James Gunn Cast Bradley Cooper as Jor-El in SUPERMAN to Echo Marlon Brando

James Gunn’s Superman is full of surprises, but one of the most unexpected reveals comes in the form of Guardians of the Galaxy alum Bradley Cooper stepping into the role of Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, originally immortalized by Marlon Brando.

Gunn explained why he ultimately cast Cooper in the role, telling Entertainment Tonight.

“I needed somebody who could play Jor-El… who had the stature of what we imagine that character being. Somebody who could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.”

That’s no small ask, but Cooper was apparently up for the challenge, thanks in part to his long-time friendship with Gunn. The filmmaker added:

“A lot of times, Jor-El is played by a 70 year old man, and that means he was 70 when he had a baby. So I wanted somebody that wasn't too old… So I think that Bradley was perfect, he did it for me as a favor because he's my friend, and I really appreciate him doing it.”

What makes this version of Jor-El especially interesting is the twist on his character’s intentions. Yes, he still appears as a hologram in the Fortress of Solitude. But this time, the message he sends with baby Kal-El isn’t just a heartfelt goodbye, it’s a chilling instruction to conquer Earth.

That little bombshell added a whole new layer of tension as Clark wrestles with his identity and place in the world.

Fortunately, David Corenswet’s Superman worked through his emotions and wasn’t interested in playing galactic dictator, no matter what his space dad said. Even as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) launches a propaganda campaign against him, the Man of Steel is more interested in protecting Earth than ruling it.