‘I’m Not A Hero’: ‘Super/Man’ Doc Follows Christopher Reeve’s Quadriplegic Journey

In the trailer for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Christopher Reeve recounts the harrowing reality that set in after the debilitating May 1995 horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. The late actor was despondent but recalled the words from his wife, Dana, that gave him a reason to push forward.

“I ruined my life and everybody else’s,” Reeve says. “I won’t be able to ski, sail, throw a ball to Will, won’t be able to make love to Dana. Maybe we should let me go. And then she [Dana] said the words that saved my life, ‘You’re still you and I love you.’”

The heartfelt trailer for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story chronicles Reeve’s definitive portrayal of Clark Kent, his tragic horse-riding accident that led him to become a quadriplegic, and his advocacy work related to spinal cord injuries and disability rights. The film includes archival footage along with interviews with Reeve’s three children: Matthew Reeve, Alexandra Reeve Givens, and William Reeve.

“Everybody’s looking for a hero,” Reeve says. “I am not a hero. That was a part. I played a part. I’m not that man.”

Others featured in the film, like Susan Sarandon, describe Reeve’s friendship with Robin Williams, their shared “struggles,” and familiarity with “darkness” or dark periods in their life.

“Brother Chris is fighting like crazy,” a late Williams says in the trailer. “When you find people who fight like that, but still keep their humanity that gives you great hope.”

Reeve was selected from 200 candidates to play Superman in the 1978 film of the same name and later starred as the Man of Steel in four subsequent Superman films. As a disability advocate, Reeve lobbied Congress, appeared at the 68th Academy Awards, and hosted the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta.

The DC Studios documentary releases in select theaters Sept. 21, and will have an encore presentation Sept. 25 for Reeve’s birthday.