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New York Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Will Reeve reveals first impression of Superman David Corenswet
Up, up, and away! Will Reeve, who is the son of the late Christopher Reeve, recently sat down with The Post for an exclusive interview ahead of the new 'Superman' movie, now in theaters. While Will, 33, discussed everything from his cameo in the new superhero flick to how the cast and crew of the film paid tribute to his legendary father, he also revealed which of the many iconic Superman costumes is his favorite. 21 Will Reeve at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 7. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP 21 David Corenswet at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 7. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP 'I think the classic, with the cape and the trunks on the outside and the big red boots and the vibrant colors,' he said. 'That works for me.' Even though Will's famous father donned one of the most iconic Superman outfits in 'Superman: The Movie' and its three sequels, the outfit has a lengthy history. Before Christopher Reeve wore the blue, red and yellow ensemble for the first time in 1978, the costume was worn by Kirk Alyn in 1948 and 1950 before George Reeves in 1951. Both Alyn and Reeves' costumes were made of knit wool with muted colors to film in black and white. Reeve's suit was the first to depart from knit wool, and it was made of custom-woven and stretchy nylon material, plastic, and small metal elements for the snaps and zippers. 21 Kirk Alyn climbs through an open window as the Man of Steel in an episode of the Columbia serial 'Superman' in 1948. Corbis via Getty Images 21 George Reeves as the Man of Steel in the 1950s series 'Adventures of Superman.' Mptv/Kobal/Shutterstock 21 Christopher Reeve as the Man of Tomorrow in 'Superman: The Movie' in 1978. THA/Shutterstock After Will's father donned the red cape one last time for 'Superman IV: The Quest for Peace' in 1987, it was put on ice until actor Brandon Routh picked up the Man of Steel mantle for 'Superman Returns' in 2006. Routh's costume marked the first time a live-action Superman suit was given texture. During an interview with CBS News in 2006, costume designer Louise Mingenbach described the outfit as 'high-tech and ultra-thin' and made of a spandex blend she called Milliskin. More recently, the Krypton crest was worn by Henry Cavill until, finally, David Corenswet was cast as the latest Man of Tomorrow for James Gunn's new blockbuster. Where Cavill's thick suit was woven with multiple layers of thin mesh, chainmail, and foam latex, per costume designer Michael Wilkinson, Corenswet's was created with custom 3D-printed fabric. Judianna Makovsky, who designed the newest Superman suit, described Corenswet's costume as 'a little more clothing, less spandex' in a recent interview about her creation. 21 Brandon Routh as Superman in the 2006 movie 'Superman Returns.' REUTERS 21 Henry Cavill as Superman in 2013's 'Man of Steel.' AP 21 David Corenswet as Superman in the newest 'Superman' movie. Warner Bros. Pictures Although Will doesn't own any of his father's ensembles, he noted that one of the original costumes is where it belongs: on display at the Smithsonian Museum. 'I don't personally have anything from 'Superman,' but I think something that's a great honor for our family is that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, has one of the original costumes that my dad wore,' he shared. 'I think that any Superman memorabilia, or items from the set, are better served in public display for the millions of people who love the character, and who loved my father more than it might have on my mantle,' he added. Reeve met Corenswet, 32, and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) for the first time last year on the set of 'Superman.' 21 Will Reeve during an episode of 'GMA3' on May 27, 2025. ABC via Getty Images 21 David Corenswet as Superman in James Gunn's new 'Superman' blockbuster. Warner Bros. Pictures 21 David Corenswet (Superman) and Nicoulas Hoult (Lex Luthor) at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 7. Warner Bros. via Getty Images 'In May of 2024, I visited the set in Atlanta, where they filmed much of the movie, and I got to meet David and Nick on that day and watch them work for a little while,' the ABC News correspondent recalled. 'And it was a treat,' Will continued. 'I felt so welcomed and included. And I did say to David in that moment where we met, I wanted him to know that I, my brother, and sister, and our whole family are just excited for them.' Before having Will with wife Dava Reeve in 1992, Christopher welcomed son Matthew, now 45, and daughter Alexandra, now 41, with his former partner, Gae Exton. 21 Christopher Reeve in New York City in 1970. Getty Images 21 Christopher Reeve in 1977. Getty Images One thing the younger Reeve made clear when he met Corenswet for the first time was that he and his siblings are 'not the gatekeepers of Superman' despite their father's seemingly inseparable connection to the character. 