Movies - Warner Bros Discovery Nears Record-Breaking $15 Million Deal for Sundance Sensation Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

By Mulder, 27 january 2023

Warner Bros Discovery is reportedly on the brink of securing a groundbreaking $15 million deal for the highly anticipated Sundance documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. Directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui, the film delves into the inspiring journey of the late actor, renowned for his portrayal of Superman, and how he discovered resilience and purpose through activism following a debilitating equestrian accident.

The documentary, which premiered at The Ray Theatre on January 21 as part of the Sundance Film Festival's Premieres program, has generated significant buzz among buyers. Utilizing never-before-seen home videos and personal archives, the filmmakers trace Reeve's transformation from an unknown actor to an iconic movie star, portraying the ultimate on-screen superhero. The narrative takes a poignant turn as it explores Reeve's shift towards activism after the tragic accident that left him quadriplegic and reliant on a ventilator.

While multiple bidders expressed interest in the documentary, Warner Bros Discovery is poised to secure the deal, potentially making Super/Man a trailblazing acquisition for a Sundance-launched documentary. The studio aims to leverage its ownership of the original Richard Donner-directed Superman film, the one that catapulted Reeve to stardom alongside Marlon Brando. This strategic move is expected to bolster the documentary's promotion, aligning seamlessly with the studio's connection to the Superman film franchise.

In a broader context, Warner Bros Discovery's potential acquisition of Super/Man aligns strategically with their upcoming DC Superman project, Superman: Legacy, set for release in 2025. Directed by James Gunn and produced by Peter Safran, the film provides additional synergy opportunities within the DC Entertainment portfolio. The studio's multifaceted approach, combining ownership of Reeve's original Superman film and the impending DC Superman revamp, positions Super/Man as a fitting addition to their cinematic universe.

Synopsis :
Christopher Reeve's rise to movie star status was followed by a near-fatal riding accident in 1995, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. He went on to become a campaigner for the treatment of spinal cord injuries and for the rights of disabled people.

Super/Man : The Christopher Reeve Story
Directed by Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui
Produced by Ian Bonhôte, Robert Ford, Lizzie Gillett
Written by Ian Bonhôte, Otto Burnham, Peter Ettedgui
Starring Christopher Reeve
Music by Ilan Eshkeri
Cinematography
Edited by Otto Burnham
Production companies : Jenco Films, Misfits Entertainment, Passion Pictures, Words + Pictures
Distributed by Cinetic Media
Release date : NC
Running time : 106 minutes