IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE…NO IT’S SUPERMAN! Or is it? It’s kind of hard to tell with so many versions of Superman flying around.
Since the debut of Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938, there have only been four actors who have portrayed the beloved superhero in feature films. While all of the performances were well acted by the leads, some of the supporting casting choices and depictions of Superman have crippled other film adaptations of the famous DC comics star.
However, with four different film versions of the man of steel each bringing their own sense of style to the role, it’s kind of hard to pin point the essence of Superman with any exactness. Maybe that’s the point. That despite a lengthy history and development of character in the comics, the feature film depictions of Superman has been and continues to differ with each passing movie; making him less and less recognizable to older fans in order to perhaps attract new audiences, much like what has been done with Superman’s DC comics’ cohort Batman. To what end; especially if fans no longer identify with his on film depiction.
The First
It all started in the 1950s with an unknown actor by the name of George Reeves. Originally cast in the first full length feature Superman movie Superman and the Mole Men in 1951, Reeves later became a household name as a result of his portrayal of the first superhero. Unfortunately for Reeves, after his success with the subsequent Superman television show Adventures of Superman, he was typecast and unable to parlay his achievement into other roles in Hollywood. His alleged troubles with finding diverse roles during and after his portrayal of Superman were depicted in the 2006 movie Hollywoodland; a critically acclaimed fictionalized biopic about the events leading up to Reeves’ untimely death.
Reeves’ version of Superman in both the Superman and the Mole Men movie and the Adventures of Superman television show is best described as campy. As the walking, talking symbol of truth, justice and the American way, Reeves’ characterization of the man of steel was noticeably reflective of the current times and lacked in nuance and subtly so as not to offend in any way. Campy was good enough for the 50s version of Superman, but not so much so for the cinematic climate of the late 70s when we saw Christopher Reeve emerge in Hollywood to take on the role of Superman.
The Best
Arguably, the most beloved portrayal of Superman to date is the performance by Christopher Reeve—no relation to George, just coincidence. Originally asked to audition for the role of Superman, classically trained Reeve was not ideal for the role. Allegedly, producers passed over his resume several times before arranging a meeting with Richard Donner, director of the 1978 Superman movie and the 2006 movie Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Reeve’s performance was critically acclaimed; particularly for his Cary Grant like portrayal of Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent.
Christopher Reeve played the last son of Krypton in an unprecedented four Superman feature films. A record that no one since has broken, by either playing Superman or any other superhero thus far. Perhaps his success in the Superman films could be attributed to his Julliard training and Ivy League education, but it is also evident that Reeve’s portrayal of the man of steel was also a direct byproduct of the tone of the scripts.
Unlike the first Superman feature film in the 50s, the tone of the late 70s, both politically and socially was such that a more serious, realistic version of the superhero was warranted. Audiences wanted something idealistic, but at the same time realistic. The only problem, however, was that with the constant shakeups behind the scenes of the Superman movies, inconsistencies caused the pendulum to sway too much to one side with each passing film, as we saw with the 1987 film Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, which was allegedly negatively received despite grossing over $400 million worldwide. The franchise clearly needed a break to retool and unfortunately for actor Brandon Routh, who portrayed Superman in the 2006 film Superman Returns, neither the timing nor the script was right.
The Future
Enter Henry Cavill. Prior to playing Superman in the 2013 reboot Man of Steel, Cavill had parts in movies such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Stardust and Immortals, in addition to small supporting cast type roles in the TV show The Tudors. The English actor brought yet another perspective to the characterization of Superman, one that was well received, as evidenced by the great success of Man of Steel. To date, Man of Steel is the highest grossing Superman movie of all time.
Cavill’s version of Superman, the darkest portrayal of the last son of Krypton thus far, also depicted the superhero in the most realistic sense in a feature film. Audiences responded to the believability of Cavill’s portrayal of Superman not only because he sold the physicality of the role—having successfully been able to sell his portrayal of an omnipotent alien—but also because clearly Cavill was a skillful actor as well. It was the most appropriate succession in casting since George Reeves’ portrayal as Cavill had the large stature and occasional humor of George Reeves as well as the acting chops and debonair of classic actor Cary Grant of Christopher Reeve; and he’s not done yet. Cavill will reprise his role as Superman in the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice slated for release in 2016.