Superman in film the script, giving it a serious feel with Christ-like overtones. Christopher Reeve was cast as Superman, having initially failed to impress the Salkinds before bulking up. Brando meanwhile, despite spending less than two weeks on the shoot, and not even reading the script until then, earned $3.7 million up front, plus 11.75% of the gross profits from the film. The film was a success both critically and commercially, being released during the Christmas season of 1978; it did not have much competition, leading the producers to believe that this was one factor in the film's success. Shooting of the two
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation now, along with a Paralysis Resource Center that has reached tens of thousands of those living with paralysis and their families with useful, often life-saving and life-changing information. Reeve sought out the help of the APF, lent them his name and funding, and eventually turned it into the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and then the Christopher Reeve Foundation. As of early 2013, the Foundation has awarded more than $110 million (USD) in research grants and more than $16 million in quality-of-life grants. After Reeve's death in October 2004, his widow, Dana Reeve, assumed the chairmanship of the Foundation. Dana Reeve