In the late 1970s, two iconic movie franchises emerged: the superhero epic “Superman” and the sci-fi space saga “Star Wars.” Interestingly, there’s a curious connection between the two that involves Christopher Reeve, who portrayed Superman, and David Prowse, the man behind Darth Vader.
When Reeve was cast as Superman in 1977, his physical appearance initially fell short of the producers’ vision. To compensate, a padded suit was devised to simulate the muscular stature they desired. However, Reeve was dissatisfied with this inauthentic approach and insisted on naturally bulking up for the role. After disagreements with the producers, a compromise was reached, giving Reeve two months to undergo rigorous training.
Meanwhile, in a peculiar turn of events, David Prowse, the 242lb bodybuilder who played Darth Vader, auditioned for the role of Superman. Instead, producers sought to utilize his expertise to train Reeve for the role they had already cast him in.
Reeve sought Prowse’s guidance to transform his physique. He embarked on an intensive two-month program under Prowse’s guidance in London. This grueling regimen turned Reeve, initially deemed “too skinny” by producers at 185lbs, into a more muscular 219lbs Superman.
Detailing his workout routine, Reeve described lifting weights and using various gym equipment extensively. Despite the intense training causing initial physical distress, Reeve persisted, focusing on specific muscle groups crucial for the Superman role.
During the filming that spanned 18 months for both “Superman” and “Superman II,” Reeve continued his workout regimen, accentuating his physique in the iconic Superman suit. He later shared humorous anecdotes about his arduous training, highlighting the stark contrast between his appearance before and after the transformation.
Beyond physical conditioning, Reeve also focused on capturing Superman’s grace while flying. To achieve this, he revisited modern dance training from his Juilliard days and worked with a stunt coordinator on a trampoline daily.
Reeve’s dedication and transformative commitment to the role elevated his performance, ensuring his portrayal of Superman remains an unparalleled standard. His humble acknowledgment of resembling Clark Kent in real life was a testament to his remarkable embodiment of the iconic superhero.
Ultimately, the story’s moral underscores the unexpected collaboration between Superman and Darth Vader, suggesting that great things happen when these two iconic characters work in tandem. Christopher Reeve’s dedication and transformation into Superman remain an enduring testament to his legacy in cinematic history.