The premiere of James Gunn’s Superman on July 11, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the superhero fandom, with audiences lauding its vibrant take on the Man of Steel. Among the voices celebrating the film is Will Reeve, son of the legendary Christopher Reeve, whose iconic portrayal of Superman in the 1978 film set a gold standard for the character. Will, an ABC News correspondent who made a cameo as a TV reporter in Gunn’s reboot, recently shared a succinct yet powerful six-word statement after watching the film: “My dad would love this Superman.” This bold endorsement, reported by FOX Baltimore, has resonated deeply with fans, sparking discussions on platforms like X about the film’s ability to honor the past while forging a new path for the DC Universe (DCU).

Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, has been praised for its optimistic tone and comic-book fidelity. With an 85% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has drawn comparisons to Christopher Reeve’s era for its bright aesthetic and focus on Superman’s moral core. Will Reeve’s statement carries weight, given his father’s indelible legacy. Christopher Reeve starred in four Superman films from 1978 to 1987, defining the character as a beacon of hope and heroism. His performance, paired with Richard Donner’s direction and John Williams’ soaring score, remains a cultural touchstone. Will’s cameo in the film, spotted during Cleveland’s production and confirmed by Variety, serves as a poignant nod to that legacy, with his role as a reporter mirroring Clark Kent’s own profession.

At a press event following the premiere, Will elaborated on his statement, noting that Gunn’s vision captures the “heart and heroism” his father embodied. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with users like @BlackMajikMan90 calling it “an incredible moment for DC,” emphasizing the emotional bridge between Reeve’s era and the DCU. The film’s narrative, which skips Superman’s origin to focus on his struggle to balance his Kryptonian heritage with human values, resonates with the elder Reeve’s portrayal of a hero wrestling with his dual identity. Corenswet, inspired by the comic All-Star Superman and Reeve’s posture, delivers a performance that NextBestPicture’s Cody Dericks said “feels as right for the character as Christopher Reeve must have felt nearly 50 years ago.”

The film’s success lies in its blend of modern spectacle and timeless values. Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, crafted a story where Superman faces public skepticism after intervening in a fictional war, with Hoult’s Lex Luthor exploiting this distrust. The inclusion of characters like Krypto the Superdog and heroes like Hawkgirl and Green Lantern Guy Gardner adds a playful, comic-inspired energy. Consequence’s Liz Shannon Miller praised the film for “celebrating the values Superman has embodied from the beginning,” a sentiment echoed by Will Reeve’s approval. Fans on X noted the motion poster’s slowed-down remix of Williams’ Superman March, calling it a “thoughtful homage” to Reeve’s era, further tying the film to its cinematic roots.

Will’s involvement extends beyond his cameo. Alongside siblings Matthew and Alexandra, he has been promoting Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, a documentary about their father’s life post his 1995 horse-riding accident, which left him paralyzed. Premiering at Sundance 2024, the film, acquired by Warner Bros. for $15 million, highlights Reeve’s advocacy for disability rights. Will told Entertainment Weekly that his cameo was a “kismet” moment, aligning with the documentary’s release, and emphasized that his father remains the “definitive Superman.” Yet, his six-word statement suggests Gunn’s film captures the same spirit of hope and humanity.

Not all reactions are unanimous. Some critics, like Empire, noted the film’s crowded cast and occasionally clunky dialogue, but even they acknowledged its emotional resonance. Deadline reported a projected $200 million global opening, driven by strong buzz and Will’s endorsement adding credibility among longtime fans. For many, Will’s words are a seal of approval, bridging generations of Superman fans. His nervousness filming his one-line cameo, as shared with TMZ, only endeared him further, with fans appreciating his humility. As the DCU moves forward with projects like The Brave and the Bold and Lanterns, Gunn’s Superman stands as a testament to the character’s enduring appeal. Will Reeve’s bold statement underscores that this reboot, while new, carries the heart of his father’s legacy, proving Superman remains a symbol of hope for a new era.