The inspiring life of Christopher Reeve is showcased in the new documentary titled “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the film explores Reeve’s rise to fame as Superman during the late 1970s and 1980s, followed by his tragic accident in 1995, which left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Reeve, who passed away in October 2004 at the age of 52, dedicated his later years to advocacy for disability rights, focusing on finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.
On August 26, DC Studios released a trailer for the documentary, which includes heartfelt interviews with Reeve’s children—Matthew, Alexandra, and Will—as well as archival footage with his late wife, Dana, who died from lung cancer in 2006.
In a poignant moment in the trailer, Reeve reflects on how Dana’s unwavering support restored his will to live after his accident. He recalls his despair: “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.” Dana’s response, “You’re still you. And I love you,” ultimately gave him hope.
The trailer also features Reeve’s children reminiscing about their father’s athleticism prior to the accident, showcasing clips of him playing tennis, swimming, and horseback riding. “Doing things with my dad, it was all about activity and action,” Matthew shares. Alexandria adds that their father was very competitive and rarely slowed down.
In a touching recollection, Matthew remembers their last interaction before the accident, stating, “We said goodbye and he gave this wave. That was the last time I saw him on his feet.”
The documentary includes insights from Reeve’s colleagues in Hollywood, such as Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close, and pays tribute to his friendship with Robin Williams.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is set to be released in select theaters on September 21 and again on September 25, coinciding with Reeve’s birthday.