'I keep saying we're not the gatekeepers of Superman, just because our dad is so inextricably linked with that role,' Will told The Post. 'So I didn't want anyone involved in this new project to think that we were anything but supportive and excited as fans and friends.' Will first crossed paths with Corenswet when the actor was with his wife Julia Best Warner and their then-newborn daughter. 21 Will Reeve at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 7. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP 21 David Corenswet at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 7. WireImage 'David was in his full Superman costume, pushing his daughter in her stroller while she was napping, you know, like sort of rocking back,' he recalled, laughing. 'It looked like something that Norman Rockwell would have conceived.' 21 James Gunn, David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult and Peter Safran attend the 'Superman' photocall at the Corinthia Hotel London on July 3, 2025, in London, England. Getty Images 21 Peter Safran, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet and James Gunn attend the premiere of 'Superman' at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on July 7, 2025. REUTERS As for the new movie, Will said it is 'everything that a great superhero blockbuster movie can and should be.' 'It's just so fun,' he shared. 'I think that Superman, the character, is a bit quirky and slightly corny, earnest. Pure of heart, so on and so forth. And that shines through.' 'I think that's what made my dad's version so resonant with audiences back when it came out and through to the present day, because he played the character as it was ideally conceived, and really, he embodied it,' Will added. 21 Will Reeve at Disney Upfront 2025 on May 13 in New York City. Disney via Getty Images 21 David Corenswet participates in the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in New York. CJ Rivera/Invision/AP He also praised Corenswet's Superman performance and his ability to portray both the Man of Steel and his alter ego, Clark Kent, in particular. We're Tracking Prime Day Live! Unlock exclusive NYP codes and real-time deals on everyday must-haves. See Your Deals 'I don't know what it's like to play Superman, but from what I can tell, there's a trick you have to pull off, and I commend David for doing that, and for picking up the torch,' Will acknowledged. 'I think that that was my dad's greatest work in Superman was convincing audiences to believe not only that a man could fly, but also that the same being was also Clark Kent, who was a bit bumbling and awkward.' The James Gunn-directed action sci-fi also stars Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern) and Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen). 21 Peter Safran, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Superman' on July 07, 2025, in Hollywood, California. Warner Bros. via Getty Images 21 Will Reeve at the premiere of 'Superman' in Los Angeles on July 7. REUTERS Will previously reunited with Corenswet for a 'Good Morning America' interview that aired Thursday. 'That was a special thing for me,' he said regarding interviewing the new 'Superman' star. 'And I was honored to get to speak with David.' 'As he ventures off on this great journey, he doesn't need my or my family's permission to be Superman or to be great as Superman,' Will concluded. 'But we're certainly cheering him and the whole Superman team on.'
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Every 'Superman' movie, ranked by critics
James Gunn directed a new "Superman" film starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. Superman movies have been a moneymaker since Christopher Reeve starred in 1978's "Superman: The Movie." Here are all the "Superman" movies, ranked by critics from worst to best. The son of Krypton is finally back in theaters. The beloved character, who first appeared in a 1938 comic, got his first big-screen depiction forty years later, when Christopher Reeve took on the role in 1978's "Superman: The Movie," cementing Superman's place in pop culture lore. Since then, many more actors have played Superman, to varying degrees of critical acclaim. More recently, director Zack Snyder's now-defunct DC Extended Universe era showcased a darker side of Superman through Henry Cavill 's performance. Now, "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise director James Gunn is trying his hand at a Man of Steel movie, with David Corenswet playing the character in the latest era. Gunn's "Superman," which also stars Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, harkens back to the lighter tone of the Reeve era, when Superman's priorities were striving for truth, justice, and preserving the American way. How does the new movie compare to previous depictions of the comic-book icon? Here are all the "Superman" movies, ranked by critics' scores on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics saw 1987's "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" as nothing more than a cash grab. Marking the final time Christopher Reeve played the superhero, "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" is an example of doing a movie for all the wrong reasons: namely, money. Though