Christopher Reeve’s Children Share Their Unfiltered Journey in the Documentary ‘Super/Man’

NEW YORK (AP) — In the new documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” Christopher Reeve’s children have made a deliberate effort to showcase the full spectrum of their father’s life, embracing both his triumphs and challenges. They believe this approach honors what he would have desired.

The film combines cherished family home videos with interviews and memorable clips of Reeve, who famously portrayed Superman in four films and later took on other acting and directing projects. Matthew, Alexandra, and Will Reeve emphasize that there were no limits on the topics or footage shared in presenting their father’s narrative.

“He would never want us to paint an overly idealistic picture of him,” Will Reeve said in an interview with The Associated Press. “He valued genuine and comprehensive storytelling, and that’s exactly what we aimed for. We wanted to depict an honest, raw, and vulnerable view of a very human life and family.”

Known as the Man of Steel, Reeve was a passionate athlete who loved sailing, skiing, and horseback riding. However, in 1995, his life dramatically changed when a horseback riding accident left him paralyzed. He channeled his experiences into advocacy work, founding a foundation to support people with disabilities.

The film’s directors, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, were privileged to access never-before-seen home movies of the Reeve family, including footage from before and after the accident. “From the onset, they were clear about their desire to share everything—both their archives and their emotional journeys,” Bonhôte noted. “This was a unique opportunity for them to fully open up.”

Incorporating Reeve’s own voice adds a personal dimension to the documentary; he had recorded audio for his memoir prior to his death in 2005. The film delves into his family life, featuring interviews, including Gae Exton, Reeve’s first partner, and mother to his children. Exton shares poignant memories of their time in the U.K. and reflects on Reeve’s absence during key moments in their children’s childhood.

The documentary also features insights from notable actors Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close, who became close friends with Reeve after he graduated from the Juilliard School. Close hints at the deep bond shared between Reeve and his fellow classmate Robin Williams, suggesting that if Reeve were still with us today, Williams would likely be too.

The process of revisiting their father’s archives and being interviewed for the film has brought new appreciation to Reeve’s children. Will Reeve, who was only 12 when his father passed away, acknowledges the challenges faced by his family after losing both parents so close together; his mother, Dana, was diagnosed with cancer and died less than 18 months after Reeve. As an ABC News correspondent, he feels fortunate for the support of family and close friends during those formative years.

“Life could have taken a very different turn for us,” Will said. “However, the values our parents instilled in us—allowing us into their lives with both its joys and its difficulties—prepared us for life’s ups and downs.”

One of the most striking aspects the directors discovered was Reeve’s unwavering commitment to helping others, particularly after his paralysis. Confronted with the lack of resources for individuals with disabilities, he and his family established the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, aiming to enhance quality of life and advance research for spinal cord injury cures.

“He allowed himself brief moments of self-pity, then dedicated himself to changing the world,” Bonhôte commented. “The entire family faced considerable challenges, including the burden of 24-hour care and associated costs. Yet, he fought for those less fortunate.”

Alexandra Reeve Givens is continuing her family’s legacy of advocacy as a Washington attorney and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, while actively participating in the foundation. Reflecting on her father’s life has been a deeply moving experience for her. “Witnessing the constant traits of his character—commitment, passion, and strength—was powerful,” she expressed. “After the accident, his strength manifested in new ways; it became about the resilience to get up each day.”

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Reeve’s passing, the film will widely release on Friday. Matthew Reeve, who has taken on roles as a writer, producer, and director, believes the film has reinforced valuable lessons imparted by their parents, especially regarding life’s fragility.

“It instilled in us an appreciation for everything—from gratitude for his survival after the accident to a profound understanding that tomorrow is never guaranteed,” he stated. “We learn to treasure the present.”