Christopher Reeve's Children Remember Their 'Wonderful Dad' in New Film

The children of the late actor Christopher Reeve have honored his legacy as a "wonderful dad" in a moving new documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. The film, which is generating buzz for a potential Oscar nomination, delves into Reeve’s life, his career as Superman, and his brave journey after being paralyzed in a 1995 horse-riding accident.

Christopher Reeve, who portrayed Superman in the iconic 1970s and 80s films, passed away in 2004, a decade after the accident that changed his life. His three children – Matthew, Alexandra, and Will – share their memories of him in the documentary, emphasizing that despite his celebrity status, their father maintained a strong focus on family life.

Matthew Reeve, his eldest son, reflected on how his father’s fame never affected their everyday life. "He didn’t bring his work home; he was like any other dad," Matthew told BBC One's The One Show. "We had to mind our table manners, eat our vegetables, do our homework, and practice piano. But of course, when we went to the playground, kids would recognize him. He was just a wonderful, wonderful dad."

When asked about how other children reacted to meeting him, Matthew humorously recalled, "Once they got past the initial distinction of fiction and reality, and realized he couldn’t fly, then the disappointment would set in."

While many people already know the broad strokes of Christopher Reeve’s story, Super/Man offers a deeper look into his life post-accident. The documentary explores how he adapted to his new reality, gaining a fresh perspective on life, and also touches on the emotional impact his disability had on his family.

The film blends Hollywood glamour with powerful moments of personal reflection, featuring never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage of Reeve filming Superman, as well as interviews with close friends such as Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, and the late Robin Williams. The documentary also revisits a pivotal moment in Reeve’s post-accident life: his courageous appearance at the Academy Awards, which made a significant cultural impact.

"That trip was incredibly important to him," Matthew shared. "It was his first public appearance after the accident. We stayed up very late to watch it, and seeing a person that disabled, a movie star, in front of such a large audience made a huge cultural impact."

Although the documentary includes many heartwarming and even humorous moments, it doesn’t shy away from the struggles Reeve faced. It highlights how his severe physical constraints transformed his relationships, particularly with his children, allowing them to form a deeper bond through conversation rather than physical activities.

Critics have praised Super/Man for its balanced portrayal of Reeve’s life. It doesn’t sugarcoat his difficulties but also celebrates his courage and resilience. "The movie doesn’t downplay how hard it was for Reeve to transition to living with a disability," noted Carla Hay of Culture Mix. "There are tearjerking moments, but also plenty of joy and hope."

While the film has received positive reviews, an Oscar nomination is not guaranteed. Recent years have seen the Academy often overlook celebrity-led documentaries. Nevertheless, Super/Man has touched audiences worldwide, offering an intimate look at Christopher Reeve’s extraordinary life, both as a beloved actor and as a father.

The documentary will be released in cinemas on November 1st, following its UK premiere at the London Film Festival. Alexandra Reeve Givens, one of Christopher's children, explained the timing of the film release. "This year marks the 20th anniversary of our dad passing away, and while it wasn’t intentionally timed this way, we felt it was the right moment to share his story."

The film includes home videos that the family shared with the filmmakers, adding a deeply personal layer to the narrative. "Reliving those experiences was incredibly powerful," Alexandra said. "It tells the story of our dad but also shows what it means to be a family and stick together through thick and thin."