James Gunn Reveals Bradley Cooper’s Surprise Superman Role As Well As How He Convinced The Guardians Icon

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James Gunn is incorporating some recurring actors from his “Guardians of the Galaxy” team into forthcoming DC Universe films, at least one of them, and now it’s been confirmed who Bradley Cooper will portray in David Corenswet’s “Superman” film. The actor known for Marvel will assume a legendary part that transcends vocal performances, venturing into holographic dimensions instead.

It turns out that the role in DC Studios was secured by their Co-CEO for director James Gunn, not through formal meetings or studio negotiations, but rather as a friendly favor. In an interview with Jake’s Takes, Gunn himself explained this unconventional approach, describing it as more of a casual request than a business deal. As the writer of the film “Slither,” he emphasized that this was less about legal contracts and more about making a simple, well-timed inquiry.

To be honest, Bradley is simply extending a kindness to me. He’s more than just an acquaintance; we’ve maintained a strong friendship since our time together on the Guardians films. I hold him in high regard not only as an actor but also as a talented director.

Let’s take a moment to marvel at the offhandedly grandiose tone of that conversation. Instead of asking friends for help with moving furniture, a regular occurrence, this director is using their friendship to establish interstellar paternal roles in one of the most eagerly awaited superhero movies of the next ten years. He went on to say:

He responded affirmatively when I proposed the following: ‘Could you do me a favor? Travel to England with me, let’s create a 3D image of you there, and you’ll have an opportunity to portray Jor-El in this hologram.’ He agreed.

Cooper isn’t merely filling an ornamental position; he’s adding substance to a well-known role. The A Star is Born actor is gearing up to embody the character of none other than Jor-El, Kal-El’s revered Kryptonian father.

If you’ve witnessed his performance as Rocket in Guardians of the Galaxy, you’re familiar with Cooper’s ability to evoke emotions through digital characters. Now, he’s channeling that same heartfelt intensity into the final moments of Krypton, but this time with less fur and a greater sense of weightiness.

Not only does this role not consist of a single appearance, but it’s also been confirmed that Pom Klementieff (Mantis) and Michael Rooker (Yondu), who have previously worked on Guardians of the Galaxy, are among the cast for Superman. In the Fortress of Solitude, they will voice robotic characters, with Alan Tudyk, a veteran voice actor from Creature Commandos, joining them.

Regarding Jor-El’s role, famously portrayed by actors like Marlon Brando and Russell Crowe in DC’s Gods and Monsters, the creator aimed to manage expectations, explaining that his screen time may be limited but his emotional impact is significant. It’s not about how much he appears on screen, but rather the story’s weight he carries. A 3D hologram of Bradley Cooper imparting cosmic fatherly advice? That sounds more intriguing than another sky beam any day.

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t definitively say if Cooper will reappear in upcoming movies; however, Gunn subtly hinted at the possibility by leaving the entrance invitingly open. When prompted about a potential comeback in future ventures, he playfully suggested: “You never know!

You never know. It’s possible…

On July 11, 2025, Superman will make his grand entrance into cinemas, and given Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Jor-El, along with those thrilling early previews, it seems that James Gunn is determined to offer a bold, daring reinterpretation of the Man of Steel. Let the new-age dad feels commence.

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2025-07-02 17:37