Latest news with #AngelaSarafyan
Gizmodo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Why James Gunn Wanted a Younger Jor-El In ‘Superman'
The role Superman's parents play in his life has always differed across years of comic book reshuffling and myriad adaptations. But in our latest crack at the Kryptonian whip in James Gunn's Superman, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van play a brief, but fundamental role in the movie. Casting the role for Gunn was crucial, not just because of the character's legacy—but because he wanted to buck a trend from other live-action Superman Superman Jor-El and Lara are played by the voice of Rocket Raccoon himself, Bradley Cooper, and Westworld's Angela Sarafyan, respectively—appearing briefly in a recorded message sent with Kal-El when he was evacuated from Krypton. The message is short, but key to the core of the film, and when casting Cooper in particular, Gunn wanted to convey the same kind of legacy prior live-action incarnations of the character had. 'Well, Bradley's a friend of mine, and I needed somebody who could play Jor-El,' Gunn told Deadline of the casting decision. 'And I don't think this is a spoiler, everybody knows about this, [but I wanted someone] who had the stature of what we imagine that character being, somebody who could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.' But while that similar gravitas was key for the Jor-El of 2025, one thing wasn't for Gunn: the older age that has been traditionally given to the character in adaptation. '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,' Gunn explained. '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 appreciated him doing it.' Cooper, a spry 50 by human and Kryptonian standards, isn't actually that much younger than several of the actors to play the character in live-action, however. Russell Crowe was 49 when he played Jor-El in 2013's Man of Steel, and although Terrence Stamp voiced the character in Smallville, he was physically portrayed in the show's 9th and 10th seasons by Julian Sands, who was in his early 50s at the time of production. Superman is now in theaters. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Marlon Brando Inspired a Surprise Cameo In 'Superman'
Superman Look, up on the screen! It's not a bird, or a plane. It's Bradley Cooper in another cameo! James Gunn's Superman is flying into theaters, and based on its warm reception by critics and audiences, the new DC Universe is off to a strong start. But the movie itself has quite the opening, with an in medias res prologue that sees Superman (David Corenswet) get his butt kicked all the way back to the Arctic. You won't believe who is waiting for him there. With the help of Krypto, Superman gets back to the Fortress of Solitude, where his robot assistants comfort him by playing a recorded message left to him by his birth parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van. The message itself is pivotal to the plot, as it contains a dark truth regarding Kal-El's purpose on Earth. But what matters less is what the message says than who's in it: Westworld's Angela Sarafyan as Superman's mother, and Philadelphia's own Bradley Cooper as Jor-El, Superman's father. How do you say "Go Birds" in Kryptonian? In an Entertainment Tonight interview, Gunn explained that Cooper, whom the Superman director has collaborated with for the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy for Marvel Studios, did the role "as a favor" to Gunn due to their familiarity and friendship. "I needed somebody who could play Jor-El, who had the stature of what we imagine that character to be," Gunn told ET. "Somebody that could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando." Gunn also explained that he went with Cooper because he was comparatively more age-appropriate than past actors who've played Jor-El, often men well into their senior years. "A lot of times, Jor-El is played by a 70-year-0ld man. That means he was 70 when he had a baby. I wanted somebody that wasn't too old. So I think Bradley was perfect." Cooper is an accomplished actor in his own right, and a classic Hollywood heartthrob with a heaping of prestigious Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, not to mention three Grammy Awards. But lately he's enjoyed doing cameos in somewhat unexpected places. He enjoyed a bit part in the 2023 romp Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, playing the halfling ex-husband to Michelle Rodriguez's barbarian Holga. In 2024, he paid a visit to Abbott Elementary, as the "Show and Tell" guest of a young student. His Superman cameo is a tad more serious than either of those appearances, but it's funny all the same. Where will Cooper show up next? You Might Also Like Kid Cudi Is All Right 16 Best Shoe Organizers For Storing and Displaying Your Kicks
