Words + Pictures, Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment are in production on a feature documentary about Superman star Christopher Reeve, directed by McQueen filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui.
The film will chart Reeve’s rise to becoming a film star, including his portrayal of Superman; and his life following his near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Following the accident, Reeve became an activist for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights.
New York-based production studio Words + Pictures is financing and producing the film. Words + Pictures, founded in 2021 by Connor Schell, is led by the creators and producers of the 30 for 30 series, the Emmy Award-winning The Last Dance, and the 2017 Oscar-winning O.J.: Made in America.
The Territory producers Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment, producers of McQueen, are also producing the title. It marks the first time that the Reeve Estate has granted any filmmakers access to its archives, including home movies and interviews with Reeve’s children.
Lizzie Gillett, head of documentary at Misfits, is producing the Reeve film, alongside Robert Ford and Bonhôte. Executive producers are David Moulton and Andrew Ruhemann of Passion Documentaries, Andee Ryder of Misfits Entertainment, Daniel Kilroy of Jenco Films, and Connor Schell, Marie Margolius, Libby Geist of New York-based Words + Pictures, creators and producers of Oscar-winning documentary OJ: Made In America.
As well as Bafta-nominated McQueen, Bonhôte and Ettedgui also directed Emmy-winning Netflix feature Rising Phoenix about the history of the Paralympic Games.
“We are delighted to entrust these talented teams with telling our father’s story,” said a statement from Reeve’s three children Matthew Reeve, Will Reeve and Alexandra Reeve Givens. “As we approach the twentieth anniversary of his passing next year, we feel this is the perfect time and opportunity to remind the world of the inspiration and joy he brought to millions and show new generations what an extraordinary person he was.”
Reeve was “the ultimate movie superhero, and also a true hero in life,” said Bonhôte and Ettedgui. “We believe his example of resilience and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity endures today as a universal story that will inspire and move audiences everywhere.”
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