An iconic Superman costume is hitting the auction block this weekend. The coveted piece of movie memorabilia — donned by actor Christopher Reeve in 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace — is expected to sell for between $20,000 to $30,000, according to an estimate by Julien’s Auctions.
The Superman costume is one of hundreds of film-related items included in the Hollywood Legends auction , to be held April 5 and 6 at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills. More than 800 movie props, wardrobe pieces, and celebrity personal effects will be auctioned during the event.
According to Martin Nolan, a spokesperson for the auction house, the Superman costume was given to a crew member upon completion of filming.
“The suit itself has been sitting in this person’s home in England for quite some time and they have decided that now is the time to let it go,” he explained .
“It’s a Superman suit worn by Christopher Reeve, the most famous of all the Supermans, it is iconic,” he added.
Reeve, who portrayed the beloved superhero for nearly ten years, passed away in 2004.
The costume was used during the film’s special effects flying sequences. A tag sewn into the material reads, “Christopher Reeve – 4913 Flying – Superman IV.”
According to Nolan , “It is still in great condition and you can see the little sewn-in slots where the cables were attached for the flying maneuvers in the film.”
The red and blue suit — complete with flowing cape — was constructed by British costume designers Bermans & Nathans and showcases the signature pattern used in each of the Superman costumes it created for the big screen.
The superhero franchise is set to hit theaters again soon with the upcoming film Man of Steel . Actor Henry Cavill, who stars in the title role, has expressed his delight at the chance to sport the iconic Superman look.
“I loved wearing the suit! You put it on every morning and you feel fantastic,” he recently explained to Total Film magazine . “I mean, you’re wearing a Superman suit, for goodness sake.”
You can check out Cavill’s turn as Superman in the trailer below:
Who do you think best portrays Superman? Do you think Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume will bring in high dollars when it goes to auction this weekend?