Widely regarded as the best actor to ever play the role of Superman, the late Christopher Reeve is the subject of an emotional new documentary focusing on his life, career, and achievements. Titled Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, the doc will hit theaters for two days only on September 21 and 25, and we now have our first look at the project thanks to a trailer released today.
Chronicling his rise as an actor to the role that made him famous, Super/Man is an in-depth look at the life of Reeve from those who knew him best, and examines the heights he was able to achieve following the devastating equestrian accident that left him paralyzed in 1995. Featuring interviews with the likes of Reeve’s children, Susan Sarandon, and Glenn Close, the new documentary also takes us inside his relationship with the late Robin Williams, who was Reeve’s longtime best friend. Take a look at the trailer below, but we warn you, it might be best to have a couple of tissues on hand for this one.
Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it was met with a standing ovation. The documentary currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and is a joint project between Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios, Max, CNN Films, and Fathom Events. There’s no word yet on if it will receive a wider release, or when it might hit streaming.
Christopher Reeve Was a Real-Life Hero
Reaching superstar status thanks to 1978’s Superman, Reeve would go on to reprise the role of everyone’s favorite hero three more times, while at the same time having success outside the confines of the red cape. Sadly, his acting career was cut short in 1995 following a horse riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, but it would only be the start of something more important.
Using his fame, Reeve worked tirelessly to bring awareness to those with spinal cord injuries, and fight for legislation that would fund stem cell research to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. His determination led him all over the world, leading Reeve to become the voice of the voiceless in a way, as he fought for those who could not fight for themselves.
His fight would ultimately see the creation of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a charitable organization that serves to help those with spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders. Today, 20 years after his death, all three of Reeve’s children sit on the board of directors, continuing the work their father started.
While he may be fondly remembered as Superman, Reeve’s life touched so many people outside of Hollywood in such a way that it’s clear that his best role came long after his final performance as the comic book hero in 1987. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story hits theaters for a limited time on September 21 and 25, and you can check your local listing to see if it’s playing at a theater near you. We’ll have more news on the project, including a streaming release date, when it becomes available.
