Superman’s James Gunn Compares Marvel Actor’s Jor-El Cameo To Marlon Brando

DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn recently explained why he cast Bradley Cooper as Jor-El in Superman. In a new interview, Gunn discussed the legacy of the role, how Cooper fits into that tradition, and why Marlon Brando’s original performance shaped the decision.

James Gunn cast Bradley Cooper as Jor-El because he could ‘walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando’

James Gunn revealed why he cast Bradley Cooper as Jor-El in Superman during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I needed somebody who could play Jor-El, who had the stature of what we imagine that character to be,” Gunn said. “Somebody that could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.”

Cooper appears as Jor-El in the opening moments of the film. The character was originally portrayed by Marlon Brando in the 1978 Superman movie. Gunn confirmed that he deliberately sought an actor who could honor that legacy. “I admire him (Cooper) greatly as an actor and as a director,” Gunn added.

Gunn and Cooper previously collaborated on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, where Cooper voiced Rocket Raccoon. Their ongoing friendship contributed to the casting process. “He’s a friend. We’ve stayed in close contact since the ‘Guardians’ movies,” Gunn explained.

He then recounted how the cameo came about. “I called Cooper and asked, ‘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.’”

Gunn’s Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The ensemble cast also includes 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.

Gunn confirmed that Cooper’s cameo involves a holographic depiction, aligning with how Jor-El often appears in Superman lore. The scene was filmed in a 3D environment in England specifically for the character’s brief but significant appearance.

Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.

Source: Comingsoon.net