Christopher Reeve's Superman is more than just a role; it's a cultural landmark. For those who grew up in the 1980s and '90s, his portrayal epitomized heroism with vulnerability—a beacon of optimism in an ever-complex world. Yet, behind the cape was an actor who nearly walked away, not just once but twice.
Reeve was never Hollywood's first choice. When casting the original Superman (1978), the producers pursued heavyweights like Robert Redford, Warren Beatty, and even Burt Reynolds. But spandex didn't suit their egos or images. Rising action stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger auditioned, yet lacked the All-American charm needed for Clark Kent. Even Patrick Wayne, son of John Wayne, was briefly signed before stepping aside due to personal tragedy.
Eventually, the role went to the unknown Reeve, thanks largely to casting director Lynn Stalmaster's persistence. By Superman III, however, studio politics threatened to undo everything Reeve and the franchise had built.
A Superhero Saga Turned Soap Opera
The making of Superman III was mired in controversy. Director Richard Donner, who helmed the first two films, was ousted due to “creative differences” with producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind. His absence caused a ripple effect: Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) expressed their disapproval, with Kidder's criticisms reportedly leading to a diminished role. Reeve, loyal to Donner, initially refused to return.
The producers scrambled, offering the part to Kurt Russell, John Travolta, and even Jeff Bridges. None accepted. Rumors circulated that comedian Tony Danza might step in, but they were quickly debunked. Eventually, director Richard Lester persuaded Reeve to return, but not without legal wrangling and personal reservations.
The Wild Ride of Superman III
Superman III is perhaps the most polarizing entry in the series. The plot, a mix of corporate satire and superhero spectacle, feels like a blend of James Bond and The Boys. Billionaire Ross Webster (Robert Vaughn) schemes to monopolize the global coffee market by using a computer genius, Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), to manipulate the weather. The absurdity peaks when synthetic Kryptonite corrupts Superman, turning him into a beer-drinking, flame-snuffing antihero who straightens the Leaning Tower of Pisa out of spite.
Reeve's dual performance—oscillating between virtuous Superman and his darker, cynical counterpart—remains the film's highlight. The actor's ability to bring depth to a compromised hero is remarkable, adding layers to a character often criticized for being too perfect.
Yet, the tonal shift toward comedy, driven by Pryor's casting, alienated fans and critics alike. Reeve himself lamented the direction, describing the film as “another Richard Pryor comedy” in his autobiography.
The Legacy of Superman and Reeve's Resilience
Looking back, Superman III is an ambitious, flawed spectacle that dared to take risks. Its satirical undertones and darker character arcs were ahead of their time, laying the groundwork for modern superhero deconstructions like The Dark Knight and Watchmen.
For Reeve, the decision to return was both a compromise and a triumph. His dedication to the character cemented his legacy as the definitive Superman, even as the franchise stumbled. By the time Superman IV: The Quest for Peace rolled around, it was clear the series had run out of steam.
Personal Impressions: Reeve's Superman is the perfect blend of humanity and heroism—a performance that transcends time. Watching Superman III, one marvels at his ability to elevate even a chaotic script. The darker Superman, with his crooked grin and weary eyes, hints at the moral complexities superhero films would later embrace.
While the movie's comedic detours feel jarring, they're undeniably entertaining. Pryor's charisma adds a unique, if divisive, flavor to the story. Still, one can't help but wonder what the film might have been under Donner's direction.
Do you think Superman III was ahead of its time with its satirical tone, or did it stray too far from what makes Superman great?
