‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ sets HBO and Max premiere date
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s award-winning documentary about the Superman actor who was paralyzed from an accident and devoted the rest of his life to disability activism, is coming to your home soon. On Tuesday, Max announced that the film will be available to stream on Dec. 7.
“Chronicling his personal and professional life before and after the near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ uses Reeve’s own words, as well as intimate input from his closest family members and friends, to paint 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,” per Max.
“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.”
“Super/Man” uses archival clips and intimate home movie footage to capture Reeve, as well as interviews with his children, his ex-partner Gae Exton, and his Hollywood friends including Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close. It also features archival footage of Reeve with Robin Williams, his Juilliard classmate who became his best friend.
Reeve died in 2004, and his wife Dana passed just 17 months later. Their foundation, which funds medical research and advocates for disabled people to this day, was renamed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation after her death. The film emphasizes the role she played in caring for her husband and doing advocacy work.
The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. Earlier in November, it won six Critics Choice Documentary Awards, including tying with “Will & Harper” for Best Documentary Feature. The film is produced by DC Studios in association with HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” airs on HBO Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET. It will also be available to stream on Max.