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Screen-Used 'Evil Superman' Costume from "Superman III" Available at Auction
Posted on July 04, 2026 by Neil Cole
A screen-used costume worn by Christopher Reeve during his memorable portrayal of the corrupted Man of Steel in "Superman III" (1983) is set to cross the auction block later this month as part of Heritage Auctions' Hollywood/Entertainment Signature Auction. The iconic "Evil Superman" ensemble, one of the most recognizable costumes from Reeve's tenure as Superman, will be offered during the July 13th - 17th event with an opening bid of $100,000.
The five-piece costume consists of the signature blue tunic and tights, maroon trunks, gold belt and flowing red cape worn by Reeve after Superman falls under the influence of synthetic kryptonite in the film's pivotal second act. Distinguished by its darker color palette and weathered appearance, the costume was worn during several of the film's most memorable sequences, including the character's increasingly erratic behavior and the climactic junkyard confrontation in which Clark Kent battles his darker Superman persona. Heritage Auctions notes that the ensemble retains production markings from renowned costume house Bermans & Nathans identifying it as having been made for Christopher Reeve, while visible harness openings and other production-specific details further support its screen-used history.
According to the auction house, the costume originated directly from Warner Bros. before entering private ownership and was later sold through Profiles in History in 2011. The lot is accompanied by a Heritage Auctions certificate of authenticity and extensive catalog documentation detailing its provenance. Original costumes worn by Reeve during the production of the four Superman films remain among the rarest and most sought-after pieces of superhero film memorabilia, with comparatively few complete ensembles having surfaced on the public market.
Released in 1983, "Superman III" presented audiences with one of the most psychologically complex performances of Reeve's career, as the actor portrayed both the heroic Superman and his morally corrupted counterpart following exposure to synthetic kryptonite engineered by the film's villains. The performance culminated in the celebrated junkyard battle between Superman and Clark Kent, a sequence widely regarded by fans as one of the franchise's defining moments and a showcase of Reeve's versatility in the dual role.
The offering is expected to draw considerable attention from collectors of Hollywood memorabilia, Superman enthusiasts and film historians when bidding opens. With Christopher Reeve's enduring legacy continuing to resonate more than four decades after the film's release, the costume represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic artifact from one of the most influential portrayals of the Man of Steel in cinematic history.
For more information, please visit Entertainment.ha.com.
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