Latest news with #Superman
Daily Mirror
28 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Superman's original cast now from homeless horror to immense family tragedy
As new Superman remake is about to hit cinemas, we take a look at the personal and professional struggles of the original stars of the acclaimed 1978 movie directed by Richard Donner A new Superman is soaring into UK cinemas, with the cast following in the footsteps of movie legends. Sadly, this piece of Hollywood history hasn't always been a happy one, with many former stars plagued by tragedy. In this latest retelling, relative newcomer David Corenswet will star as the Man of Steel, in a blockbuster epic that follows Clark Kent's early days at the Daily Planet. The 31-year-old actor is joined by The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan as love interest Lois Lane, with British actor Nicholas Hoult stepping into the role of arch nemesis, Lex Luthor. The first major release in the new DC Universe, overseen by Marvel's former Guardians of the Galaxy visionary James Gunn, superhero fans can catch Superman in UK cinemas from Friday, July 11. Those who've followed Superman's adventures from the very beginning will no doubt be reminiscing over the original 1978 blockbuster and the stars who made cinema goers believe that a man really could fly. Here, the Mirror takes a look at what happened to the cast in the iconic film that breathed life into the superhero franchise. Christopher Reeve Handsome actor Christopher Reeve played the Man of Steel in all four movies. His final Superman movie, The Quest for Peace, was released in 1987. Reeve was so linked to the character that it was difficult for him to get lead roles in other films. The movies he did get a lead role in, sadly, did not do well at the Box Office. Then tragedy struck on May 27, 1995, cutting short his leading man status, when Reeve suffered a riding accident. He was thrown off his horse, breaking his back and paralysing him from the neck down and needing a ventilator to breathe. The father of three's documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (available to watch on NOW TV and Sky Documentaries), following his life and career before and after becoming disabled, was lauded by critics. Reeve died in October 2004, aged 52, after going into cardiac arrest. Margot Kidder Margot Kidder played Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, Clark Kent/Superman's love interest, in a role that cemented her as a Hollywood legend. Already established in Tinseltown, she'd appeared in movies The Amityville Horror, Some Kind of Hero and Black Christmas. She had a significantly reduced role in Superman 3 due to tension with the new director, Richard Lester, after Richard Donner was fired by producers. The actress dated Superman 3 co-star Richard Pryor while making Some Kind of Hero in 1982. Sadly, Kidder struggled with bipolar disorder in later years and suffered from an extreme manic episode in 1996, which left her homeless for four days. She was found by police in a paranoid, delusional state. She was found in a stranger's back garden in Glendale, California. Kidder was dirty and disoriented, with her two front teeth missing. She described it herself as "the most public freak out in history." A passionate campaigner for mental heath charities, the three-times married actress was still working up to her death, starring in "The Vagina Monologues" on Broadway. She passed away aged 69 in May 2018. Her death was ruled a suicide after taking an alcohol and drug overdose. Kidder was mum to daughter Maggie, now 47. Gene Hackman The multi-award-winning actor played Superman's arch enemy, Lex Luthor, in three of the four films. A veteran Hollywood star, his movie credits include The French Connection, Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, The Poseidon Adventure and A Bridge Too Far. Already an Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee when he played Lex Luthor, he also received two BAFTAS and three Golden Globes. Hackman was found dead, aged 95, at his home in New Mexico in February this year. His cause of death was given as heart disease and complications from Alzheimer's. He was found dead close to the body of his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Betsy was ruled to have died around a week before her husband, who may not have been aware of her death due to his progressive Alzheimer's disease. Marlon Brando The actor credited as being one of the most influential in film history played Superman's father, Jor-El, in the original movie and was paid 2 million dollars for his role of about 10 minutes. On screen, son Reeve was not impressed with Brando. In a TV interview, when asked if it was exciting to work with Brando, Reeve replied: 'Not really. No. I had a wonderful time, but the man didn't care. He just took the $2 million [salary] and ran.' Reeve also said in another interview he