Bradley Cooper Will Play Jor-El in Superman: James Gunn’s Epic DCU Casting Revealed!

Bradley Cooper has been confirmed to play Jor-El in Superman by writer, director and producer James Gunn himself, and DC fans are buzzing with excitement! The prolific director recently confirmed that the Guardians of the Galaxy star will portray Superman’s Kryptonian father in the highly anticipated Superman film, set to premiere on July 11, 2025.

This casting news, revealed during a press tour, marks a major moment for Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU).

Here’s everything you need to know about Cooper’s role, the film’s direction, and what it means for the DCU.

Highlights of Bradley Cooper’s Role as Jor-El

• Confirmed by James Gunn: Bradley Cooper will play Jor-El, Superman’s biological father, in a holographic cameo in the Superman film.

• Holographic Appearance: Jor-El appears as a 3D hologram in the Fortress of Solitude, a nod to past Superman films.

• Star-Studded Cast: Cooper joins David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Angela Sarafyan as Lara Lor-Van.

• Release Date: Superman hits theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025.

James Gunn’s Vision for SupermanJames Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, is bringing his signature blend of action, humor, and heart to the DCU. During a press conference in Las Vegas, Gunn confirmed that Bradley Cooper will play Jor-El in Superman, a role previously portrayed by icons like Marlon Brando and Russell Crowe.

Cooper’s Jor-El will appear as a hologram in the Fortress of Solitude, delivering a message in Kryptonian alongside Lara Lor-Van, played by Angela Sarafyan. This aligns with Gunn’s statement that Superman is not an origin story but focuses on Clark Kent’s life as a seasoned hero.

Why Bradley Cooper as Jor-El?

Gunn revealed that Cooper’s casting was a personal favor, stemming from their long friendship since working together on the Guardians trilogy, where Cooper voiced Rocket Raccoon. “I just said, ‘Hey, will you do me a favor? Come down to England, we’re going to shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you, and you can play Jor-El,’” Gunn told Jake’s Takes. Cooper agreed without hesitation, showcasing their strong professional bond.

Cooper’s role, though brief, is expected to be emotionally impactful. Fans on X are thrilled, with posts calling Cooper “the perfect Jor-El” and praising Gunn’s casting choices.

The All-Star Cast and DCU Connections

Bradley Cooper isn’t the only Guardians alum in Superman. Pom Klementieff and Michael Rooker voice robots in the Fortress of Solitude, while Sean Gunn plays Maxwell Lord. Angela Sarafyan, known for Westworld, joins as Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother.

The film also stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. This diverse cast sets the stage for Gunn’s DCU, which prioritizes individual stories over a sprawling franchise narrative.

What’s Next for Jor-El in the DCU?When asked if Cooper’s Jor-El could return in future DCU projects, Gunn teased, “You never know.” This leaves the door open for more appearances, possibly in Supergirl or other DCU films.

The holographic Jor-El fits Gunn’s vision of blending legacy with innovation. As one X user noted, “Cooper following Brando and Crowe as Jor-El is wild!” The role connects to Superman’s emotional journey, emphasizing his Kryptonian heritage.

Why This Matters for DC Fans?

Superman is the first theatrical film in Gunn’s DCU, setting the tone for projects like The Brave and the Bold (Batman) and Supergirl. Unlike previous Superman films, Gunn’s version highlights Clark’s compassion and belief in humanity, with Jor-El’s hologram reinforcing his roots.

The casting of Bradley Cooper as Jor-El has sparked excitement across social media, with fans praising Gunn’s ability to attract A-list talent. The film’s July 11, 2025, release can’t come soon enough!

Some Closing Thoughts:

Bradley Cooper will play Jor-El in Superman, and this casting is a game-changer for James Gunn’s DCU. With a stellar cast, innovative storytelling, and Cooper’s heartfelt cameo, Superman promises to soar.

Mark your calendars for July 11, 2025, and stay tuned for more DCU updates. What do you think of Cooper as Jor-El? Let us know in the comments!