Reeve got a larger salary and more creative control, The Cannon Group's takeover of the franchise led to corner-cutting, resulting in a film that lacked depth and production value. It was a dud. Zack Snyder couldn't live up to the hype with 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." Three years after Henry Cavill came on the scene as Superman in "Man of Steel," director Zack Snyder put together the ultimate faceoff: Superman versus Batman. Two comic-book icons finally sharing one screen meant the hype for the movie was through the roof. But ultimately, Snyder couldn't deliver. Cavill plays a Superman who is too tortured, and though Ben Affleck is impressive as Batman, the corny connection between Superman and The Dark Knight (both their mothers are named Martha!) is unforgivable. 1983's "Superman III" lacked the great storytelling of previous movies. After the massive success of "Superman II," a third movie was fast-tracked. Gene Hackman didn't return as Lex Luthor, but Richard Pryor was added as a bumbling tech whiz who goes up against Superman, getting a $5 million paycheck for his efforts. It resulted in a flat story that lacked the high stakes of the previous films. Critics were mixed on 2013's "Man of Steel," which marked Henry Cavill's debut as Superman. For Henry Cavill's first movie as Kal-El, he nailed the character's look and physique, but his performance is more moody thanks to Zack Snyder's direction. The interpretation polarized critics, setting the stage for how audiences would treat Cavill's entire run as Superman. 2006's "Superman Returns" is an impressive entry in the franchise. Between Reeve and Cavill was Brandon Routh's time wearing the red cape. Though it was brief, audiences enjoyed his depiction of the superhero — quite the feat, given that Reeve's portrayal was still highly regarded by fans. 2025's "Superman" impressed critics. David Corenswet is perfectly cast as the Man of Steel in James Gunn's take on Superman. The movie's playful tone, which devotes screen time to Kal-El's superpowered dog, Krypto, keeps it entertaining for both kids and adults. Everything about 1978's "Superman: The Movie" is perfection. After decades of trying to get Superman to the big screen, director Richard Donner was the man to finally pull it off. He cleared the biggest hurdle by casting Superman right with the choice of Reeve, a physically impressive actor who also had the acting chops to land the emotional scenes. A cast filled out by heavyweights like Marlon Brando as Superman's father, Jor-El; Glenn Ford as his Earth father, Jonathan Kent; Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane helped cement the movie a beloved work decades later. 1981's "Superman II" pulls off the unthinkable: being better than the original. One of the rare sequels that's better than the original, the dual storylines of Superman being willing to let go of his powers to be with Lois (Kidder), and General Zod (Terence Stamp) escaping exile to come to Earth to destroy Superman with the help of Luthor (Hackman) are perfectly crafted. Plus, the big showdown between Superman and Zod on the streets of New York City is a feat of 1980s practical effects.
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
How Will Reeve honored his dad at 'Superman' premiere
As "Superman" soared into theaters this week, Will Reeve, son of the late actor Christopher Reeve -- who played the eponymous superhero in the 1978 film and its immediate sequels -- followed in his father's footsteps on the red carpet with a family heirloom up his sleeve to celebrate the premiere. "It was fabulous," the "Good Morning America" correspondent said after attending the film's world premiere in Los Angeles at the TCL Chinese Theater on Monday night, noting that "they shut down Hollywood Boulevard" as fans lined the streets dressed in costumes, holding signs and cheering, in what Will Reeve described as "the blockbuster-iest thing I have ever seen." "It was just really fun, everyone was incredibly welcoming and excited about this new movie. I was just glad to be literally a tiny part of it," the 33-year-old said. Christopher Reeve played the title character in 1978's "Superman" and its three sequels -- 1980's "Superman II," 1983's "Superman III" and 1987's "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" -- and walked in front of the same iconic Los Angeles venue for the 1978 film's premiere, a fact Will Reeve said he "learned on the carpet." "I'm not sure I had known that going in. It just made it more special," he said. "I do have a connection to this character, this franchise and movie through my dad. He defined the role for so many people for so many years. So, to be walking literally in his footsteps was something special to me." He added, "I had an homage to him that I didn't tell anyone about: I was wearing his cuff links." Will Reeve has a cameo in the new James Gunn "Superman," which he said "is very close to home" to his job as a journalist and made the situation "much more comfortable." "I am no actor. I have immense respect for those who do that professionally, because it is difficult and challenging," he said. "They get takes though, which we don't get in what we do [as journalists]." He continued, "I was honored to get to play, truly, a small part. It was a really nice homage to my family's connection to this franchise ... It was nice." According to Will Reeve, Gunn thanked the cast and crew before the screening began, "and he shouted me out, and I wanted to sort of shrink away and go, 'No, no, this is about you guys. I just had a little cameo.' But it was nice." The new "Superman" film stars David Corenswet in the title role, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The film hits theaters Friday.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Superman Battles Brutal Villain in New Teaser
