There is something about Superman that keeps us coming back. After countless movies, TV shows, sequels, and remakes, we are happy to return. But the appeal of Superman has changed over time.
Now, James Gunn has cast his newSuperman: Legacyfilm with David Corenswet as his Clark Kent/Kal-El. But this young actor can learn a few things from the first modern Superman actor, Christopher Reeve.
Superman in 1978
In 1978 the tagline for the newSupermanmovie was “You’ll believe a man can fly.” It epitomized exactly what people were going to get, a new look at a character that had existed in comic books for years. Superman had not been brought to life on the big screen since the days of black and white cartoons, and now, here he was in all his glory.
The actor chosen to portray the characterwas Christopher Reeve. He was a tall, lanky actor with a great smile and a likability that director Richard Donner was sure could hold the key to the entire enterprise.
This was a different time. Superhero movies were not just unpopular; they were non-existent. The last time superheroes had really been shown was in the 60sBatmanTV show, where they were portrayed as goofy and complete cartoons. In fact, the characters were often more cartoonish than their comic book namesakes.
Donner decided that his Superman would live in a world that felt real, lived in, and populated by actual problems that the world was experiencing. This meant that Superman had to be a very specific kind of hero. Christopher Reeve was up for the challenge.
Reeve was twenty-four years old and a towering 6ft 4in tall. When he got the part,the costume departmentwas ordered to pad out his suit so that he would have muscles, but Reeve said he would change that and took two months to bulk up. Needless to say, the costume department ditched the fake muscles.
But beyond muscles, Reeve brought something else to the character. He understood how Superman needed to portray himself to the public and how he needed to act when under his alter-ego of Clark Kent. The two could not have been more different except for the fact that each was charming in their own way.
Reeve would go on to star in four Superman films before hanging up his tights and cape. But not before cementing himself in people’s minds for decades as the one true Superman.
What David Corenswet Brings to the Table
Corenswet is not an untested actor but has also never truly held the spotlight. At 29, he’s older than Reeve but matches his 6ft 4in height. He has a fit build, but it will be interesting to see if he decides to bulk up for the role. Other Superman actors have gone further than Reeve in their attempts at creating muscles (See the DCEU’s Henry Cavill), but many people think that Superman just needs to be fit, as his strength does not actually need to match his muscles.
Related:Henry Cavill & Superman Fans React to David Corenswet Casting in the DCU
But Corenswet also brings with him a charm and boyishness, even for a man about to turn thirty. In fact, his age may have been a deciding factor as James Gunn has gone about trying to find his ideal leading man. In this film, Superman is no novice and is attempting to balance his life on Earth with his Kryptonian heritage.
Corenswet Brings an air of powerand innocence to the role that will assist him in portraying the dichotomy of being both the man of steel and a mild-mannered reporter.
Reeve’s Balance Is a Masterclass for Corenswet
The way James Gunn seems to want to play with the character is to show Superman’s two sides and how he keeps them balanced. This is an important aspect of the character and one that must be addressed in any Superman movie. If the character is only seen with one persona, there will likely be an issue with how the audience views him.
Christopher Reeve took the character of Clark Kent and gave him a well-balanced upbringing that would lead to a well-rounded individual. His parents make sure that he understands the gravity of who he is and the importance of using his powers for good. Reeve plays this character as slightly naive but overall a good person who, in his attempt to be normal, overdoes the awkwardness.
Related:1978’s Superman: The Dawn of Superhero Spectacle
On the other side, Reeve’s Superman is confident, decisive, and a genuine role model to people everywhere. He is not seen as a threat because he has always been a defender. When he flies over Metropolis, people look up in wonder and pride, not fear and loathing.
Corenswet would do well to learn from Reeve’sportrayal. If he can bring the same wide-eyed innocence to Clark while standing tall as Superman, he will ingratiate himself with audiences everywhere. It is also important that he show the same compassion that Reeve brought to the role. Superman does not kill, he is not out to harm, and if people get hurt, he makes sure that everything is being done to help them. He works with authorities to solve problems and does not go rogue. Reeve took the idea of being a paragon of virtue and splashed it on the screen for people to admire.
Corenswet needs to follow Reeve’s lead and give audiences a true hero to look up to. He does not need the darkness of previous films. He should be proud to wear the blue and red in defense of those that need his help. James Gunn understands this, and the hope is that he can impart this knowledge toCorenswet forSuperman: Legacy.
