James Gunn Reveals How THAT Cameo in Superman Came About
WARNING: This post contains spoilers for Superman.
Newly-crowned blockbuster Superman is packed with some Hollywood cameos. But one A-lister appeared in the film thanks to the director James Gunn and his past connection to the MCU.
As the film opens with David Corenswet in the titular role, fans are introduced to his birth parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. The characters are brought to life by none other than Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan.
The Hangover star has worked with James Gunn before, notably during their collective time as part of Marvel’s cinematic universe. Thanks to their previous working relationship on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Gunn believed Cooper could embody the role previously played by Marlon Brando.
“Well, Bradley’s a friend of mine, and I needed somebody who could play Jor-El – and I don’t think this is a spoiler, everybody knows about this – who had the stature of what we imagine that character being,” the filmmaker said.
He also commented on Cooper’s acting chops to The Godfather himself. Gunn described Cooper as “somebody who could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.”
Gunn also delighted in casting Cooper as a more appropriately aged father of Kal-El: “Everyone was bringing up all these actors that were too old for me. I think Bradley was perfect, he did it for me as a favor because he’s my friend, and I really appreciate him doing it.”
Gunn’s take on the character is one of foreboding. Jor-El sends his son to Earth with a grave message about his purpose, becoming an anchor point for the plot.
Superman was released on July 11th. You can read our review of the film here.
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