The group included Lionel Luthor, Edward and Genevieve Teague, Robert and Laura Queen, as well as Bridgette Crosby. In 2003, Dr. Swann saw coverage in the Smallville Torch of a mysterious symbol burned into a barn of a Kansas farm belonging to Jonathan and Martha Kent. Christopher Reeve's Superman's brains literally come from his father, Jor-El (Marlon Brando). Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, director, and activist, best known for playing the main character and title role in the film Superman (1978) and its three sequels.. Born in New York City and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Reeve discovered a passion for acting and the theater at the age of nine. Reeve attended Juilliard with Kevin Conroy the actor who voiced Batman in … This is a vastly underrated but hugely important aspect of being Superman that other TV and movies about the Last Son of Krypton, like Smallville and Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, have also emulated. When his father Jor-El realized that the planet was doomed, he and his wife Lara Lor-Van sent Kal-El to Earth, where he would be found by Jonathan and Martha Kent. He was a great father. Click the button below to start this article in quick view. Unable to convince Kryptonian elders, scientist Jor-El promises that neither he nor his wife, Lara, will leave the planet. See more ideas about superman, clark kent, christopher reeve. 1 christopher reeve (virgil swann) No Superman origin story could be complete without including the hero himself, Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder were, of course, hard to miss in Smallville, but there was one Superman movie actor who may have gone unnoticed by some: Mark McClure. In addition, the actors from the films guest-starred, including Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. The story begins when the planet Krypton is in danger of imminent destruction. This carried to over to Brandon Routh's Superman as well, since he inherited the character Reeve played in Superman Returns. He was a guest star of "The Muppet Show" in 1980 and "Sesame Street" in 2000. McClure played Jimmy Olsen in all four Superman movies and Supergirl. [4] He even founded companies such as S.T.A.R. Although Clark was reluctant to learn more about his alien origins, Dr. Swann told him that he would protect his secret. Dr. Swann was a quadriplegic, depending on a series of breathing and mobility devices to stay alive and move around. By the time Dr. Swann translated the Kryptonian message, it can be presumed that Veritas had disbanded because Dr. Swann claimed to Clark Kent that he did not reveal the message to any of the other members. While it's highly likely Lionel did murder the Queens, it's doubtful he also murdered Virgil since Virgil died after Lionel had undergone a conversion experience but before that conversion ended. Played by For 12 years, Clark studied the collective knowledge and wisdom of "the 28 known galaxies" under the guidance of Jor-El. Dr. Swann refused but knew that Lionel was dying. Christopher Reeve "At the top of the list is Christopher who came on the show as the Dr. Swann character. This is where Clark's formal education to become Superman truly began. 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As much as Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) despised Superman for the unwavering goodness he represents, the self-professed "greatest criminal mind" in existence still respected his enemy's brainpower. He was a great father. His other great nerdy love is British TV series like The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Killing Eve. The WB has announced that legendary Superman Christopher Reeve will be returning to his role as Dr. Virgil Swann for an episode of Smallville set to air on April 14.. But along with arguably being the most powerful incarnation of Superman, Reeve's Kal-El was also the most intelligent. But Cavill's Kent's real education came from his travels around the world after leaving Smallville; this Clark saw the best and worst of humanity as he worked odd jobs and covertly saved people. Virgil was very brilliant, most notably with math and science, as well as was extremely kind, strong-spirited, courageous and always kept his word with people, especially with Clark Kent, who he assured that his secret would never leave his office. Smallville was the spiritual successor to Christopher Reeve's movies and the long-running TV series adopted nearly all of the films' iconography, including the crystal Fortress of Solitude and, occasionally, John Williams' unforgettable Superman theme. Christopher Reeve was a great actor that popularized one of the most favourite superhero characters ever created. Dr. Swann gives Clark insight into his origins. He has Herculean strength and he's invulnerable to almost all forms of physical harm. Audiences immediately believed a man could fly, as the film's posters advertised. All of Smallville's 10 seasons, plus five hours of extras, will be Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, director, producer and writer.He was a famous theater actor before playing the role of Superman in four movies, from 1978 to 1987.In the 1980s, he starred in several movies, including Somewhere in Time (1980), Deathtrap (1982), The Bostonians (1984), and Street Smart (1987). With Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Sam Jones III. John Orquiola is a Features staff writer who has been with Screen Rant for four years. Dr. Swann kept a journal containing Kryptonian symbols along with his own notes about Veritas and the Traveler. He was born with the name Kal-El, on the planet Krypton. In 1978, Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie brought the world's greatest superhero to movie screens for the first time in a Hollywood blockbuster. 