James Gunn Confirms Jor-El's Casting in SUPERMAN and Explains Why He Cast Who He Did
Superhero secrets rarely stay buried for long, especially when it comes to early screenings and fandom sleuthing. For a while, Warner Bros. managed to keep a key Superman cameo under wraps.
But as rumors started swirling online a couple of months ago, it became clear that the truth would eventually come out. And now, James Gunn has confirmed the rumors that Bradley Cooper is playing Jor-El, Superman’s biological father.
Gunn, who worked closely with Cooper on the Guardians of the Galaxy films, recently spoke with Extra and opened up about how this casting came together. Turns out, it was less of a big Hollywood negotiation and more of a friendly favor between longtime collaborators.
Gunn explained that he reached out to Cooper and said: “Hey, would you do me a favor, come down and go to England, we’re gonna shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you… you can play Jor-El, and he’s like ‘OK.’”
According to Gunn, Cooper’s screen time in Superman will be brief and it involves just one speech, in fact. The role seems designed more as an emotional tether for Clark Kent rather than a major plot-driving force.
Gunn also emphasized that he didn’t ask Cooper just because they’re friends, he said that he also admired him as an actor and a director.
Angela Sarafyan will play Lara Lor-Van, rounding out the Kryptonian parental duo. And while we don’t yet know exactly what Jor-El says in his holographic moment, it’s safe to assume it will carry some weight.
Superman is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025.