James Gunn talks A-list ‘Superman’ cameo: “I needed somebody who could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando”

Spoilers for ‘Superman’ ahead.

James Gunn has opened up about the surprise cameo in Superman, which brought back one of his former collaborators.

• READ MORE: ‘Superman’ review: James Gunn puts some pep back in Clark Kent’s pants

In the film, Kal-El aka Superman (David Corenswet) is comforted by a recording of his birth parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, who sent him to Earth as a baby in order to survive their planet’s extinction. In a casting that was a surprise to many, Bradley Cooper appeared as Jor-El, reuniting with Gunn after playing Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians Of The Galaxy films. Westworld actor Angela Sarafyan plays Lara Lor-Van.

Speaking to Deadline, the director of the film talked about how Cooper’s casting came about. “Well, Bradley’s a friend of mine,” he said, “and 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”.

He said he felt Cooper, 50, was also more age-appropriate for the role. “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” he 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 favour because he’s my friend, and I really appreciated him doing it”.

Superman released on July 11, reaching number one at the US box office and earning positive reviews from critics. A deep cut Iggy Pop collaboration has gained attention after appearing in the film’s closing credits.

Elsewhere, Gunn recently discussed why he turned down the opportunity to direct Henry Cavill in Man Of Steel 2 in 2018 as part of the previous DC timeline.

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