Ahead of the release of Superman, director James Gunn deliberately withheld the identities of the actors playing the Man of Steel’s birth parents, sparking curiosity about those roles. It was only after preview screenings that details emerged revealing Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan as Jor-El and Lara Lor-Von, two pivotal but surprising characters in the storyline. The revelation altered fans’ understanding of Superman’s origins in unexpected ways.
Superman’s Origin Takes a Darker Turn Under Kryptonian Influence
In a crucial scene at the Fortress of Solitude, Lex Luthor discovers and exposes a concealed message from Clark Kent’s parents. Contrary to traditional portrayals, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Von sent Kal-El to Earth as a conqueror, selecting the planet specifically because its inhabitants were weak and easily dominated. The controversial implication suggests Kal-El is meant to father many children on Earth, establishing a Kryptonian harem and restarting their species.
This unsettling narrative turns public opinion against Superman, who initially doubts the message’s authenticity. However, the film firmly presents Jor-El and Lara as far from heroic figures, contrasting sharply with their usual depiction in comics and past media. This shift has sparked debate within the DC Universe fanbase.
James Gunn Confirms No Change to Controversial Origin Story
Rumors circulated that the dubious message might be manipulated or overturned in future installments, but director James Gunn dismissed such speculation in an interview with Rolling Stone. He explained that the film’s core theme is Superman wrestling with the responsibility of decisions made under what he believed was destiny, only to learn his true moral compass stems from himself and not external forces.
That’s the whole point of the movie, that Superman thinks he is doing something because it is his destiny and his Kryptonian parents have set him out to do this thing, and along the way he discovers through the love of the people who are actually his parents that he’s doing these things not because of someone else, but because of himself. It’s like taking accountability in the deepest way possible that his morality is not based on some figure outside of himself, but on his own choices. I think it’s really beautiful in that way, and I’m not gonna change that.
James Gunn, Director
Furthermore, Gunn offered a nuanced view of Jor-El and Lara, suggesting they aren’t purely evil but instead driven by a belief in Kryptonians’ superiority over humans. He compared humans to sea turtles in their eyes, emphasizing their primary goal is to preserve Kryptonian lineage.
And I don’t really even think of Jor-El and Lara as being totally evil,
he added.
They just have this mindset that humans are less than what they are. We’re sea turtles to them. They’re just trying to keep the Kryptonian genes alive.
James Gunn, Director
Bradley Cooper Avoids Answering on Jor-El’s Return
The unconventional portrayal of Jor-El and Lara has divided audiences and left open potential for fresh storylines within the Superman saga. When asked about reprising his role as Jor-El for the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, Bradley Cooper sidestepped the question during a recent conversation with Variety. Instead, Cooper shifted focus to his enthusiasm for the second season of Peacemaker.
#BradleyCooper shares his love for James Gunn’s #Peacemaker after being asked if he’ll return for the upcoming “Superman” sequel.
Cooper, who previously voiced Rocket Raccoon in Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, briefly appeared as Jor-El in the latest “Superman” film. pic.twitter.com/Wrj1JYCwAL
Variety, October 10, 2025
This response appears to be a common approach when actors are restricted from commenting on future projects. Yet, it prompts questions about whether fans genuinely want to see this dark interpretation of Jor-El again. The tension surrounding Bradley Cooper’s Jor-El return adds uncertainty to Superman’s evolving story.
Implications for Superman’s Future and Audience Reception
By challenging traditional heroic depictions of Kal-El’s origin, the latest film has introduced a layered and uneasy moral dimension to Superman’s narrative. Bradley Cooper’s hesitation to discuss his future involvement underscores the complexities behind continuing this storyline, particularly with a divided audience. Moving forward, the direction taken with Jor-El’s character could shape how fans perceive Superman’s role within the broader DC Universe.
With James Gunn affirming the uncompromised vision of his origin story and actors like Cooper remaining noncommittal about next appearances, the Superman franchise seems poised for further tension both on screen and among its fanbase. Viewers are left wondering how these controversial elements will unfold and whether redemption or further conflict awaits the Kryptonian lineage on Earth.
#BradleyCooper shares his love for James Gunn's #Peacemaker after being asked if he'll return for the upcoming "Superman" sequel.
Cooper, who previously voiced Rocket Raccoon in Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy, briefly appeared as Jor-El in the latest "Superman" film. pic.twitter.com/Wrj1JYCwAL
— Variety (@Variety) October 10, 2025
