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The Success of Superman Resulted in One of the Weirdest Christmas Movies Ever

ComicBook.com
Story by Catherine Delgado
from ComicBook.com
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How the runaway success of Superman led to one of the weirdest Christmas movies ever, an ill-timed attempt to copy the beloved superhero formula.
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  • Santa Claus: The Movie was a 1985 Christmas film that bore striking similarities to Richard Donner's 1978 Superman: The Movie, including an origin story, a villain trying to profit off the hero, and even flying scenes - a case of blatant formula replication that audiences rejected.
  • Despite Santa and Superman both being symbols of hope, the attempt to replicate the Hero's Journey formula that made Superman a hit backfired, as Santa Claus: The Movie lacked the focus and cultural relevance to pull off such an ambitious blend of genres. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of innovation without understanding the right timing and creative investment.
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Jeannot Szwarc, Richard Donner, DC, Warner Bros. Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Red One, Santa Claus: The Movie, Supergirl, Superman: The Movie
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