CNN
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The silly, satisfying and sentimental cameos in ‘Superman'
'Superman' has finally soared into theaters, and with it comes a wealth of cameos and fun references to its DC Comics origin. It's what one would expect from director James Gunn, an avowed comic book uber-fan since the age of three. In addition to Easter egg references (look for a road sign leading to Gotham City, among others), the new film's surprise cameos range from ridiculous to tear-jerking. Many of these actors, it turns out, have appeared in several if not all of Gunn's previous films. Filling the substantial shoes of one Marlon Brando, Cooper appears at the very top of 'Superman' in the icy Fortress of Solitude, in a pre-recorded message as Supe's (David Corenswet) Kryptonian father. Brando famously played the same character in Richard Donner's 1978 'Superman' with Christopher Reeve, but he refused to appear in the role in the sequel two years later. Cooper might be more open to playing the role again – after all, he's one of Gunn's stable of actors, having voiced Rocket Raccoon in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' movies. Portraying Jor-El's wife – and Superman's mother – Lara is the ethereal Angela Sarafyan, who previously shined as Clementine in TV's 'Westworld' series. It's a true full-circle moment to see Will Reeve – son to the aforementioned Christopher – in the new film. The younger Reeve was born after the four 'Superman' films in which his father appeared were completed. He was 12 years old when his father died. Now a correspondent for ABC News, it's only natural that Reeve portray an on-the-ground reporter in the new movie. It's also emotional and fitting to see Christopher Reeve's son – who, along with his siblings, has kept his legacy alive – appear in a Superman movie. Skewing on the sillier side, John Cena makes a surprise appearance during one of the film's more playful sequences (there are a bunch). As his morally questionable, supremely goofy DC character Peacemaker, Cena shows up as a talking head on a news show while Clark Kent and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) have a heart-to-heart, just as a wild inter-dimensional battle simultaneously plays out in the background (it'll make sense when you watch it). The 'Peacemaker' series featuring Cena was an early and unexpected hit for Gunn in his tenure with DC in 2022, with a second season set for next month. ('Peacemaker' is a production from HBO Max, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) Gunn likes to keep his family close. The director famously puts his brother Sean in as many projects as he can – look no further than the 'Guardians' movies, in which Sean Gunn played Kraglin and also physically performed the role of Rocket on set before being dubbed over by Cooper. He also portrayed Weasel and Calendar Man in 2021's 'The Suicide Squad.' In 'Superman,' Sean Gunn briefly appears as Maxwell Lord, a threatening DC character who has been previously portrayed by Pedro Pascal (in 'Wonder Woman 1984') and Peter Facinelli (in TV's 'Supergirl'). Doing a deep-dive on the credited cast for 'Superman' turns up a few more of Gunn's galactic 'Guardians,' including Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff as robots in the Fortress of Solitude. Klementieff brought zany humor as Mantis to both the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (starting with 2017's 'Vol. 2') and 'Avengers' franchises, while Rooker's collaborations with Gunn go back even further. In addition to playing Yondu in 'Guardians' volumes 1 through 3, the actor appeared in the director's gross-out horror opus 'Slither' from 2006, just like his 'Superman' costar Nathan Fillion. Other Gunn regulars appearing in 'Superman' include Mikaela Hoover and Stephen Blackehart. Toward the end of 'Superman,' the Man of Steel is visited upon by his Kryptonian cousin Kara, also known as Supergirl, dressed in the classic outfit that calls to mind Helen Slater in the 1984 film costarring Faye Dunaway. Now played by Milly Alcock, who more than stood out in this summer's Netflix series 'Sirens,' Supergirl shows her wild nature during her brief cameo, during which viewers also learn that she is the actual owner of Krypto the beloved if unruly Superdog. Alcock will be back in the role in next year's 'Supergirl' movie. CNN anchor Jake Tapper conspicuously appears in the background at one point as a news correspondent. He initially had some dialogue, but it turns out he ended up on the cutting room floor for time, according to Gunn. 'Superman' premieres in theaters on Friday. The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNN's parent company.
