The man you knew, the story you didn’t.
Husband. Father. Fighter. Hero.
The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from an unknown actor to an iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care - all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family.
This film includes never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends. The film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is produced by Passion Pictures (Searching For Sugar Man, The Territory) and Misfits Entertainment (McQueen, Rising Phoenix) and is in cinemas September 21 and 25.
The official trailer for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is here.
Christopher Reeve, who brought Clark Kent and his superhero persona Superman to life in four films throughout the ’70s and ’80s, was injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
As a quadriplegic, he continued to inspire generations of fans as an activist and advocate for spinal cord injury research, founding the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. He died in 2004 from heart failure.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, features all three of Christopher Reeve’s children and explores his enduring legacy.
“We said goodbye … he gave this wave,” son Matthew Reeve recalled in the trailer for the documentary, released Monday. “That was the last time I saw him on his feet.”
The trailer features a voice-over from the late actor, who says, “I ruined my life and everybody else’s” and laments that he won’t be able to “throw a ball” to his son Will Reeve, now an ABC News correspondent, or “make love” to his wife Dana Reeve, who died in 2006 of lung cancer. “Maybe we should let me go.”
“She came flying in and she just yelled, ‘I love you. I love you,'” daughter Alexandra Reeve Givens recalled of her mom.
“And then she said the words that saved my life: You’re still you, and I love you,'” Christopher Reeve’s voice-over says.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, and is in theaters across America on Sept. 21 and Sept. 25, with tickets available via Fathom Events.
Christopher Reeve's powerful life story is being told in the new documentary "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story."
The movie, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, follows as Reeve finds fame playing Superman in the late 1970s and 1980s before a devastating 1995 horse riding accident caused him to be paralyzed from the neck down.
The indomitable actor, who died in October 2004 at age 52, spent the rest of his life working as a disability activist aimed at helping to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
On Aug. 26, DC Studios released a trailer for the documentary, which features candid interviews with Reeve’s children, Matthew, Alexandra and Will, as well as footage of the actor with his late wife, Dana, who died in 2006 of lung cancer.
In one emotional moment in the trailer, Reeve, seen in footage, recalls how Dana's love helped him find his will to live again after his injury.
“I ruined my life and everybody else’s. I won’t be able to ski, sail, throw a ball to Will. Won’t be able to make love to Dana. Maybe we should let me go,” Reeve recalls thinking.
“And then she said the words that saved my life: ‘You’re still you. And I love you.’”
Elsewhere in the trailer, Reeve’s kids share their memories of how athletic their father was before the accident as footage shows the actor playing tennis, swimming and riding horses.
“Doing things with my dad, it was all about activity and action,” Christopher recalls.
“Riding bikes, playing soccer, skiing,” Matthew adds.
“My dad was very competitive and he didn’t necessarily slow down,” Alexandria agrees.
In one heartbreaking moment, Matthew recalls being with his father before the accident, remembering, "We said goodbye and he gave this wave. That was the last time I saw him on his feet."
The movie also features interviews with some of Reeve's Hollywood friends, including Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels and Glenn Close, while reflecting on the special bond Reeve shared with late actor Robin Williams.
The Man of Steel who starred in four ‘Superman’ franchise movies in a documentary recalls becoming an advocate for spinal cord research in the film from the 'McQueen' directors to hit theaters Sept. 21.
Christopher Reeve as Superman in a wheelchair is revealed as no less a hero in the trailer for DC Studios and Fathom Events’ documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which was released on Monday.
Despite becoming a quadriplegic, the doc reveals Reeve overcoming earlier doubts about continuing to live and, lifted by the strength of family and friends behind him, devote his life to discovering a cure for spinal cord injuries and advocating for disability rights and care.
Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, who helmed McQueen, the film about Reeve’s Hollywood and personal history includes home movies and interviews with Reeve’s three children and Hollywood colleagues and friends.
“My dad was very competitive, and he didn’t necessarily slow down,” daughter Alexandra Reeve said in tribute to her father.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is produced by Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment, with Words + Pictures financing and also producing.
The film’s international theatrical rollout will follow.
A Look Beyond the Cape
The new documentary, "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story," goes beyond the iconic image of Reeve as Superman to explore the man behind the cape. The film delves into his personal life, his struggles after a life-altering accident, and his unwavering commitment to advocacy for those with spinal cord injuries.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Despite facing immense challenges, Reeve never gave up hope. He found purpose in advocating for others, using his platform to raise awareness and funding for spinal cord injury research. The documentary highlights his tireless efforts to find a cure and improve the lives of those living with disabilities.
Reeve's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. He inspired millions with his courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of hope. "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" promises to be a poignant and inspiring film that will leave a lasting impression on audiences.
A Cinematic Masterpiece
The documentary has already garnered praise from critics, with Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman calling it a "moving, wrenching, compellingly well-made documentary." The film's intimate and honest portrayal of Reeve's life is sure to resonate with audiences, offering a glimpse into the man behind the legend. "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" is a must-see for fans of Reeve, Superman, and anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and hope.
