Will Reeve, who was eleven when his Superman-actor father died, and 13 when he lost his mother, Dana, is a double for his Dad.
In announcing the new role yesterday, Will said he hoped both his parents would be proud of him.
Will was only a toddler when his father, arguably the most popular Superman, suffered a horse riding accident that left him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator.
Dana Reeve, an actress and singer, devoted her life to caring for Christopher.
Together, they formed the Christopher Reeve Foundation and raised millions for research into spinal cord injuries.
Christopher made a stunning appearance at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta, prompting wild applause from the audience.
He also appeared at the Oscars. However, he battled lung infections for many years, and died from a heart attack and respiratory failure in 2004.
Compounding the tragedy, Dana died just 17 months later, of lung cancer. She was 44 and had never smoked.
Left:Christopher and Dana in May 1998. Right: Christopher as Superman.
Will was raised by family friends. In publicity shots released yesterday, he looks just like Reeve as the young Superman.
In a statement released by ESPN, the young Reeve said he was grateful for the opportunity and hoped his parents, who “define who I am” would “get a kick” out of seeing him on screen.
“The things I am interested in and passionate about are similar to what they were. My parents definitely define who I am,” he said.
“My dad and I had a huge bond and shared a love of sports. I hope they would be proud and say, “Great job,” no matter what.
“It is not only a dream job, it is my dream job … I just hope I don’t screw it up!”
Will has two half-siblings from his father’s first marriage, who were adults when their father died. All continue to support his Foundation.