CNN
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The silly, satisfying and sentimental cameos in ‘Superman'
'Superman' has finally soared into theaters, and with it comes a wealth of cameos and fun references to its DC Comics origin. It's what one would expect from director James Gunn, an avowed comic book uber-fan since the age of three. In addition to Easter egg references (look for a road sign leading to Gotham City, among others), the new film's surprise cameos range from ridiculous to tear-jerking. Many of these actors, it turns out, have appeared in several if not all of Gunn's previous films. Filling the substantial shoes of one Marlon Brando, Cooper appears at the very top of 'Superman' in the icy Fortress of Solitude, in a pre-recorded message as Supe's (David Corenswet) Kryptonian father. Brando famously played the same character in Richard Donner's 1978 'Superman' with Christopher Reeve, but he refused to appear in the role in the sequel two years later. Cooper might be more open to playing the role again – after all, he's one of Gunn's stable of actors, having voiced Rocket Raccoon in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' movies. Portraying Jor-El's wife – and Superman's mother – Lara is the ethereal Angela Sarafyan, who previously shined as Clementine in TV's 'Westworld' series. It's a true full-circle moment to see Will Reeve – son to the aforementioned Christopher – in the new film. The younger Reeve was born after the four 'Superman' films in which his father appeared were completed. He was 12 years old when his father died. Now a correspondent for ABC News, it's only natural that Reeve portray an on-the-ground reporter in the new movie. It's also emotional and fitting to see Christopher Reeve's son – who, along with his siblings, has kept his legacy alive – appear in a Superman movie. Skewing on the sillier side, John Cena makes a surprise appearance during one of the film's more playful sequences (there are a bunch). As his morally questionable, supremely goofy DC character Peacemaker, Cena shows up as a talking head on a news show while Clark Kent and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) have a heart-to-heart, just as a wild inter-dimensional battle simultaneously plays out in the background (it'll make sense when you watch it). The 'Peacemaker' series featuring Cena was an early and unexpected hit for Gunn in his tenure with DC in 2022, with a second season set for next month. ('Peacemaker' is a production from HBO Max, which like CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) Gunn likes to keep his family close. The director famously puts his brother Sean in as many projects as he can – look no further than the 'Guardians' movies, in which Sean Gunn played Kraglin and also physically performed the role of Rocket on set before being dubbed over by Cooper. He also portrayed Weasel and Calendar Man in 2021's 'The Suicide Squad.' In 'Superman,' Sean Gunn briefly appears as Maxwell Lord, a threatening DC character who has been previously portrayed by Pedro Pascal (in 'Wonder Woman 1984') and Peter Facinelli (in TV's 'Supergirl'). Doing a deep-dive on the credited cast for 'Superman' turns up a few more of Gunn's galactic 'Guardians,' including Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff as robots in the Fortress of Solitude. Klementieff brought zany humor as Mantis to both the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (starting with 2017's 'Vol. 2') and 'Avengers' franchises, while Rooker's collaborations with Gunn go back even further. In addition to playing Yondu in 'Guardians' volumes 1 through 3, the actor appeared in the director's gross-out horror opus 'Slither' from 2006, just like his 'Superman' costar Nathan Fillion. Other Gunn regulars appearing in 'Superman' include Mikaela Hoover and Stephen Blackehart. Toward the end of 'Superman,' the Man of Steel is visited upon by his Kryptonian cousin Kara, also known as Supergirl, dressed in the classic outfit that calls to mind Helen Slater in the 1984 film costarring Faye Dunaway. Now played by Milly Alcock, who more than stood out in this summer's Netflix series 'Sirens,' Supergirl shows her wild nature during her brief cameo, during which viewers also learn that she is the actual owner of Krypto the beloved if unruly Superdog. Alcock will be back in the role in next year's 'Supergirl' movie. CNN anchor Jake Tapper conspicuously appears in the background at one point as a news correspondent. He initially had some dialogue, but it turns out he ended up on the cutting room floor for time, according to Gunn. 'Superman' premieres in theaters on Friday. The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is owned by CNN's parent company.
Geek Tyrant
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
James Gunn Confirms Jor-El's Casting in SUPERMAN and Explains Why He Cast Who He Did — GeekTyrant
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.