did not 'worship at the altar of Brando', and explained he was frustrated by Brando's "lack of professionalism" on set. After Superman, he starred in Apocalypse Now, The Freshman, A Dry White Season, The Brave and Free Money. In addition to The Godfather trilogy, he was lauded for his appearances in The Ugly American and Last Tango in Paris. In his personal life. The three-times-married actor suffered immense tragedy. His son, Christian, shot his half-sister Cheyenne's boyfriend in 1990 and was imprisoned for ten years. Brando admitted in court that he had failed his son and daughter. Grief-stricken Cheyenne later died by suicide in 1995. Brando became a recluse in later life and died in July 2004 from lung failure, aged 80. It was three months before Christopher Reeve's death. Ned Beatty Ned Beatty played Lex Luthor's sidekick Otis. He had previously appeared in hit films All The President's Men (1976) and Network ( 1976). Along with Kidder, Beatty was highly critical of Richard Donner's sacking from directing "Superman II," and he chose not to reprise his role in later films. Later appearing in movies such as Friendly Fire, Touched, he also starred alongside Gene Wilder in the 1976 railroad comedy Silver Streak. One of his most popular roles in recent years was voicing Lots o'Huggin' Bear in the 2010 film Toy Story 2. Beatty, who had eight children from four marriages, died, aged 83, in June 2021 from natural causes. Terence Stamp The British actor made a cameo appearance in the first Superman movie, before returning to play arch villain General Zod in Superman II. He also starred in Chessgame, Link, and Wall Street and received critical acclaim for his role in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Stamp also appeared in The Hunger, The Haunted Mansion, Wanted, and Valkyrie, alongside Tom Cruise. The actor was a notorious ladies' man and dated the likes of model Jean Shrimpton and actress Julie Christie. At the age of 64, Stamp married Elizabeth O'Rourke in 2002, who was 29 at the time. The couple divorced in 2008. In 2011, Stamp stunned Radio 2's Graham Norton yesterday with a below-the-belt Superman anecdote. The actor was telling him about filming Superman with Marlon Brando. Stamp said, 'One day he came over and said, 'You see those two girls? They want your d***'. I said, 'What about your d***, Marlon?' And he said, 'They've had my d**k.'' Norton interrupted and said, 'We are live.' Stamp is now 86 and lives in London. Superman is released in UK cinemas on Friday, July 11. If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch
Pink Villa
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Matt Reeves Shares Major Update on Batman 2, Everything We Know About DC Movie So Far
The Batman 2 is one of the movies that is highly looked forward to. It has been three years since Robert Pattinson starrer and the first film of the trilogy hit theaters, and with the delay, it was speculated that the second part might get shelved. Putting the rumors to an end, Matt Reeves has shared that the script for The Batman 2 is complete and that the filming will begin soon. As for his post, the filmmaker shared a picture of him sitting with the co-writer, Mattson Tomlin, and the script of the upcoming movie on the table, with a very clear Batman logo. In the caption he wrote, 'Partners in Crime (Fighters).' It has been a long wait for the fans since the first Batman movie was dropped in theaters. The sequel to the 2022 DC film was announced just a month after Robert Pattinson charmed on the big screen in his black Batman suit. After multiple delays and the audience wondering if the movie will ever be made or not, the makers have scheduled The Batman II for Oct 1, 2027. Moreover, the big update about the script completion comes after the DC head, James Gunn, addressed the delay in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He said, 'Listen, we're supposed to get a script in June. I hope that happens. We feel really good about it.' The Superman director further added, 'People should get off Matt's nuts because it's like, let the guy write the screenplay in the amount of time he needs to write it. That's just the way it is. He doesn't owe you something because you like his movie. I mean, you like his movie because of Matt. So let Matt do things the way he does.' As for the cast of the upcoming DC film, Robert Pattinson will reprise his role of Bruce Wayne. Additionally, Paul Dano, Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Jeffrey Wright, and Andy Serkis, too, will make their appearances in the movie. The plot for the second installment of the franchise has been kept under wraps. Speaking of the screenplay, Gunn went on to say, 'I am irritated by people. I mean, it's just that thing people don't need to be entitled about. It's going to come out when he feels good about the screenplay.' He continued, 'And Matt's not going to give me the screenplay until he feels good about the screenplay.' Further details about The Batman II will be rolled out soon.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Superman's Early Reactions Claim It's Complete Opposite of Man of Steel
