Just weeks ahead of its theatrical debut, the highly anticipated James Gunn Superman movie has added acclaimed actors Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan to its cast, filling the roles of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van—Superman’s legendary Kryptonian parents. This latest James Gunn Superman movie casting continues to draw interest from fans eager to see which stars will join David Corenswet as Superman for DC Studios’ first new major film release.
The main roster for this much-awaited reboot, featuring Earth-based characters, had been previously revealed. Now, reports offer insight into the extraterrestrial figures set to appear, signaling the care Gunn is bringing to both human and alien elements of Superman’s world. According to information sourced from Omelete, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van will be seen in the opening sequence while Superman is recovering inside the Fortress of Solitude. The scene is set to showcase robotic assistants presenting a comforting message from his Kryptonian parents, offering support as he recovers from injuries sustained as the Man of Steel.
Star-Studded Cast Rounds Out Superman’s Universe
This Superman film marks a return to the character’s solo adventures since 2013, with a star ensemble to match its ambition. Alongside David Corenswet, the cast includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Bradley Cooper, renowned for his roles in “A Star Is Born,” “American Sniper,” and as Rocket Raccoon spanning eight Marvel Cinematic Universe properties, brings powerful recognition to the project. Notably, this is not Cooper’s first time involved with Superman—he is also confirmed to voice one of the Fortress of Solitude’s robots in this movie, joining Alan Tudyk, Pom Klementieff, and Michael Rooker in those voice roles.
Angela Sarafyan, celebrated for performances in “Westworld,” “The Immigrant,” and
“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2,”
will portray Superman’s mother, Lara Lor-Van. This addition emphasizes the film’s intention to ground even its Kryptonian elements with accomplished talent. The film will chart several years into Clark Kent’s life as both a Daily Planet reporter and a superhero, as he faces a variety of dangerous enemies threatening Earth.
For fans, these casting announcements contribute to the mounting excitement around the film’s July 11 release date, where emotional moments, both human and Kryptonian, are expected to play out on screen.
Why Cooper and Sarafyan Are Seen as Ideal Choices for Superman’s Parents
The creative synergy between Bradley Cooper and James Gunn has already been proven through their successful collaboration on Rocket Raccoon’s storyline in
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Their work established Rocket as a fan-favorite among Marvel audiences, leading many to speculate about what this partnership might achieve within DC’s universe. While Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, as Superman’s late biological parents, are set to appear only briefly, their presence could offer meaningfully emotional scenes—especially with Gunn emphasizing Clark Kent’s support system more than previous films.
Since Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van are likely to appear digitally as messages from the past rather than living characters, Cooper and Sarafyan will have the chance to make a significant emotional impact in a limited role. The scenes involving both Kryptonian and adoptive parents—portrayed by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan and Martha Kent—are expected to add layers to Clark Kent’s journey of self-discovery and heroism.
As this is the first theatrical film in the new James Gunn DC Universe, the casting of actors like Cooper and Sarafyan underscores an intent to honor Superman’s origins with thoughtful performances, even in smaller but essential roles.
What This Means for the Superman Franchise and the DC Universe
The introduction of actors such as Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan as pivotal Kryptonian figures signals both a respectful nod to Superman’s comic book legacy and a step forward for DC Studios under James Gunn’s direction. By inviting established talent to portray major characters, the film could resonate strongly with both new and long-time fans.
Audiences will soon see how the interplay between Superman’s past and present shapes his evolution on screen. The addition of these new roles, along with DC’s commitment to enriching secondary characters, may well chart a new course for future productions within the DC Universe. As anticipation builds for the July premiere, fans and industry observers alike will be watching to gauge how this fresh take on iconic lore influences the wider superhero film landscape.
