Superman III is a 1983 superhero film directed by Richard Lester, based on the DC Comics character Superman. It is the third installment in the Superman film series and the last Superman film to be produced by Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind. The film features a cast of Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Annette O’Toole, Annie Ross, Pamela Stephenson, Robert Vaughn, Marc McClure, and Gavan O’Herlihy. Then followed the film Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, released on July 24, 1987.

Although the film recouped its budget of $39 million, it proved less successful than the first two Superman films, both financially and critically. While harsh criticism focused on the film’s comedic and campy tone, as well as on the casting and performance of Pryor, the special effects and Christopher Reeve’s performance as Superman were praised.