Fans following Zack Snyder Justice League Superman news now have an update about Ray Porter, best known for playing Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, who has stepped back into the DC universe, this time as the voice of Superman’s father, Jor-El, in a new audio adaptation. The all-star cast production brings familiar faces to the spotlight in a surprising move for DC storytelling, signaling changes in casting within the ongoing reboot of the DCU.
Ray Porter Shifts from Darkseid to Jor-El
Ray Porter moves from his former role as antagonist Darkseid to portray Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, in the recently launched All-Star Superman audiobook. The audiobook, which was released by Penguin Random House Audio on June 24, 2025, presents a full-cast interpretation in collaboration with DC, giving the acclaimed graphic novel by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely a new dimension. This marks another chapter for Porter following his earlier involvement in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, where he voiced Darkseid, the villain orchestrating Steppenwolf’s invasion and seeking the Anti-Life Equation.
The Changing Landscape of the DC Universe
The character of Darkseid was originally positioned as the central villain for an intended Justice League film trilogy under Zack Snyder, but those plans were ultimately shelved with the onset of a DC universe reboot, overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The ongoing reimagining of the DCU has led to recasting and new project announcements, with Porter’s return being highlighted in DC’s press release for All-Star Superman. Joining Porter in the cast are Marc Thompson as both Superman and Zibarro, Kristen Sieh as Lois Lane, and Christopher Smith taking on Lex Luthor, alongside Sean Kenin Elias-Reyes, Brandon McInnis, Jessica Almasy, and Pete Bradbury.
Continuity for SnyderVerse Actors and New Roles
Although Ray Porter is recognized for his brief but significant portrayal of Darkseid, his casting as Jor-El for the All-Star Superman project marks his continued association with DC’s evolving storylines. He follows in the footsteps of other actors from the SnyderVerse era, such as Jason Momoa, who is set to play Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl film, demonstrating the franchise’s willingness to reassign notable performers to different roles as the universe is restructured.
Future Projects and the Direction of DC Audio
While there has been no official word regarding Porter’s future as Darkseid in the reimagined main DCU timeline, DC Studios recently introduced an R-rated Mister Miracle series that references both Darkseid and the famous Anti-Life Equation, maintaining ties to past story arcs. All-Star Superman’s audio adaptation is the inaugural entry in a planned collection of audiobook versions of classic DC narratives, providing new storytelling platforms for both established and re-imagined characters.
The return of Ray Porter in this capacity offers loyal DC fans an opportunity to hear familiar talent in fresh roles, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the DC universe and its expansion through different formats. As DC proceeds with its reboot, developments in casting and adaptation are likely to keep fans engaged and eager for future announcements.
