The Curse of Superman

Dispatch Ajax! Podcast

Superman - arguably the Joey Chestnut of Superheroes - is marred by a dark open-secret that haunts all those who wear the cape onscreen...or so the legend goes.
Is the "Superman Curse" real or just a self-fulfilling prophecy? Since fellow Missourian James Gunn is poised to bring a fresh take on the Big Blue Boyscout, we thought we'd challenge the myth by examining the careers of actors like Brandon Routh, and Tom Welling plus give advice for compensating Dean Cain.
Ready to uncover the mysteries behind one of Hollywood's most notorious legends? Let’s unravel the eerie tales that form the "Superman Curse." From the financial and personal hardships faced by Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, to the tragic fates of George Reeves and Christopher Reeve, we explore how the Man of Steel’s shadow looms large over those who have brought him to life. Join us as we dissect how Superman’s original mission to combat social injustice has been misinterpreted by modern filmmakers, turning him into a Christ-like figure, and how this shift has impacted the actors who have donned the cape.
The stories get darker as we delve into the real-life struggles of actors like Christopher Reeve, whose career was dramatically altered by a tragic equestrian accident, and Margot Kidder, who faced numerous personal battles but dismissed the curse outright. We also touch on the tragic end of Lee Quigley, the infant Clark Kent, and look at how these stories have shaped the narrative of a so-called curse. Through these anecdotes, we uncover the broader implications of this urban legend on Hollywood and the careers of those graced and cursed by the Superman franchise.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the cultural impact of superhero narratives on younger audiences, pondering whether the curse is merely a myth or a cautionary tale for those who dare to wear the iconic "S."
Join us for an episode filled with hot takes on the darkest corner of the Superman Legacy.

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1. The Curse of Superman (00:00:00)

2. The Superman Curse and Tragic Stories (00:15:34)

3. The Superman Curse and Hollywood Bias (00:29:43)

4. The Myth of the Superman Curse (00:36:41)

5. The Superman Curse Uncovered (00:44:47)