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Christopher Reeve, the movie Superman, was a fan of TV's origin story "Smallville," and Tom Welling told us about the times Reeve came to the set as a guest star. As he travels around the world, he has to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of geography, and also astronomy when he ventures into outer space. Occupation To be able to do everything Superman can do, he needs to have the intellect to back it up. For years, he had tried to decipher the message and found out that it contained a mathematical key, which allowed him to translate it as: "This is Kal-El of Krypton, our infant son, our last hope. Christopher Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) portrayed Superman/Clark Kent in Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Superman is actually one of the smartest people in the world — because he has to be, and this was a key aspect of the Man of Steel the late, Julliard-trained Christopher Reeve was charmingly able to convey. Directed by James Marshall. While many fans grumble that it took ten years for Clark Kent (Tom Welling) to finally fly and become Superman, the show's decade-long time frame is comparable to how long Reeve's Clark spent studying with Jor-El in Superman: The Movie. Family Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004) was an American actor best-known for Clark Kent / Superman.In a professional sense he showed that brilliant acting always has its place — even in special-effect-heavy fantasy films like the Super Hero genre — but also left behind an awesome personal legacy of perseverance and advocacy. Clark confronts Dr. Swann believing he's betrayed him to Lionel. Happily, Clark's long, bumpy education paid off. Here's why Christopher Reeve's version was the smartest Man of Steel. Welling's Clark had a lot to learn but, in Smallville, fans got to see every part of Clark's education — including his numerous mistakes and growing pains — and in real-time. He was also able to divulge a new message that originated not from space, but from Earth: "I am waiting." Reeve (Franklin D'Olier Reeve). All the while, Jor-El stressed his philosophy on how Superman should use his abilities to help the people of Earth, that he should work to be an inspiration for humans to be "a great people" because "they only lack the light to show them the way." Superman: The Movie went to great lengths to establish just how intelligent the Man of Steel is and where he got the vast amounts of knowledge he possesses. Labs in order to help The Traveler learn more about himself and the planet around him. Dr. Swann contacted Clark Kent by tracking down the photographer, Chloe Sullivan, then through a series of e-mails and instant messages, he persuaded the boy to visit his Manhattan observatory. John happily became the Star Trek guy at Screen Rant and he leads Feature coverage of the various Star Trek series, but he also writes about a wide range of subjects from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Cobra Kai. Christopher Reeve Returns to Smallville! Virgil Swann Christopher Reeve played Superman in the films. He once had a relationship with Dr. Bridgette Crosby.[3]. By 1977, Dr. Swann was considered a top astronomer and pioneer in the field of satellite communication, but around the time of the first meteor shower that struck Smallville, he donated his millions and became a recluse, devoting his life to studying life on other planets. From Christopher Reeve's interpretation to present. Specifically, his largest body of the study was the planet Krypton. As part of the agreement between Reeve and the Smallville producers Warner Bros allowed an infomercial on behalf of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation to However, Lionel eventually learned the Traveler's name was "Kal-El" and realized that Kal-El, the Traveler, and Clark were one and the same. Virgil was very brilliant, most notably with math and science, as well as was extremely kind, strong-spirited, courageous and always kept his word with people, especially with Clark Kent, who he assured that his secret would never leave his office. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. When Clark came to see him, Dr. Swann revealed to Clark the truth behind his origins. Even today, Reeve's Superman remains the enduringly popular standard by which other versions of the Last Son of Krypton in movies and TV are measured. However, no Superman's education was as complete as Christopher Reeve's big, blue boy scout's, and here's why his Superman was the smartest of them all. Just about everyone knows the basics of Superman's awesome powers: He can fly, first and foremost. 