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors This Wednesday, we're supposed to be getting a new full trailer for "Superman", but in the meantime, James Gunn treated us to a little taste of what we should expect. The filmmaker released a 15-second preview of the trailer, featuring footage of a battle between Superman and a mechanized villain named the Hammer of Boravia. You can watch the teaser below. Read More: 'Superman' Releases New Look at Classic DC Superhero The Hammer of Boravia is an original villain, i.e., he has not appeared in the comics, though the fictional nation from which he hails is from the source material. In fact, Boravia first appeared all the way back in 1939's "Superman" #2. We've also seen Boravia in bits and pieces of the TV spots and teaser trailers released so far. David Corenswet in "Superman." David Corenswet in "Superman." Warner Bros This won't be the first time Superman has fought an original villain of this caliber on the big screen. In 1987's "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace", Christopher Reeve's Superman fought the Nuclear Man, a rival who would only show up in the comics much later. Of course, we all hope James Gunn's "Superman" does better than the flop that ended that film series. Superman certainly does seem to have his hands full in this film. So far, we've seen him fighting fire-breathing kaiju, a black clad villain who may or may not be Ultraman, and now the Hammer of Boravia. It's no wonder he's got Krypto and heroes like Metamorpho, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Mister Terrific watching his back. No matter what else you can say about "Superman", it certainly doesn't look like it's going to be lacking in the action department. The promotional lead-up to "Superman" is ramping up nicely ahead of tomorrow's trailer. Along with this new teaser, we've seen new posters for the film, including a motion poster, Krypto playing with Superman and Mister Terrific in a Milk Bone commercial, and even a new video ad in New York City's Times Square. With Marvel's "Thunderbolts*" now in the rear view mirror, expect the weeks leading up to July 11 to bring us all plenty of "Superman" advertisements, for better or worse. "Superman" releases in theaters on July 11. The film is written and directed by James Gunn. "Superman" stars David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. More Comics: Robert Downey Jr. Teases Doctor Doom In New Image 'Avengers: Doomsday' First Look Marks Production Milestone
Boston Globe
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Gene Hackman gets a much-deserved retrospective at the Coolidge
Superman, portrayed by Christopher Reeve, and Gene Hackman, right, are shown in a scene from "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace." AP Photo 'I think it's important to note that this series was programmed in the fall of 2024,' says Mark Anastasio, program director at the Coolidge. 'We really wanted to honor Mr. Hackman with a retrospective while he was still with us. This is now incredibly bittersweet.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Here's the lineup, along with my two cents about each film. Since I love a good double feature, I'm adding a second movie you can watch at home once you leave the theater. Advertisement 'The French Connection' Both of the films Ernest Tidyman co-wrote in 1971, 'Shaft' and 'The French Connection,' were huge hits, essentially saving their respective studios from bankruptcy. This film also cleaned up at the Academy Awards, winning five Oscars including best picture, director, adapted screenplay, and actor for Hackman; it was his third Oscar nomination in four years. The film's protagonist is Popeye Doyle, a corrupt and racist New York City detective who'll stop at nothing to get his man. Hackman's barroom scene inspired Eddie Murphy's parody in '48 Hrs.,' the scene that made the comedian a star. While I admit Hackman is fantastic, I've never been a fan of this movie. Besides the famous car chase (which director William Friedkin surpassed in his superior 1985 film, 'To Live and Die in L.A.'), I never understood why it's so revered. I guess you just had to be there. ( April 1, 7 p.m. ) Double feature: Watch Hackman expertly reprise Popeye Doyle in 1975's 'French Connection II.' (Available on Prime) Advertisement Gene Hackman in "The Conversation." The Boston Globe/Boston Globe 'The Conversation' If there's a role that encapsulates the essence of a Gene Hackman performance, it's surveillance expert Harry Caul in Francis