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Christopher Reeve’s Superman: A Look Back at Casting and Legacy

Christopher Reeve will forever hold a special place in the hearts of millennials and Generation X as the iconic Man of Steel. While contemporary discussions about Superman’s portrayal may focus on actors like Henry Cavill and David Corenswet, Reeve’s journey to landing the role was fraught with challenges. Initially, he faced intense competition from big-name stars such as Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Sylvester Stallone, all of whom were less enthusiastic about the spandex suit that comes with the superhero package.

Despite the odds, it was a lesser-known actor who ultimately snagged the role. Reeve’s tenacity was evident when he was finally recognized by casting director Lynn Stalmaster, who advocated for him. Reeve revealed in his autobiography, Still Me, that his name was initially discarded multiple times, ultimately leading to the decision to cast him as Superman over more familiar faces.

‘Superman III’: A Unique Blend of Genres

Released on June 17, 1983, Superman III marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, bringing a rather unconventional story that blurs the lines between superhero action and comedy. While the film faced criticism for its execution, its storyline echoed elements reminiscent of a James Bond plot, particularly with its villain, Ross Webster, a billionaire intent on cornering the coffee market.

The chaos truly begins when Webster manipulates a computer programmer, Gus, played by Richard Pryor, to orchestrate a nefarious scheme against coffee crops in South America. With a twist on traditional Kryptonite, Webster aims to subdue Superman, leading to an entertaining but morally ambiguous exploration of power. As Superman grapples with his dark side, the film showcases a unique blend of comedy and peril, highlighting moments that challenge the hero’s integrity.

Reeve’s performance in this installment was more dynamic than in previous films, breaking the mold of a superhero merely saving the day. Through witty lines and a more layered portrayal, he showcased a side of Superman that audiences had yet to see, evolving the character beyond his conventional roles.

Behind the Scenes: Chaos and Controversy

Originally set to be directed by Richard Donner, who helmed the first two films, the production faced fallout due to creative disputes leading to his dismissal. This decision was met with resistance from several cast members, including Gene Hackman and Margot Kidder, illustrating the discontent within the production team. Hackman’s lack of enthusiasm towards reprising his role as Lex Luthor was notably influenced by the treatment of Donner, while Kidder’s public backlash led to her diminished screen presence.

Even Reeve expressed his reservations about Superman III, feeling that the direction had deviated toward a more comedic tone, which didn’t align with the core of the franchise. Initially, he declined the role, embroiled in disputes over creative decisions and the future of the character. Despite talks of recasting—names like Kurt Russell and Jeff Bridges were floated for the role—none were realized, and it was ultimately director Richard Lester’s charm that coaxed Reeve back.

A Fitting Conclusion to Reeve’s Superman Era

Reeve’s return for Superman III can be justified, given its comedic brilliance, despite the underlying frustrations. However, in retrospect, it became evident that this film should have marked an appropriate end for Reeve’s tenure as Superman. The franchise had started to shift, and Hollywood’s penchant for prolonging trilogies often diminishes the impact of a successful series.

As the rights to the franchise changed hands, Ilya Salkind acknowledged the necessity of closing this chapter. After Superman III, the series was sold for $5 million, and Reeve was incentivized to return for the next film, which would ultimately lead to the far less favorable Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

Reflecting on Reeve’s journey, it’s clear that Superman III stands out for its audacity in merging genres while also revealing the tumult behind the scenes. It serves as a testament to the complex relationship between an actor and a beloved character during a transformative period in superhero filmmaking.

Source
movieweb.com