22-dic-2020 - Esplora la bacheca "Christopher Reeve" di Gabriella Sardella, seguita da 396 persone su Pinterest. Superman is the protagonist of the movies Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV and Superman Returns. A Manhattan-based astronomer, Dr. Swann dedicated a good portion of his life to studying the skies and searching for life beyond Earth. Christopher Reeve had various stage and television roles before becoming the star of Superman and its sequels. Patricia Swann (daughter, deceased) A year later, Dr. Swann received a visit from Lionel Luthor, who offered conservancy of the Kawatche Caves in exchange for a translation of the symbols. In 1977 [the year Reeve's Superman movie was made] it would have taken us weeks to film what Smallville does in a single day." Superman's smarts came into play throughout the rest of Reeve's Superman films: Once he knew he couldn't physically beat the three Kryptonian villains, General Zod (Terrence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran), he outwitted them and took away their powers with a red sun generator. With Man of Steel, Zack Snyder and David S. Goyer gave their Superman (Henry Cavill) a completely different type of education. Apparently, Dr. Swann's point of view was cautious but open-minded: he seemed to believe that the messages pointed to a threat or invasion, but upon actually meeting the Traveler himself, he decided to protect him and his secret. The episode is titled "Legacy," and his scenes with John Glover and Tom Welling were shot on Monday, January 19 in New York. The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. Labs to help the Traveler explore his powers. Tom Welling's Clark may not be quite as brainy as Christopher Reeve's, but he learned by doing, and fans saw it all every step of the way. In 1978, he was chosen as Time Magazine's Man of the Year for 1977.[2]. Clark has some weird dreams with the cave and about flying. Immediately after Krypton exploded, baby Kal-El's education began as the ice crystals in his rocket ship began his instruction as he zoomed towards Earth. By the time Clark turned 30, he was fully-formed, equipped with his red and blue costume, and ready to introduce the world to Superman. [1]. Based on his belief that one could receive messages from outer space, Dr. Swann formed a theory that a "Traveler" was coming to Earth and founded a secret society for influential families called to study and wait for the Traveler. Christopher was an actor, author, screenwriter, producer, and director, best known for his portrayal of the comic book superhero “Superman”. Lionel explained about Clark's octagonal disc and asked Dr. Swann to speak with Clark on his behalf. The producers created the role of Dr. Virgil Swann, who helps Clark learn more about his Kryptonian heritage. However, he sends his infant son, Kal-El, to Earth to ensure his survival, just as Krypton begins its death … Aug 22, 2020 - My favorite comic book hero. Please protect him and deliver him from evil. But based on his travels before he gained his Super suit, it's safe to say that Cavill's Superman accumulated a great deal of life experience and his education came from the school of hard knocks. Virgil was a medium-sized man who was a wheelchair user and wore glasses. When he puts the octagonal key in a hole in the wall of the cave, he immediately learns how to decode the symbols. Besides his awesome powers, it takes a lot of intelligence to be Superman. After a tragic accident, he was paralyzed and became another kind of hero as a political activist. Scenerio:Braniac mindrapes the Smallville team,opened a portal and send them into to Christopher Reeves's Superman timeline.They killed Lois.Reeve's saw the dead body of Lois and then vs 7 years ago Dr. Virgil Swann was a brilliant and wealthy scientist dedicated to communicating with other planets and a founding member of Veritas. At some point, he had a daughter, Patricia Swann. He established himself early as a Juilliard-trained stage actor before portraying Superman in four films, from 1978 to 1987.. On May 27, 1995, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in an accident during the cross country portion of an Eventing competition. Smallville season 10 gave fans a glimpse of Clark's fully-formed Superman 7 years in the future, and he was comparably heroic to Reeve's Man of Steel. Superman passed Luthor's quiz about what a nuclear detonation would do to the San Andreas Fault with flying colors and it was his knowledge of geography that allowed Superman to repair the fault line before the West Coast could fall into the ocean. He was considered one of the most successful actors during his time – he passed away in 2004. Movie Superman Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in 1995, returns to the legend of Superman in the February 25, 2003 episode of Smallville, which is titled "Rosetta." To perform miraculous feats like catching airplanes falling out of the sky, Superman has to have a thorough understanding of aerodynamics and physics (even as he, himself, defies the laws of physics). As a lover of film and film theory, John wrote humorous movie reviews on his blog, Back of the Head, which got him noticed by Screen Rant. When Jonathan Kent took the disc to the Kawatche Caves, it inexplicably merged into the cave wall after it fell out of his pocket during a fight with Lionel Luther and was somehow obtained by Dr. Swann. It is revealed that Dr. Swann founded the S.T.A.R. … He was born Kal-El but raised as Clark Kent and fights crime as Superman. The DVD box set included various special features, including episode commentary, The Chloe Chronicles, a featurette on the special effects of Smallville, and a documentary on Christopher Reeve… We will be with you, Kal-El, all the days of your life.". He played the message he had intercepted and explained that the planet Krypton was no longer visible in the night sky and shared with Clark his speculation that Krypton had been destroyed. Christopher Reeve Fan Page.The Best Superman of All Time! Nearly three months later, Dr. Swann sent Dr. Bridgette Crosby to Smallville to help Martha Kent free Clark from his Kryptonian alter-ego, Kal-El, with the use of the first example of black kryptonite. Cavill's Kryptonian hero only met Jor-El (Russell Crowe) as an adult, and his birth father's hologram gave Clark a rapid-fire download of info in regards to his Kryptonian heritage. Mathematician, physicist, engineer (Swann Communications), astronomer (New York Planetarium). Dr. Swann's work focused on astronomy and satellite communication. Christopher D'Olier Reeve was born September 25, 1952, in New York City, to journalist Barbara Johnson (née Barbara Pitney Lamb) and writer/professor F.D. Jor-El's education of Reeve's Kal-El was mostly implied and he didn't face any villains until he was an adult, but Smallville's Clark was fighting "meteor freak" villains-of-the-week since he was a teenager, and fans got to see him gradually become more powerful and confident as a hero. Smallville In "Rosetta" Read KryptonSite's spoiler-free advance review of "Rosetta!" Christopher Reeve Thursday, 25th September 1952 - Sunday, 10th October 2004 NY, NY USA. http://osck.