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Transforming into Superman takes more than just taking off the glasses for any actor – it takes an insane amount of hard work and dedication to get into shape, and this only happens with consistent training. But what if you’re only given a couple of weeks to bulk up just like Christopher Reeve?
The late actor was able to pull it off in just a short amount of time, and his legacy as the famed Man of Steel still resonates with many fans. His version of Superman remains one of the most iconic, and perhaps the most famous even after decades have passed.
Christopher Reeve only trained for six weeks to achieve his Superman physique
It was anunfortunate tragedythat tookChristopher Reeve’s ability to enjoy his career during the prime of his life. The actor, who passed away in 2004, was most notably known for his portrayal of Superman inRichard Donner’s 1978 movie. His performance was lauded by fans and critics, but most especially his persistence in bringing the hero to life.
In doing so, he had to train very hard since his physique looked nowhere near the Superman that we all saw. In fact, at 6 feet 5 inches and 170 pounds, he was considered scrawny. He even shared that he used to be called The Human Stringbean. When he landed the role of Clark Kent, he made sure to deliver and ace the job.
As perThe Telegraph, the director hired British bodybuilder Dave Prowse to train with Reeve, and they only had six weeks to make the actor look ripped before they started filming. The intensity of the training took a toll on Reeve, and he threw up on his first session. Donner said, “If Chris wasn’t such a dedicated actor, I think he would have thrown him off the set. He was always there! And he built him up.”
“They threatened my life…”: The Christopher Reeve ‘Superman’ Scandal That Led to Director Richard Donner Receiving Violent Death Threats
Reeve managed to bulk up before the production commenced, and that showed how badly he wanted the role. In fact, he wasn’t the first choice for Superman – but Donner wanted someone unknown at the time. He said that the actor was very convinced he could play the part. Thankfully, the director gave him a chance to showcase his talent, and now, the world will always remember him as the hero who symbolized truth, justice, and the American way.
How long did Henry Cavill and David Corenswet prepare for Superman’s role?
The new generation is very familiar with two popular versions of Superman:Henry CavillandDavid Corenswet. Like Reeve, they also worked hard to achieve that Kryptonian god-like body, although not as impressive as how the late actor did it.
David Corenswet vs Henry Cavill: 3 Things Man of Steel Did Better and 3 Mistakes James Gunn’s Superman Can Fix
Cavill, who played the titular hero in 2013’sMan of Steel, had to hit the gym forsix months. He trained with Mark Twight and had to maintain his peak form for three weeks to shoot for his shirtless scenes.
Corenswet, on the other hand, transformed himself in aboutfive months, and even though the cameras were already rolling, he continued his training. He worked with Paolo Mascitti to achieve his jacked form, fitting in three or four sessions a week.
Superman(1978) is currently available to watch on Max.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3532
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
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Christopher ReeveDavid CorenswetHenry CavillSuperman
