7 Jul – American filmmaker Richard Donner, known for movies like "Superman" and "Lethal Weapon", has died at 91. The news was confirmed by the director's wife and producer Lauren Schuler Donner, and his business manager, stating that Donner passed away on Monday, 5 July. No cause of death has been revealed. Donner started his career directing for television, having helmed many shows from the '60s including "The Twilight Zone", "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", and "Gilligan's Island", before making his directorial debut in 1961 through "X-15" and producing his first movie, "The Goonies" in 1985.
In a statement to the media, Donner's former collaborator Steven Spielberg expressed, "Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favourite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and - of course - the greatest Goonie of all. He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can't believe he's gone, but his husky, hearty, laugh will stay with me always." Among his most notable works include the first "Superman" movie starring Christopher Reeves, the classic adventure comedy, "The Goonies", as well as the "Lethal Weapon" franchise. It is noted that Donner originally planned to direct another "Lethal Weapon" movie as his swan song, and confirmed the project in December last year. "This is the final one. It's both my privilege and duty to put it to bed. It's exciting, actually... Hahaha! It's the last one, I'll promise you that," he said at the time.