A 1978 sci-fi action film and the first installment in the hugely successful Superman film series, which is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Directed by Richard Donner with Christopher Reeve portraying Superman, the movie depicts the superhero's origin, including his infancy as Kal-El of Krypton and his youthful years in the rural town of Smallville. Disguised as reporter Clark Kent, he adopts a mild-mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) while battling the villainous Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman).