During the early development of Superman under James Gunn’s direction, a significant casting change took place that ultimately shaped two ideal characters for the DC Universe (DCU). This James Gunn Superman casting change contributed greatly to the franchise’s stable beginning, helping cement the DCU’s confidence moving forward. Superman’s debut film was a major success, quickly becoming one of the highest-rated entries in the DC franchise and setting a promising tone for future installments.
A large part of this success comes from a strong ensemble cast, featuring David Corenswet as Superman, supported by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. Among these choices, Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor stood out as one of DC Studios’ smartest casting moves, though his involvement almost took a different route.
Behind the Scenes: Nicholas Hoult’s Path to Playing Lex Luthor
Nicholas Hoult, celebrated for his range and skill, initially auditioned for the role of Superman before being cast as the iconic villain Lex Luthor. This switch was fully embraced by Hoult and turned out well, but he was not originally the primary choice for Luthor. Interestingly, he was first considered to lead as Superman, demonstrating the evolving decisions in casting during production.
At the end of the movie, Lex Luthor is sent to Belle Reve prison, though plans hint at his possible return, keeping the character’s future open-ended. Hoult’s shift from Superman aspirant to nemesis allowed the production to balance the characters in more contemporary roles, adding depth to the DCU’s narrative landscape.
A Familiar Face Nearly Became Lex Luthor Instead
Another notable casting what-if involves Bradley Cooper, an actor well known for his collaborations with James Gunn, especially in the Guardians of the Galaxy series within the MCU. It was rumored, and later confirmed, that Cooper was almost cast as Lex Luthor. Ultimately, he appears in the Superman film as Jor-El, Superman’s father, which also marked his first confirmed role in the DCU.
James Gunn prefers working with familiar talent, and Cooper’s involvement fits this pattern. During a discussion on the podcast
“Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz,”
Gunn revealed the near casting of Cooper as Luthor, explaining,
“We had a short conversation and at the end, […] I did want Lex to be someone that was more [a] contemporary of Superman’s.”
—James Gunn, Director
This intention reflects the decision to present Lex Luthor and Superman as peers in age, with Hoult being 35 and Corenswet 32, enhancing their rivalry’s relevance. Gunn also praised Cooper, noting,
“Bradley would have been a great Lex. I mean…Bradley’s great at everything.”
—James Gunn, Director
How Casting Bradley Cooper Differently Enhanced the DCU
By casting Bradley Cooper as Jor-El instead of Lex Luthor, the movie gained two well-suited characters. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor delivers a layered performance marked by obsession and cunning, perfectly opposite Superman’s heroic qualities. Cooper’s role as Jor-El, despite being brief, contributes significant narrative weight and emotional depth.
Cooper’s casting as Superman’s father made narrative sense because the character needed to align with the story’s timeline. Gunn explained that having an older actor, like Marlon Brando who traditionally played Jor-El, would not fit the backstory where Superman was just a newborn during his father’s recorded message. Cooper, now 50, matched this portrayal more accurately while delivering his few lines with expert skill.
The choice also allows for future story possibilities in DCU sequels. Cooper’s Jor-El could return to explore more of his legacy and impact on Superman. The film itself is packed with Easter eggs, references, and thoughtful links to the original comics, catering to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The overall success of Superman under James Gunn’s leadership confirms that the casting adjustments, including the dynamic shift involving Bradley Cooper and Nicholas Hoult, were pivotal. Their roles helped form two distinct yet complementary figures vital to the DCU’s foundational storylines and future development.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. Before joining DC Studios as co-CEO in 2022, Gunn was involved with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy series. After being fired by Marvel (but later rehired for Guardians of the Galaxy 3), he directed The Suicide Squad (2021) for DC.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation, the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog is inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he has also described himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
