Filmmakers behind the documentary about Christopher Reeve, the iconic star of “Superman,” suggest that he would have opposed President Donald Trump if he were alive today. Directors Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bon Hoot discussed Reeve’s advocacy for disability rights and his experiences following a tragic equestrian accident that left him paralyzed.
Ettedgui emphasized that even before his accident, Reeve was vocal about various social issues, including artistic freedom and housing rights. Notably, he pointed to real estate developers in New York, specifically mentioning Trump, and how they aimed to modernize the landscape there. Actor Jeff Daniels, who appeared with Reeve on Broadway in the 1980s, echoed the sentiment that Reeve would have stood against Trump.
“But he wouldn’t have done it just for personal gain,” Bon Hoot remarked. “He believed in making meaningful changes for Americans.” Ettedgui added that Reeve, who came from a privileged background, was fundamentally a compassionate person who understood the disparities in life.
During his lifetime, Reeve frequently supported Democratic figures like Bill Clinton and Al Gore and famously spoke at the 1996 Democratic National Convention shortly after his accident. He was also critical of Republican presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, particularly opposing Bush’s stance on embryonic stem cell research.
In the late 1980s, Reeve criticized Trump’s developmental projects, referring to them skeptically. The discussion around his legacy continues, especially regarding how he might have reacted to current political climates and figures.
Overall, while the filmmakers share their perspectives on Reeve’s likely stance today, there’s a sense of nostalgia and hope that he might have continued to advocate for those without a voice.
