Battle and Redemption
With his integrity restored, Superman confronts Ross Webster’s final plan: a massive supercomputer designed to destroy him. Gus Gorman, now realizing the consequences of his actions, helps Superman disable the machine.
Superman defeats the computer, stops Webster, and clears his name. He returns to Metropolis a hero once more and shares a warm farewell with Lana before flying off to protect the world again.
Cast & Characters
Superman III brought back familiar faces while also introducing an entirely new supporting cast that changed the tone (and humor) of the series.
Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kenthetic Kryptonite
Once again, Reeve delivers a standout performance this time, with a twist. His portrayal of both the heroic Superman and the corrupted “evil Superman” showed his range and made this entry far more character-driven than it first appears.
Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman
One of the most talked-about additions, Pryor brought comic relief to the film as a lovable, accidental hacker. While his role felt odd to some fans, his natural charisma added a unique, unpredictable energy to the story.
Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang
Replacing Lois Lane as the emotional anchor, Lana Lang gave Clark a chance to explore a more grounded love story. O’Toole brought warmth and charm, making her a memorable part of the Superman universe.
Robert Vaughn as Ross Webster
A new villain, not from the comics, but created specifically for Superman III. Vaughn plays Webster as a power-hungry business mogul with a plan to manipulate world markets. While not as iconic as Lex Luthor or Zod, he fit the film’s corporate-conspiracy tone.
Pamela Stephenson as Lorelei Ambrosia
Webster’s seductive assistant is brainy behind the scenes but plays the “dumb blonde” trope up front. She added an odd but interesting twist to the villain trio.
Gavan O'Herlihy as Brad Wilson
A minor but recurring antagonist, Lana’s rude ex-boyfriend and Smallville bully. His inclusion added tension during Clark’s return home.
What Changed After Superman II?
When Superman III hit theaters in 1983, fans immediately noticed something was different, and not just the story. From the cast to the director to the entire tone of the film, it felt like a major pivot from the emotionally rich and high-stakes drama of Superman II.
New Director, New Tone
Although Richard Lester had finished Superman II after Donner’s firing, this was the first film fully directed by Lester, and his influence is felt from the very first frame.
Where Superman II blended action, romance, and serious themes, Superman III leaned heavily into campy humor and slapstick gags. The film opens with a cartoony chain-reaction accident on the streets of Metropolis, a clear signal that this was no longer the serious superhero storytelling fans had come to expect.
Lighter Storyline & Comic Relief
The introduction of Richard Pryor’s character, Gus Gorman, shifted the story into tech comedy territory. While Pryor’s performance was charismatic, his inclusion led to a plotline involving supercomputers, weather satellites, and hacking global coffee prices, a major departure from the mythic, Kryptonian conflicts of the previous films.
The tone bordered on spoof in some places, something that didn’t sit well with fans who loved the drama and maturity of Superman II.
Lois Lane’s Reduced Role
One of the most controversial changes was minimizing Lois Lane’s presence. Margot Kidder, who played Lois, appears only briefly at the beginning and end of the film. She’s “on vacation” while Clark rekindles a new relationship with Lana Lang.
This was more than just a story choice behind the scenes; tensions between Kidder and the producers (after the firing of Richard Donner) reportedly led to her reduced screen time.
The Dark Side of Superman – Why That Scene Still Stands Out
If Superman III is remembered for one thing, it’s this: the Evil Superman storyline.
Corrupted by a dose of synthetic Kryptonite (thanks to Gus Gorman’s flawed formula), Superman begins to change not physically, but morally. He becomes aggressive, selfish, careless… and slowly turns into a twisted version of himself.
He straightens the Leaning Tower of Pisa out of spite. He drinks in public bars. He causes oil spills and disasters. And worst of all? He stares blankly at cries for help, a Superman no one recognizes.
It’s not just a visual change; his suit darkens slightly, his eyes look empty, and his behavior grows erratic. He’s not evil like Zod, but he’s lost all sense of responsibility. That makes him more terrifying.
Clark Kent vs Evil Superman: The Junkyard Fight
Superman splits into two beings:
- The corrupted, arrogant version of himself
- And the pure-hearted Clark Kent is confused, human, and determined
In a gritty junkyard showdown, Clark battles his darker half in a brutal symbolic fight. It’s not flashy, it’s raw, dirty, and personal. At one point, Evil Superman tries to crush Clark with car parts, but Clark refuses to stay down.
Eventually, Clark overpowers him not with strength, but with willpower, morality, and identity.
As Evil Superman fades, the true Superman re-emerges… stronger, focused, and redeemed.
The Dark Fan Reactions, Box Office & Legacyof Superman – Why That Scene Still Stands Out
When Superman III hit theaters in June 1983, fans were excited… but they didn’t quite get the movie they expected.
Critical Response
The reviews were mixed; some praised the film for taking creative risks and showing a more human (and flawed) Superman. Others criticized it for leaning too far into comedy, sidelining Lois Lane, and lacking a strong villain like Lex Luthor or Zod.
Critics also felt the tone was inconsistent. One minute, you had Superman sinking into moral darkness… and the next, you had slapstick computer hacking and weather satellites.
Rotten Tomatoes currently gives it a 29% critic score, a big drop from the first two films.
Box Office Performance
Despite the lukewarm reception, Superman 3 proved to be a financial success, earning over $80 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $39 million.
However, it made significantly less than Superman II, signaling a decline in audience excitement. The novelty of Superman had started to wear off, and fans weren’t sure how to feel about this goofier take on their hero.
How Fans Remember It Today
Over the years, this Superman movie has become a cult favorite, especially because of the Evil Superman arc and Christopher Reeve’s incredible performance.
Many fans say the movie was “bad but memorable,” and even those who don’t love it agree that the junkyard fight is one of the best moments in any Superman movie. Some even credit it for inspiring the “dark side” themes in modern superhero films.
Conclusion
Superman III is a strange chapter in the Superman saga. It doesn’t follow the emotional high of Superman II, and it takes bold risks that don’t always land. But despite its flaws, it delivers something that few superhero films attempt: a hero’s inner collapse. It showed us a Superman who wasn’t just fighting aliens or evil geniuses; she was fighting himself. Yes, the comedy was overdone. Yes, the villain wasn’t iconic.
But moments like the junkyard showdown, the synthetic Kryptonite arc, and Clark Kent’s quiet humanity still resonate with fans 40 years later. Christopher Reeve carried the film on his shoulders, proving once again that he didn’t just play Superman, he was Superman. So while Superman 3 may never top fan rankings, it still earns its place in the legacy as the movie that dared to break the mold and gave us one of the boldest twists in superhero history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Superman III released?
It was released on June 17, 1983, as the third installment in the original Superman film series starring Christopher Reeve.
Who is the villain in Superman III?
The main villain is Ross Webster, a corrupt billionaire industrialist. Unlike Lex Luthor or General Zod, he’s not from the comics created specifically for the film.
What is the Evil Superman arc?
Under the influence of synthetic Kryptonite, Superman turns selfish, cruel, and destructive. Eventually, he splits into two personas, the Evil Superman and Clark Ken,t leading to a symbolic battle in a junkyard.
Is Superman III connected to Superman II?
Yes, it’s a direct sequel, but it feels tonally different. The cast changes, lighter storyline, and comedic tone make it stand apart from the darker, more dramatic Superman II.
How did fans react to Superman III?
Reactions were mixed. Some fans enjoyed the bold changes and humor, while others felt it was a step down from the previous films. The Evil Superman scene, however, remains highly praised.
Where can I watch Superman 3 today?
It is available on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Max (formerly HBO Max). It’s also part of most Superman Blu-ray box sets.