Tunic, cape, pants, belt, leggings and boots - that was how actor Christopher Reeve dressed up as the first "Superman". The costume is now under the hammer - and achieves a handsome sum.
More than 40 years ago, Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) slipped into the famous "Superman" costume for the first time. Now the original suit from Richard Donner's 1978 comic book adaptation has changed hands. At an auction on Thursday (November 3) in London, the piece of film history was sold for more than 350,000 euros.
Specifically, the tunic, cape, trousers, belt, leggings and boots brought in 312,500 British pounds (approx. 365,100 euros) according to the auction house "Propstore Auction". It had previously been estimated that the parts could go under the hammer for up to £500,000. The new owner was not disclosed.
According to the auction site, the costume was also partially used in the two "Superman" sequels. The long-sleeved tunic is made of blue nylon and has the words "Christopher Reeve Normal 18.628 Superman 3" embroidered on the label to distinguish it from the costume of "Evil Superman" from the third Superman film.
Christopher Reeve became internationally known through the role of "Superman". After a riding accident in 1995, the actor was paralyzed from the neck down and largely retired from film production. Reeve died in 2004 after suffering a cardiac arrest. The 2006 film "Superman Returns" was dedicated to him.
The superhero with the "S" on his chest will soon return to the silver screen. British actor Henry Cavill reprises his role as Clark Kent. "I wanted to make it official that I'm back as Superman," he said. Cavill first played the DC hero in 2013's Man of Steel. He also starred in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). All three films were directed by Zack Snyder.