With James Gunn's nearing its theatrical release date, early reactions to the first entry in the new DCU have leaked onto the internet following a recently conducted screening. Some of the reviews have compared Gunn's take on the title character to Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, noting a sharp contrast between the two directors' visions. The new Superman film has received its first reviews, with reactions pouring in after an early screening of the movie recently took place. The show's audience was mostly comprised of critics and influencers, who have since given their reactions to the movie. One X (formerly Twitter) user praised the new Superman film after catching the first 30 minutes of it, stating, 'Needless to say it was DAMN BEAUTIFUL. Time absolutely flew by.' Another compared James Gunn's Superman to Zack Snyder's, writing in their review that Corenswet's version is '180 degrees away from' Snyder's Man of Steel. Detailing the experience of his friend who witnessed the screening of the film, the X user wrote, 'He said the trailers have been a bit of a misdirect. But the most important thing was…he really, really liked it.' Meanwhile, an early reaction to Superman drew parallels between the movie and the fan-favorite Superman: The Animated Series, noting, 'It's very Silver-Age. It's got a lot of those sci-fi tropes. It's big in spectacle, drama, and laughs. Big in its heart. A very earnest film,' on X. Renowned entertainment insider Daniel Richtman also noted the positive early reactions to James Gunn's latest film, stating, 'I hear #Superman is good.' While the leaked early reactions to Superman suggest a positive overall reception for the new movie, more detailed reviews from critics and the general public will arrive online as the film nears its big-screen release date of July 11, 2025.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Superman first reactions are overwhelmingly positive, call David Corenswet film '180 degrees away' from Man of Steel
James Gunn's Superman reboot is all set to fly into the theatres next month worldwide. The heavily anticipated film marks the third reboot of the Superman franchise on the big screen in the last 20 years after the Brandon Routh film and Henry Cavill in the DC Extended Universe. A special preview screening of the film was held for select fans and reviewers last week, and the first reactions have now emerged online, with them being overwhelmingly positive. Superman first reactions are out, and it seems like James Gunn's reboot is out there to impress. The first 30 minutes of the film were recently shown to fans and journalists, first in Brazil and then in Manila, as part of the film's promotional tour. Both these screenings of Superman took place last week, with director James Gunn and lead David Corenswet also watching with the audience. Many of the viewers then took to social media, and it is clear they were impressed by what they saw. Viewers praised the visual aesthetics of James Gunn's Superman. One viewer wrote that the film is 'damn beautiful' and time 'flew by' as he watched it, implying that the film kept the viewers engaged. Sharing some pictures and videos from the Brazil screening, they wrote, 'No way I saw the first 30 minutes of Superman after feeling so hopeless the entire day. Needless to say it was DAMN BEAUTIFUL. Time absolutely flew by…' First reactions said Superman's tone is very DC Silver Age. Many assessments of the film's first 30 minutes emphasised its light tone, vastly different from the dark take from Zack Snyder in Man of Steel. "It's very Silver-Age. It's got a lot of those sci-fi tropes. It's big in spectacle, drama, and laughs. Big in its heart. A very earnest film," read one review. There were comparisons with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. Another X user wrote, "A friend saw @JamesGunn's SUPERMAN today. He said it's 180 degrees away from @ZackSnyder's vision. He told me A LOT of too much. He said the trailers have been a bit of a misdirect. But the most important thing really, really liked it." Praise for David Corenswet There is also praise for David Corenswet's performance as Superman, particularly how the actor switches from the superhero to his alter ego, Clark Kent. "The first 30 mins of #Superman is so fcking good! A fresh new perspective to take the character! David is SO GOOD switching from Clark to Superman and the chemistry with Rachel," wrote another viewer. Directed by James Gunn, Superman is meant to launch the new DC Universe. The film also stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, along with Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. The film releases in theatres on July 11.
