“Honestly I’m surprised he agreed to this”: James Gunn’s Biggest Win for Superman is a Major Tribute to Christopher Reeve After ‘The Flash’ Debacle That’s Hard to Believe 

The appearance of a CGI Christopher Reeve had caused a stir and his family claimed they had not given any consent to this!

James Gunn, Christopher Reeve Superman and Ezra Miller Flash
Image by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

SUMMARY

  • Superman, a franchise reboot by James Gunn, is set to debut in July 2025.
  • As per recent reports, the film will pay tribute to cinematic icon Christopher Reeve through his son.
  • The late actor’s son, Will Reeve, will make a cameo as a TV reporter.
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Do you think a franchise reboot is fun without a tip of the cap to its storied past? James Gunn’s Superman, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, is set to make its theatrical debut in July 2025, bringing with it a heartfelt nod to a cinematic icon that is sure to make hearts swell. 

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That being said, can you think of a more fitting tribute than Christopher Reeve’s own flesh & blood, his son, Will Reeve, gracing the silver screen with a cameo as a TV reporter, intertwining legacy with modern reimagining? The beloved Christopher Reeve, whose portrayal of the Man of Steel left an indelible mark in the first four Superman flicks, will be honored properly in this much-anticipated chapter of the DC Universe film saga.

Superman, a franchise reboot by James Gunn, is set to debut in July 2025.
Christopher Reeve as Superman in 1978’s Superman | Warner Bros Pictures

With the new casting confirmed and David Corenswet donning the iconic cape, the stage is set for a tribute that promises to lift spirits higher than a bird or a plane. And this inclusion is indubitably a win-win, illustrating a blossoming synergy between the Reeve family and the studio that is truly hard to believe after navigating the stormy skies following the The Flash debacle. 

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James Gunn’s Superman: A Nod to Christopher Reeve Through His Son’s Cameo 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Wait, it’s…Will Reeve making a cameo in James Gunn’s Superman! The DC Universe film is set to honor the late Christopher Reeve in a major tribute, and fans couldn’t be more pleased.

After the fiasco with The Flash and its controversial CGI version of Christopher Reeve, Gunn’s decision to cast Will Reeve as a TV reporter in the Superman film is like hitting the jackpot. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, as they are finally giving the iconic Superman the respect he deserves.

Shooting for the project is taking place in Cleveland, Ohio right now, and local reporters have been documenting all of the behind-the-scenes action, including Will Reeve’s visit on set during a major scene (see Cleveland.com).

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Superman: Legacy
James Gunn’s Superman | DC comics

The Reeve family’s involvement in the film is like a breath of fresh air, bringing a sense of authenticity & connection to the beloved character. It truly exemplifies the saying, “like father, like son”, as Will Reeve follows in his father’s footsteps and will make his mark in the superhero world.

Nonetheless, some fans expressed their frustration with Reeve’s son for agreeing to this, given what The Flash did with his “dead father” without first seeking their consent. Let’s have a look at some comments left by viewers: 

Anyway, as the Superman movie continues filming, the speculation surrounding Will Reeve’s character is at an all-time high. Will he be a secret superhero in disguise? Or will he simply be a friendly face in the bustling world of Metropolis? Only time will tell, but we are sure that the legacy of Christopher Reeve’s Superman will live on in the hands of his son.

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The Flash debacle: CGI Controversy on Christopher Reeve’s Appearance

It’s probably safe to say at this point that The Flash is among the most controversial films of 2023, igniting conversations that blaze as wildly as the Scarlet Speedster himself zips through his time-travel hijinks. But why, you may ask, has this lightning bolt of a movie struck a chord so intense that it has everyone up in arms?

The Flash dances on the edge of nostalgia as it winks at the legacy of the great Christopher Reeve (via CGI).
Christopher Reeve in James Gunn’s The Flash

Well, from an abrupt swan song to Ezra Miller’s off-screen escapades creating a thorny path (see Forbes), not to mention the box office numbers that couldn’t keep pace, there’s no lack of spice in this superhero stew. 

Yet, in a curious plot twist, the film dances on the edge of nostalgia as it winks at the legacy of the great Christopher Reeve (via CGI)—without his or his estate’s express signal to fly. When his children were asked about their thoughts on their late father’s digital cameo, they revealed they had neither seen the film nor contributed to the decision (via Variety), adding yet another layer to this dense narrative cake. 

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But again, let’s not forget the silver lining—Will Reeve’s upcoming engagement in Superman suggests the dawn of a renewed alliance, suggesting the Superman legacy has perhaps just begun to trend upward once more. 

So hold on to your capes, because the Man of Steel is back in action, and this time, he’s bringing a tribute to Christopher Reeve that’s hard to believe. Up, up, and away! 

Superman is set to release on July 11, 2025.

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Written by Siddhika Prajapati

Articles Published: 1701

Between everyday normalities and supernatural abnormalities, Siddhika Prajapati finds the story in everything. Literature Honors Graduate and Post-Graduated in Journalism (from Delhi University), her undying need to deduce the extraordinary out of simplicity makes her a vibrant storyteller.

Serving as a Senior Entertainment Writer at Fandom Wire and having written over 1700 pieces, Siddhika has also worked with multiple clients and projects over the years, including Indian Express, India Today, and Outlook Group.

Who knows, maybe your next favorite persona on the screen will be crafted by her.