Christopher Reeve documentary – Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve story – is set to be released in cinemas later this year – 20 years after the star’s death aged 52.
The documentary – largely narrated by Reeve thanks to the two audiobook versions of his memoirs — begins on New Year’s Eve 1994 with Reeve saying his life was ‘perfectly balanced but in an instant everything changed.’
Less than five months later, at the age of 42 in 1995, Superman star Reeve was left paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia. He relied upon a wheelchair and ventilator for the rest of his life.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story — directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui — left Sundance audience members in tears upon its premiere in January and will debut in cinemas across the US on September 21, 2024.
An encore presentation will follow on September 25, on what would have been the actor’s 72nd birthday – with international release following.
Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution Jeff Goldstein said in a statement: ‘It was at this very studio where he made us all believe a man could fly, and this documentary reveals what made him a true hero, on- and off-screen.
‘Partnering with our friends at Fathom Events to deliver this very special film to the big screen was an opportunity we could not pass up.’
Fathom Events’ CEO Ray Nutt added: ‘Everyone knows that Superman is a superhero, but I’m eager for audiences to discover the REAL superhero behind Superman. This film is an extraordinary story that takes a deep dive into the man Christopher Reeve really was and the courage he displayed.’
The film features home video footage of the star and interviews with his children and actor friends — with fans shown how he rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
It depicts Reeve’s battle with the ‘darkest thoughts’ after his paralysis – telling his wife Dana: ‘Maybe we should let me go; with Dana responding: ‘You’re still you and I love you.’
He later said: ‘When Dana whispered those life-saving words to me… it meant more to me than just a personal declaration of faith and commitment.
‘In a sense it was an affirmation that marriage and family stood at the center of everything, and if both were intact, so was your universe.’
One year after his accident Reeve memorably brought stars to tears during his appearance at the Oscars – in which he introduced a powerful film montage recognizing how Hollywood tackled social issues.
Reeve shared two children with former longterm partner Gae Exton – Matthew Exton Reeve, 44 and daughter Alexandra Reeve Givens, now 40.
Reeve shared youngest son Will, now 31, with wife Dana, who died from lung cancer aged 44 in 2006 — just 17 months after Reeve’s death from heart failure.
In the documentary Glenn Close recounts how Reeve was ‘terrified that he could die at any moment’ after his accident and how his close friendship with Robin Williams gave his strength.
Close said: ‘I’ve always thought if Chris was still around, then Robin would still be alive.’
His son Will also opens up about losing both his parents within 18 months of one another, saying: ‘That was the moment, I’ve been alone ever since then.’
Will, now a successful sports journalist, was raised by the family’s next door neighbors and close friends.
All three children work with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation which aims to cure spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
The foundation’s legacy is celebrated in the film, ending with a quote from Reeve on what he believes a hero is.
He said: ‘A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.’
Reeve notably portrayed the iconic superhero, Superman, in the film Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987).
He had also starred in other projects during the course of his career, such as working alongside Jane Seymour in Somewhere In Time (1980).
