Will Reeve Embarks on Emotional Journey in New ABC Special

NEW YORK, NY — ABC News correspondent Will Reeve will premiere a deeply personal primetime special, “Will Reeve: Finding My Father,” on February 26. In this heartfelt documentary, Reeve retraces the last expedition of his father, Christopher Reeve, the iconic “Superman” actor, who was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in 1995.

The project revisits themes from the 1995 nature documentary, “In the Wild: Gray Whales with Christopher Reeve,” where his father documented the migration of gray whales from the Arctic to Mexico. Reeve’s life took a drastic turn following his accident, during which he transitioned from a celebrated actor to a prominent advocate for spinal cord injury research, ultimately founding the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation before his death in 2004 at age 52.

In an accompanying essay, Will Reeve expressed the impact of his father’s legacy, stating, “My favorite movie he ever did was a little-known nature documentary called ‘In the Wild: Gray Whales.’ It’s a totemic depiction of who my father truly was as a human being.” Reeve plans to explore locations featured in the documentary, seeking a deeper understanding of both his father’s adventurous spirit and their familial connection.

Reflecting on his father’s influence, Will has long dreamed of visiting the sites where Christopher filmed, including the San Ignacio Lagoon in Mexico and St. Lawrence Island near Siberia. “I wanted to bring the world with me on a literal and figurative quest to find my dad at his essence,” he shared.

Will recounted his father’s adventurous pursuits during the filming, noting, “You see him in full flight—piloting planes, scuba diving, chasing whales. He is a man of action and adventure, an explorer engaging with the world.” However, this adventurous spirit was shattered after Christopher’s injury.

“For decades, I have dreamed of visiting those last locations he filmed before his accident,” Will stated. He explained the significance of this journey, clarifying that it represents not only a personal loss but also a collective memory for fans who idolized his father.

In discussing his decision to avoid acting in superhero films, Will said on LIVE! WITH KELLY AND MARK, “I learned at an early age from my parents that in order to succeed in entertainment, you need the craft like you need air to breathe. For me, I acted in school plays, but that wasn’t my true calling.” His true passion has led him to journalism, where he continues to honor his father’s legacy.

“After traveling to the locations of his last trip, I left with a better understanding of myself and of my dad; of the natural world and of humanity. Of how they all connect through space and time,” Will remarked, highlighting the transformative nature of his pilgrimage. His special aims to remind viewers of the heroism and personal journey of Christopher Reeve.

“Will Reeve: Finding My Father” airs February 26 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and will be available to stream the following day, offering viewers a chance to see a blend of personal history and exploration of nature through a familial lens.