James Gunn, the director behind the upcoming Superman film, has confirmed a major casting rumor that’s been circulating: Bradley Cooper, known for voicing Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, will play Jor-El, Superman’s biological father.
The revelation came during a press junket for the movie in Los Angeles, where Gunn shared his excitement about working with Cooper again.
Gunn, who has collaborated with Cooper extensively in the Guardians series, explained that the casting decision was a personal favor. “Really, Bradley’s just doing me a favor,” Gunn said. “He’s a friend, and we’ve stayed in close contact since the Guardians films. I admire him greatly as both an actor and a director.”
The process behind Cooper’s casting is as unique as the role itself. Gunn explained that he reached out to Cooper with a simple request: “I just said, ‘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.’ He was like, ‘Okay.’”
The use of a holographic Jor-El fits well within Gunn’s vision for the Superman film, which is not an origin story. There’s also a precedent for such a portrayal, with previous Superman films featuring holograms of the character. Cooper, who has voiced Rocket Raccoon in multiple Marvel films, is taking on a role that has been portrayed by heavyweights like Marlon Brando and Russell Crowe in past Superman films.
Beyond Cooper, Gunn has brought in several other familiar faces from his Marvel films. Pom Klementieff, who played Mantis in the Guardians films, joins the cast, as does Michael Rooker, who portrayed Yondu. Gunn’s wife, Jennifer Holland, stars in Peacemaker, while Alan Tudyk lends his voice to various characters in Creature Commandos. Additionally, Gunn’s brother, Sean Gunn, who appeared in the Guardians trilogy, will portray Maxwell Lord in the film.
With Gunn’s extensive Marvel background and unique casting choices, fans are eagerly anticipating how these familiar faces will bring new life to the iconic Superman franchise. Stay tuned for more as the release of the film draws closer.
1 comment