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicholas Hoult reveals 'worryingly' dangerous hobby that leaves film bosses terrified for the Superman star's safety
Nicholas Hoult has revealed his 'worryingly' dangerous hobby of racing Ferraris and said he has to often reassure film bosses. The British actor, 35, who plays Lex Luthor in the new Superman movie, explained just how terrifying his love of speed can be. The father-of-two told The Daily Mirror: 'The fastest I drove was at the Circuit of the Americans in Texas, we hit about 170mph'. 'I was trying not to glance down because you might miss something. Going in a straight line fast isn't the worrying bit. It's going around the corners, that's when things can go wrong'. Nicholas often shares his love for racing to Instagram alongside snaps of himself posing alongside numerous Ferrari supercars. In one gushing post he said: 'Since I was a kid I loved racing, I grew up watching F1 with my dad and now I get to share the passion with my boy. Never thought I'd get the chance to drive myself, dream come true' Nicholas is wed to stunning model Bryana Holly, 31, and together the fiercely private couple share son Joaquin, six, and another child born in 2022. Last year he confirmed the couple were married after sparking speculation when he referred to her as his 'wife'. The couple, who rarely make public appearances together, officially began dating in 2016 after meeting in Los Angeles. Warner Bros. released a new trailer for Superman earlier this month, as fans flocked to pick up their tickets just as they went on sale, seemingly at a record pace. Amazon announced also a special offer for Prime members to see Superman a few days before its July 11 release, with early screenings on July 8. With the trailer's debut on Wednesday, it was also announced by Fandango that the Prime early screenings were the ticket retailer's best first-day ticket pre-sales of 2025. Fans have not been hesitating to scoop up their own tickets for the July 11 release, with many taking to social media to show off their ticket purchases. Early box office projections have already been quite huge, with early numbers suggesting it could open between $154 million and $175 million. If this record pace continues, it could be even higher, as fans have continued to express their excitement on social media all day on Wednesday after the new trailer dropped. The trailer begins with a massive skyscraper falling and Superman (David Corenswet) swooping in to stop it from hitting the ground as we hear Lex Luthor (Nicholas) detailing his plan to destroy the Man of Steel. Luthor and his minions are seen destroying Superman's Fortress of Solitude, while we also see Superman/Clark Kent making out with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), along with shots of his parents (Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell). Droids are seeing picking up a battered Superman and taking him to the Fortress, along with shots of Superman in battle with Luthor's various henchfolk. One particular shot fans have been cheering for shows Superman and his beloved dog Krypto the Superdog battle an enemy, literally punching his teeth out and hitting the camera lens, breaking the proverbial 'fourth wall.' Superman is also see clashing with the abrasive Green Lantern character Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), who challenges him to, 'make a move, big blue.' More shots show people all over the world rooting for Superman, which infuriates Luthor, who says, 'They chose him, let them die.' An exhausted Superman is also seen on the ground during a battle, as Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) tells him, 'Hey, quit messing around!' Superman responds playfully (and tiredly), 'I'm not messing around, I'm doing important stuff,' another line that has clearly resonated with fans on social media. The final shot shows Superman using his eyeball lasers to take out a slew of enemies, which fans have praised as well, such as @UpToTASK, who said, 'YOOOOOOOOOOOOOO this is hard AF #Superman.' Another fan dubbed @DCUSuperboy said in all caps, 'I GENUINELY DON'T KNOW HOW YOU CAN LOOK AT THIS AND NOT BE HYPED FOR #SUPERMAN.' Of course, not everyone was as excited, with many like @agamelift still praising director Zack Snyder for his previous DCEU films. 'The #Superman blueprint is @ZackSnyder. This movie looks like complete garbage - Guardians of the Galaxy with Superman while copying major elements of Man of Steel and doing them worse. Yes, clearly the plot leak a few months back was legit,' he said. Others like Aaron Fischer blasted the movie for its comedic elements, stating he has, 'lost all hope for this film,' adding it will be, 'stupid and silly.' Still, many were so excited they bought tickets immediately, like @SupermanOnFilm, who said, 'I've already bought 8 tickets for opening weekend #Superman.'
