“Bradley Cooper Joins Superman as Jor-El—James Gunn’s DCU Just Got Even Bigger!”
The DC Universe is undergoing a major transformation under James Gunn, and with it comes some surprising casting choices. The latest? None other than Bradley Cooper, who has officially joined Superman in a crucial but short-lived role.

Who is Bradley Cooper Playing in Superman?
According to industry insider ViewerAnon, Cooper will portray Jor-El—Superman’s Kryptonian father. While his role may be brief, appearing only in the opening minutes of the film, it adds another layer of star power to the already impressive cast. Given Cooper’s history with Gunn as the voice of Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, their collaboration continues, but this time in the DCU.
What Superman is About
The film, set to be the first major installment of Gunn’s new DCU, aims to explore Clark Kent’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian legacy with his human upbringing in Smallville, Kansas. Described as the embodiment of “truth, justice, and the American way,” this version of Superman will navigate a world that increasingly sees kindness as a weakness.
A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the film boasts a powerhouse lineup, including:
- Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl
- Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho
- María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer
- Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
- Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen
- Wendell Pierce as Perry White
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Jonathan Kent
- Neva Howell as Martha Kent
- And many more!
The Bigger Picture: DCU’s Chapter One
Superman isn’t just another superhero reboot—it’s the foundation of Gunn’s Gods and Monsters saga, the first chapter of the new DCU. The upcoming slate includes The Brave and the Bold (a Batman and Robin film), Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Swamp Thing, and even an animated Dynamic Duo project. With such a diverse lineup, Gunn’s vision for the DCU is shaping up to be bold and ambitious.
What’s Next?
While Cooper’s Jor-El may only appear briefly, his casting sets the tone for a film that blends emotional depth with blockbuster spectacle. As the Superman movie takes shape, fans can look forward to a fresh take on the Man of Steel’s origin—one that balances heart, action, and the epic scale of the DCU’s cosmic beginnings.
With Superman slated to be the cinematic launchpad for this new era, one thing is clear: James Gunn is assembling a universe like never before.