Promo card for the 40th anniversary of Christopher Reeve’s appearance as Superman. imdb
18. Christopher Reeve helped bring Superman back to the fore after a decade of waning interest
When little-known actor Christopher Reeve auditioned for the role of Superman in 1978 he was not a fan of the character and had little knowledge of the comics. He had watched the 1950s Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves, and had some idea of how he wanted to play the role. He was told to play only Superman, and when portraying Clark Kent to perceive of it as a role within the lead role. The filming was difficult, all of the flying sequences were done with wires and harnesses. CGI was not yet a major factor in making action movies. Reeve won mostly rave reviews for his performance as Superman, and the initial film of the series grossed over $300 million worldwide, making him a major box office draw. Unfortunately for both Reeve and the character, the three sequels which followed did not perform as well.
Reeve’s tragic horseback riding accident in 1995 left him paralyzed from the neck down, confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Coupled with the tragic loss of George Reeves after his association with Superman, gossip surfaced the role was cursed. Reeve and his costar as Lois Lane Margot Kidder dismissed the idea of a curse affecting performers in Superman productions, and Reeve recognized his role as the making of his sadly shortened career. Reeve’s performances as Superman and Clark Kent changed the way the dual part was perceived by actors in live action films and television productions, and remained true to the Superman of the original comics. Christopher Reeve died from complications as a result of his accident on October 10, 2004.
Marlon Brando portrayed Jor-El, Superman’s father, in 1978’s Superman: The Movie. ThoughtCo
19. Superman continues to evolve and his story changes to the current day
Despite the now several different versions of Superman, depending on the timeline, section of the metaverse, and characters involved, continue to adjust to changes in the current day. Yet his basic premise, first appearing in 1938, remains the same. A powerful and nearly omniscient father sends him to Earth, along with instructions regarding his great powers and his obligations to use them for the benefit of others. On Earth he becomes a savior figure, doing battle with evil in all forms, while overcoming his own weaknesses and limitations. He restricts his own enjoyment of life in order to be available to render needed assistance at all times. In one story arc, he died following a brutal beating at the hands of Doomsday, only to be later resurrected and emerged triumphant.
Although far from the image of the overgrown, overly powerful Boy Scout he presented in the 1950s and 1960s, he still refrains from excessive violence whenever possible. He is focused on the protection of humans and the planet on which they live, but not to the detriment of other species, or life forms. Since his first appearance, Superman has fought against common criminals and crime lords, supervillains and aliens, Nazis, Fascists, Communists, domestic and foreign terrorists, and every imaginable, for some unimaginable, enemies of peace and tranquility for the human race. And there are even some clues regarding how Superman and his world will continue to evolve in the future.
Clark Kent turns to a Daily Planet storeroom as a refuge to turn into Superman in one of the animated shorts of the 1940s. Wikimedia
20. A future for Superman is all but ensured
In the 2010s several reboots of DC Comics’ entire lineup of Superheroes addressed the relationship of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, as well as Superman. In 2016 a reboot, called DC Rebirth confirmed the continuing relationship between Clark/Superman and Lois as married, and the biological parents of Jonathan Kent. Jonathan Kent became the new Superboy in 2017 and frequently appears with both of his parents in both Superman and Action Comics magazines. The many reboots and metaverse of the Superman saga are difficult for casual fans to comprehend. As a result, Superman currently does not rule the superhero realm as he did in his storied past. But, he has long been called the Man of Tomorrow.
Superman and his friends and enemies continue to appear in films, television productions, video games, computer animations, collecting cards, graphic novels, full novels, merchandise, collectibles, commercials, school supplies, posters, and of course, in comic books. Comic books from the classic Golden and Silver ages of Superman in good condition command huge sums from collectors. Children still wear Superman costumes at Halloween, as do many adults to judge from their availability on websites. As of this writing, Superman is nearly 84 years of age, but all indications are that he will continue to enjoy a fruitful life in the realms of entertainment and imagination.
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