The stars of the new 'Superman Returns' movie have paid tribute to Christopher Reeve, who played the title in the 1978 'Superman' film, at its premiere in Los Angeles.
Among those remembering Reeve was Brandon Routh, who takes over the role of the superhero and his alter-ego Clark Kent in the new film. "I am so excited to be able to follow in his footsteps," he said.
Routh says he was contacted by Reeve’s wife, Dana, while he was filming the movie.
"Dana Reeve sent a very nice letter giving her blessing to the film and to me playing the character so that was very nice - it meant a lot," he told reporters outside the theatre.
Kevin Spacey, who plays villain Lex Luthor, also paid tribute to Reeve, who was left paralysed from his neck down after a riding accident in 1995.
"In so many ways he became a bigger superhero as a result of his accident then when he was wearing that costume," he said.
Reeve died in October 2004, aged 52 and his widow Dana Reeve died of lung cancer in March this year.
‘Superman Returns’, which has received positive reviews, opens in the US on June 28 and follows in the UK on July 14.
