Getting into shape

The only concern director Richard Donner had about casting Christopher Reeve as Superman was the actor’s build.

At 6’5”, Reeve had the height, but at just 170 pounds, he lacked the muscular physique Donner envisioned for the role.

Determined to prove he was the right choice, Reeve assured the director he could transform his body for the part.

He said: “Before I went into acting, I was a real jock. I’ve lost 50 pounds. I can put it on.”

True to his word, Reeve committed to an intense training regimen with the help of bodybuilder and Star Wars actor David Prowse, best known for portraying Darth Vader.

By the time filming began, Reeve had bulked up to 212 pounds.