Director James Gunn selected Bradley Cooper for a key cameo in the new movie Superman, honoring the legacy of Marlon Brando’s original portrayal of Jor-El. Cooper appears as Superman’s father in the film’s opening scenes, continuing the tradition established by Brando in the 1978 classic.
Gunn explained that casting Cooper was a deliberate choice, intended to capture the stature and presence associated with the character of Jor-El. He said,
“I needed somebody who could play Jor-El, who had the stature of what we imagine that character to be,”
and emphasized,
“Somebody that could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.”
Cooper’s Previous Work with Gunn Made the Collaboration Natural
The director previously worked with Cooper on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, where Cooper voiced the character Rocket Raccoon. Their established friendship and professional respect made it easier for Gunn to bring Cooper on board for Superman. Gunn shared on the podcast Jake’s Takes, describing Cooper as a friend and admired colleague:
“We’ve stayed in close contact since the ‘Guardians’ movies, and I admire him greatly as an actor and as a director.”
Gunn recounted how he invited Cooper to film the cameo, saying,
“Hey, will you do me a favor? Come down, go to England, we’re going to shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you, and you can play Jor-El.”
Supporting Cast and Film Context
The film stars David Corenswet as Superman, with Nicholas Hoult playing the villain Lex Luthor. Other notable cast members include Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. This diverse ensemble complements Gunn’s vision of the DC universe grounded in strong character portrayals.
Honoring a Legacy While Advancing the Story
By casting Bradley Cooper as Jor-El, James Gunn honors Marlon Brando’s unforgettable contribution to the Superman mythos, ensuring the character remains iconic for new audiences. This thoughtful decision blends respect for cinematic history with modern technology through the use of holographic filming. As the film continues to draw audiences, Cooper’s performance stands as a bridge between past and present interpretations of Superman’s story.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is the age gap between Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper?
A. A source shared similar details with Us Weekly about Hadid and Cooper’s 20-year age difference. Hadid is 28, and Cooper is 48. According to the source, they share a lot of common interests.
