Everything you need to know about Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
The incredible life of Christopher Reeve will be told in full in heartwarming and intimate documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.
Reeve broke through to international fame in 1978 when he landed the role of a lifetime in the titular Superman, following the story of a Kryptonian superhero who lives on Earth in disguise as Clark Kent.
Continuing the role in three sequels that followed, Reeve to this day is considered by many the definitive Superman, with his impressive career later including Noises Off, Somewhere In Time, and a 1999 remake of Rear Window.
But in 1995, his life changed forever when he was paralysed from the neck down. His drive persisted though, and with his acting roles now severely limited, he dedicated his life to disability advocacy and fund-raising for stem cell research and spinal injuries.
While he passed away in 2004, his legacy continues to this day, with Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story showing just how much he achieved for those he loved and the world at large.
The critically acclaimed film had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and recently won six Critics Choice Documentary Awards.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new documentary…
What is Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story about?
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story chronicles the incredible story of Christopher Reeve, the first cinematic Superman whose life changed forever after an accident.
Despite becoming a quadriplegic, Christopher Reeve persevered, using his fame to speak of hope and to change our perception of the affliction, all while remaining a dedicated activist, actor and filmmaker, devoted dad, and loving husband to Dana Reeve, the beating heart of the family.
Using Reeve’s own words, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story paints a rich, nuanced portrait of a man who refused to be defined by his physicality and who proved that you don’t need tights and a cape to be a hero.
Reeve harnessed his reputation as Superman to help fund medical research through his foundation, creating initiatives to improve the lives of disabled people all over the world, becoming a charismatic leader and tireless advocate, all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera, and dedicating himself to his beloved wife Dana and his three children.
Dana cared for Reeve heroically and after his death at the age of 52, she remained committed to his advocacy work only to tragically succumb to lung cancer just 17 months later.
Illustrated with a multitude of film clips of Reeve as Superman, as well as his other roles and the films he directed, and including never-before-seen, intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, the film also features the first-ever extended interviews filmed with Reeve’s children, as well as family and friends.
The film also features extensive archival footage of Reeve with his best friend and Juilliard classmate Robin Williams, who, with his wife Marsha, was a constant source of support for Reeve and his family.
A moving and cinematic story of bravery and perseverance, triumph and tragedy, love and devotion, this documentary tells the remarkable story of a man who not only embodied a supernatural hero on screen, but also through his dedication and endurance, became a real life hero and symbol of hope to his wife, his family and the millions of people he touched throughout his life.
What happened to Christopher Reeve in his accident?
On May 27, 1995, when Christopher Reeve was 42 years old, he took part in an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia.
However, during the competition, the horse Reeve was riding stopped suddenly and without warning him, causing him to be thrown from the animal's back and landing on his head.
Reeve was found resuscitated on site after he stopped breathing, before being rushed to hospital.
Despite wearing protective headgear and vest, the landing caused a severe spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the neck down.
For the rest of his life, Reeve was confined to a wheelchair to move, and needed a ventilator in order to breathe.
From that point on, Reeve became an advocate for the American Paralysis Association, raising millions to support their work. His efforts were so significant the group was later renamed The Christopher Reeve foundation.
Reeve died on October 10, 2004, at the age of 52, with reports saying his death was due to complications from an infection caused by a bedsore, leading to heart failure.
His wife, Dana, continued his work, and died in 2006. The association was renamed the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation in her honour on the first anniversary of her death.
Who appears in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story?
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is led by Christopher’s children Matthew Reeve, Alexandra Reeve Givens and Will Reeve.
They will be joined by a host of familiar faces and loved ones from his life and career, who will give a candid insight into the star’s inspiring story.
This includes:
Susan Sarandon
Glenn Close
Jeff Daniels
Whoopi Goldberg
Superman producer Pierre Spengler
John Kerry, former secretary of state
Kevin Johnson, Christopher’s half-brother
Michael Manganiello, Christopher’s friend
The film also includes archival footage of his wife, Dana Reeve, father Franklin Reeve, director Richard Donner, and mother Barbara Johnson.
Where and when can I watch Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story?
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story launches on Sky on December 28th.
It will also be available to stream on NOW.