The casting of Zach Snyder’s Superman reboot, Man of Steel, continues, with some potentially big news with regards a role made famous by Marlon Brando in the original Richard Donner Superman film.
Variety report that Russell Crowe is in negotiations to play Jor-El, Superman’s birth father who sends him to Earth when Krypton goes bananas. Even non-fans will remember the incredible presence that Brando brought to the role, and his now-legendary speech that was even heard in Superman Returns. Indeed, he actually appeared in Brian Singer’s movie briefly.
There’s no doubting the acting chops of Crowe, so I think he’s a great choice so long as he makes the role distinct – there’s no need for a copy of Brando, it would just fall flat! Pretty nifty casting too when you consider that Robin Hood is sending his son to live with Robin Hood.
Man of Steel opens December 2012.
