Superman underwent a major casting change in the early stages of development under James Gunn, but it ultimately created two perfect characters for the DC Universe. The move is just one of many reasons that the DCU feels secure under James Gunn’s leadership.
Another is the fact that Superman is such a huge hit. A lot was riding on the success of Superman as it launched the DCU in earnest as the franchise’s debut movie, and the Man of Steel stuck the landing. Superman is now one of the best-rated DC movies, setting the franchise up for further success.
A large part of Superman‘s critical success is the cast. David Corenswet excels as the тιтular hero, bolstered by supporting characters like Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific. Nicholas Hoult also proved to be one of DC Studios’ best casting decisions, but it nearly went another way.
Nicholas Hoult Wasn’t The Only Actor Considered For The DCU’s Lex Luthor
He Also Initially Auditioned For Another Role
Nicholas Hoult has made his mark as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, so it is no surprise that James Gunn settled on him as Superman’s arch-villain in the important debut movie. To get there, however, Hoult was initially turned away from one role before landing the other – namely, Superman himself.
Lex Luthor was sent to Belle Reve at the end of Superman though it is likely he will return.
Nicholas Hoult has been open about first auditioning for the role of Superman‘s lead character, only to be cast as his arch-nemesis instead, in a move he was totally on board with. Nevertheless, Hoult wasn’t even the first pick for Lex Luthor, either, as another Superman co-star had initially eyed the role for himself.
One Guardians Of The Galaxy Star Was Almost Superman’s Lex Luthor
Bradley Cooper Initially Eyed The Role
Adding to the cavalcade of casting decisions was Bradley Cooper, who first worked with James Gunn on his celebrated Guardians of the Galaxy franchise in the MCU. Cooper was rumored to be involved with Superman for some time before theories were vindicated upon release as he debuted early in the movie as Superman’s father, Jor-El.
James Gunn recently revealed that Bradley Cooper nearly portrayed Lex Luthor, however, on Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz. In the interview, he explained, “We had a short conversation and at the end, […] I did want Lex to be someone that was more [a] contemporary of Superman’s.“
Superman’s nemesis is indeed of a similar age, with Nicholas Hoult being 35 and David Corenswet being 32. Gunn further justified this by ᴀsserting that a younger Lex has more staying power in the future of the DCU alongside his arch enemy. He did, however, caveat: “Bradley would have been a great Lex. I mean…Bradley’s great at everything.”
Casting Bradley Cooper In A Different DCU Role Gave Superman 2 Perfect Characters Instead
Bradley Cooper And Nicholas Hoult Were Perfectly Cast
Ultimately, Superman‘s incredible success helps to prove that James Gunn made the right casting decisions across the board. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a highlight of Superman, delivering an obsessive, meticulous, and often deranged depiction of Superman’s super-genius foil.
Instead, Bradley Cooper, who is now 50 years old, makes more narrative sense – and what few lines he had were nonetheless expertly delivered.
Despite his appearance being decidedly brief, Bradley Cooper’s Jor-El was also a shrewd casting decision. James Gunn explains in his interview that having Superman’s doomed father be traditionally portrayed by a much older man (like Marlon Brando) makes little sense, as Superman would have been a newborn when the fateful Fortress of Solitude message was recorded.
Instead, Bradley Cooper, who is now 50 years old, makes more narrative sense – and what few lines he had were nonetheless expertly delivered. Besides, there is always a chance for Cooper’s Jor-El to return in a Superman sequel as it potentially delves into the implications of the shocking message he gave to his son.
Source: Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz/YouTube