Ford Coppola's terrifying masterpiece. And Hackman didn't even earn an Oscar nomination for it! The best of the batch of Watergate-era paranoid thrillers features a villainous Harrison Ford and Hackman's bespectacled antihero slowly succumbing to his obsessive desire to hear what he wants to hear. This movie will haunt you for days. Features the most sinister saxophone in cinema history. (April 6, 2 p.m.) Double feature: Tony Scott's Hackman-Will Smith paranoid thriller 'Enemy of the State' (1998) is a pseudo-sequel where Hackman's character may or may not be Harry Caul. (Available on Prime) Gene Hackman in "Hoosiers." Orion Pictures/Handout 'Hoosiers' Widely considered one of the best sports movies ever made, 'Hoosiers' showcases Hackman's softer side. Set at an Indiana high school in the 1950s, this film is an uplifting tale of second chances. Hackman plays the coach who inspires his team, and Oscar-nominee Dennis Hopper is the drunk he hires as his assistant coach. You will cheer. (April 8, 7 p.m., 35mm) Double feature: NFL coach Hackman + QB Keanu Reeves + sports comedy + misfit players = the enjoyable hot mess from 2000 called 'The Replacements.' (Available on AppleTV+) 'Night Moves' Who doesn't love a bleak-as-hell 1970s neo-noir? This is Hackman's 'Chinatown,' helmed by his 'Bonnie and Clyde' director Arthur Penn and featuring the debut of Melanie Griffith. Susan Clark ('Ma'am' to all you 'Webster' fans) plays Hackman's adulterous wife (a role originally offered to Faye Dunaway); Griffith is the missing teen who sets the plot in motion. An underseen, bitter little gem well worth experiencing in a theater. (April 13, 2 p.m., 35mm) Double feature: The only logical pairing is 1972's controversial, unflinchingly nasty Hackman-Lee Marvin mob movie 'Prime Cut.' Alas, it's not streaming anywhere, as far as I can tell. I substitute 1987's Kevin Costner thriller, 'No Way Out.' It's dumb as hell, and it has an infuriating ending, but Hackman's great in it. (Available on MGM+) Advertisement Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe play FBI agents investigating the disappearance of three civil rights workers in "Mississippi Burning." Orion Pictures 'Mississippi Burning' Hackman is excellent here (so is Frances McDormand), but I don't have enough space to express my utter hatred of this movie. It's a bright, shining lie that gives the FBI credit for civil rights advancements. Meanwhile, director Alan Parker reduces the Black people who actually fought these battles to cowering victims whose sole purpose is to be brutally murdered. The film was so controversial in its initial release that critics including Roger Ebert wrote articles defending their positive reviews. I just watched it again and still think it's repugnant, racist trash. Decide for yourself. (April 15, 7 p.m., 35mm) Double feature: 'Under Fire,' the 1983 movie about journalists in a war zone, where Hackman teams up with Nick Nolte and Joanna Cassidy in Nicaragua. (Available on Prime) Gene Hackman, winner of the best supporting actor award at the Academy Awards in March 1993. AP Photo, File 'Unforgiven' 'I don't deserve this … to die like this. I was building a house.' With those words, Hackman gives one of the all-time great line readings. (That entire scene is dynamite.) Clint Eastwood's revisionist western — his masterpiece — gifts Hackman with Little Bill Daggett, the vicious yet charming and funny sheriff who rules with an iron fist. Of his two Oscars, this is the one Hackman deserved without question. It's my favorite performance of his. (April 22, 7 p.m., 35mm) Double feature: Clint and Hackman reteam in 1997's conspiracy thriller 'Absolute Power.' Hackman plays the president! (Available on AppleTV+, Prime) Advertisement Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, and Calista Flockhart in "The Birdcage."'The Birdcage' Hackman rarely got to flex his impressive comedy muscles, but director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Elaine May turn him loose in this remake of 'La Cage Aux Folles.' It's a big ask to endure a homophobic, conservative senator character nowadays, but Hackman is no caricature. His scenes with Nathan Lane are hilarious examples of misplaced empathy. He also isn't a bad-looking drag queen. Kudos to Robin Williams, whose superb performance deserved more credit. ( April 27, 2p.m.) Double feature: Mel Brooks's 'Young Frankenstein.' Hackman's only in it for one scene, but it's the funniest one in the movie. (Just buy it!) 'The Royal Tenenbaums' Only Gene Hackman could get me to like a Wes Anderson movie. As the patriarch of the dysfunctional Tenenbaum clan, Hackman gives an Oscar-worthy performance. His prickliness cuts through Anderson's usual annoying whimsy, and he brings out the best in the ensemble cast. Anderson's best movie, which isn't saying much. (April 29, 7 p.m., 35mm) Double feature: In 1970's 'I Never Sang for my Father,' the shoe is on the other foot: This time, Hackman is the son seeking approval from his hardened father. That 'French Connection' Oscar may be a consolation prize for him losing the Oscar for this film. (Available on Prime) To learn more , visit Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.