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/diaries-p04.jpg, https://smallville.fandom.com/wiki/Virgil_Swann?oldid=325055. When Lionel admitted that he was willing to accept any risk to place the key in the lock, Dr. Swann agreed to an arrangement. In 1989, Dr. Swann intercepted a transmission sent from Krypton before its explosion and it was only after many years of work that he was able to pinpoint exactly what and who had accompanied that transmission. In general, Superman is so much more than the sum of his powers — but Christopher Reeve's version was the smartest Man of Steel compared to Henry Cavill or Tom Welling. Admittedly, the sequels got dumber as they progressed, and by Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, the Kryptonian was using tricks like "Repair the Great Wall of China Vision" instead of relying on his brains. After high school, Clark spent copious amounts of time in Metropolis and adopted the crimefighting identity of "The Red and Blue Blur," although his interactions with Jor-El (Terrence Stamp) in the Fortress were usually cryptic challenges that left Clark frustrated. But besides his suite of godlike powers, the most underrated aspect of Superman is his mind. It was later revealed that Dr. Swann left the journal to his daughter, Patricia. He learned about the fragility of the human heart, the concepts of immortality, and he broke through his "earthly prison" and visited other star systems, including his long-dead homeworld of Krypton. Dr. Swann also shared with Genevieve a theory that meteors can hold transmissions as well as his intention to record and translate the "messages from the stars." Christopher Reeve (b. September25,1952– d.October10,2004) portrayed Superman/Clark Kent in the feature films Superman, Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Status He recognized it as a Kryptonian symbol, then discovered that the Kents had an adopted child. He began as a director’s assistant on various independent films. Christopher D’Olier Reeve was born on 25 September 1952, in New York City, USA, of English descent. He donated a major portion of his company's profits toward the U.S. space program and in return was given unprecedented access to extraterrestrial findings. Then, while waiting for Chloe at the Kents' farm, his uncontrolled vision burns a symbol on the wall of the barn. See more ideas about christopher reeve, superman, my superman. Before his death a few months later, Dr. Swann returned the key to Clark along with a letter advising him to seek out his Kryptonian birth father Jor-El and telling him that he must create his own destiny. Since Jor-El's time with Cavill's Kal-El was truncated, it's hard to gauge just how intelligent Snyder's Man of Steel is and how vast his knowledge of multiple subjects is compared to Reeve. Beyond the show, it was such a phenomenal experience for me and for all of us. They had meetings in Virgil's mansion in 1987 in which they discussed the purpose of the group and their intended role in the Traveler's life. Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Dr. Swann is significant because Reeve portrayed Superman in, Christopher Reeve is the second of many Superman alumni to have a role on, Dr. Virgil Swann (Christopher Reeve) is a character very similar to or perhaps based on. Christopher Reeve also co-wrote Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. John can be found on Twitter @BackoftheHead if you want to see photos of the food he eats. Finally, in the Arrowverse's Crisis On Infinite Earths crossover, Smallville's Clark returned for a final time as a confident family man at peace with himself who wasn't easily intimidated by the Lex Luthor (Jon Cryer) from Earth-38. He is a being of immense power, strength and invulnerability who after realizing his destiny to serve mankind uses his powers to protect and save others. Next: Why New Superman Movies Have Struggled To Be Successful. Oct 7, 2018 - A Great Actor...Gone to soon!. When Lois was looking through Clark's high school box, she found Virgil's journal and realized he had the drawing and information on the Book of Rao. The key difference between Cavill and Reeve is that Cavill had to learn on the job as Superman and he immediately had to face a full-scale invasion of Kryptonians led by General Zod (Michael Shannon), and his inexperience at handling such a threat led to the devastation suffered by Smallville and Metropolis. Deceased (Sacred). Christopher Reeve Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, director, producer, and writer. He was born Kal-El on the planet Krypton, as the son of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. Dr. Swann (or his daughter, Patricia) apparently had an association with Clark’s protector, John Jones, who used Swann Communications to build himself a large orbital satellite for him to use as a base. Mathematician, physicist, engineer (Swann Communications), astronomer (New York Planetarium) Reeve was a huge fan of the show.