Even several decades and several actors later, Christopher Reeve remains the definitive Superman.
Youll believe a man can fly, boasted the famous tagline forSuperman: The Movie.
And to its credit, the film pulled it off by delivering state-of-the-art special effects.
Rather, its starChristopher Reeve, who gives the greatest performance in any superhero movie.
We see right before our eyes the difference between Clark Kent and Superman.
Even today, you believe that even keen-eyed Lois would miss the similarities between Clark and Superman.
Wonderful as it is, that scene creates a problem for anyone who would follow in Reeves red boots.
Who else could so perfectly embody the differences between Clark and Superman?
Who else could carry Supermans fundamental dignity and strength?
Who else could make us believe that a man could fly?
Nothing illustrates this tension better than his performance in the worst movie during his tenure,Superman IIIfrom 1983.
Always considerate and ready for action, Superman listens attentively to the man and takes seriously his expertise.
When the fire grows closer to the vats, the scientist orders Superman to bring the fire hoses immediately.
Without pride or a sense of ego, Superman leaps into action.
The ladder collapses and Jimmy falls to the ground.
A broken leg now leaves him vulnerable to the encroaching flames.
The entire time, Reeve weaves gentleness into his voice, listening to Jimmys concerns and reassuring him.
Choppy and nonsensical as the sequence is, Reeve sells it all.
No one would come away fromSuperman IIIthinking they saw a great movie.
But in most cases, the Superman performances are dictated by the quality of the movie.
Take the most recent famous example,Henry Cavillin theZack SnyderDCEU films.
Cavills got the look, with his bright blue eyes and lantern jaw.
The same may be true for the best Superman post-Reeve, played by Tyler Hoechlin inSuperman & Lois.
Hoechlin has a sweetness in his Superman that reflects the characters Midwestern values.
But even Hoechlin is limited by the material.
And thus far, only Reeve has embodied that fact.
That only compounds our trepidation towardDavid Corenswetas the Man of Steel.
Corenswet has stood out inPearland was serviceable enough inTwisters.
And yet, we still hope that Corenswet or another actor can properly follow in his footsteps.
Because if we dont have hope, if we dont believe, then we dont understand Superman at all.
Superman flies into theaters on July 11, 2025.
