Summary
Superman’s test screenings have naturally sprayed rumors and spoilers in its wake. But none are quite as surprising as the latest: the existence of the Man of Steel’s father, Jor-El, and the identity of the actor playing him.
WhileSupermanis still four months away from release, the James Gunn film is currently at a crucial phase of its post-production run: test screenings. Word has been largely positive, and some have comparedSuperman’s quality to the firstWonder WomanandGuardians of the Galaxyfilms. The reaction to the first trailer was just as glamorous, with the clip gathering 250 million views across all platforms in its first 24 hours and becoming the most-viewed DC trailer and the fourth of all time. The second official trailer for the movie is expected to drop next month.
Bradley Cooper Apparently Plays Jor-El In Superman
‘Tis But a Cameo
The official ensemble characters do not include Jor-El, but whispers of the character’s appearance — to be played by faces like Tom Cruise and Chris Pratt — have been heard in different corners of the comic book scooping world. However, recent word fromViewerAnon on X, reveals thatJor-El would indeed feature inSuperman,and it would be played by none other than Bradley Cooper.His appearance is more of a cameo than an extensive feature, though.
“He appears in the first couple minutes of the movie, so I promise this is not a big spoiler.”
That Jor-El shows face inSupermanand is played by Bradley Cooper, if true, are two things that should hardly surprise anyone familiar with the character and James Gunn. Jor-El is a staple inSupermanfilms as Kal-El’s biological father and mentor. Thus, worry from some fans that his appearance betrays Gunn’s desire to reenact the classic “birth of Superman” storyline is unfounded.
Meanwhile, the choice ofCooper, who plays Rocket Raccoon in the MCU, follows a thread of actors whom Gunn has brought with him from the MCU’sGuardians of the Galaxyfilms to his new DCU project. Michael Rooker, who played Yondu inGuardians of the Galaxy, also stepped in as Savant inThe Suicide Squad. Sean Gunn, Gunn’s brother, has featured inThe Suicide Squad,Creature Commandos, and even inSuperman,as does Mikaela Hoover’s Cat Grant. Cooper’s credits, which include the 2018 filmA Star Is Born,cast little doubt on his ability to portray Jor El’s elegance and father figure.
It’s quite possible that Jor-El will be a recurring character in Gunn’s DCU and may even poke a face inSupergirl, although it’s all speculation at this stage. While many fans certainly hope that’s the case, as more of Jor-El is better than no Jor-El at all, others undoubtedly will hold the opinion that his appearance is imprudent and a waste of cameo space.
Superman
Cast
Written and directed by James Gunn, Superman is the first movie in Warner Bros.’ rebooted DC Universe to center around the titular comic book hero. It introduces a new version of the Man of Steel after Henry Cavill’s departure from the role, honoring the character’s roots as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.”
