This A-List Movie Star Makes a Surprise Cameo in ‘Superman’

For his much-anticipated “Superman” reboot, writer-director James Gunn called on an old friend — none other than Bradley Cooper. The Oscar-nominated actor, known for voicing Rocket Raccoon in Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, takes on a new role in the DC Universe: Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father.

The Cameo Happens Early & It’s a Powerful One

Cooper’s cameo appears just minutes into the film. As David Corenswet’s Superman enters the Fortress of Solitude in Antarctica, he encounters a holographic message from his birth parents: Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, played by Westworld star Angela Sarafyan.

The two appear in shimmering hologram form, speaking in Kryptonian, offering an emotional and inspiring message originally sent with baby Kal-El when he was launched to Earth.

James Gunn Says Cooper Did It as a Favor

(Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Warner Bros)

According to Gunn, the appearance came together casually. “Really, Bradley’s just doing me a favor,” the director told Jake’s Takes in a June 30 interview. “He’s a friend. We’ve stayed in close contact since the Guardians movies, and I admire him greatly as an actor and as a director.”

Gunn shared how he asked Cooper directly: “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, ‘OK.’”

Cooper Joins a Star-Packed Scene With Other Guardians Alumni

People reports that Cooper isn’t the only familiar face from the Guardians universe in this early Superman scene. Pom Klementieff and Michael Rooker lend their voices to robotic assistants in the Fortress of Solitude. Even Gunn’s brother Sean Gunn — another Guardians alum — makes a brief appearance as DC character Maxwell Lord.

The Message Becomes a Plot Twist

What starts as a heartfelt hologram takes a darker turn later in the film. When Lex Luthor (played by Nicholas Hoult) and his team infiltrate the Fortress, they uncover a previously hidden portion of Jor-El and Lara’s message.

In a shocking twist, the message urges Superman to build a harem, spread his Kryptonian genes, and subjugate humanity, turning an inspiring parental farewell into a moral dilemma for Earth’s most powerful hero.

A Legacy Role Shared by Hollywood Icons

Cooper joins an elite list of actors who’ve portrayed Jor-El over the years, including Marlon Brando, Russell Crowe, and Angus Macfadyen. When asked whether Cooper might reprise the role in future DCU installments, Gunn kept things vague: “You never know. It’s possible.”

Superman Hits Theaters July 11

In addition to Cooper, the cast includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.

Gunn’s Superman is the first film under the revamped DC Studios slate and promises to launch a new era for the iconic hero.

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