James Gunn’s Superman Soars with Surprise Cameos, Record Box Office, and the Bold Launch of DC’s New Era

From a surprise Jor-El appearance to global success and a packed Phase One rollout, Superman marks the beginning of James Gunn’s ambitious vision for DC Studios.

SPOILER ALERT – THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS INFORMATION ABOUT THE MOVIE

In James Gunn’s much-hyped DC reboot Superman, audiences were treated to more than just a fresh take on the iconic superhero. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo during the film’s emotional opening sequence, Bradley Cooper lends his voice to Jor-El, Superman’s biological father. Opposite Angela Sarafyan as Lara Lor-Van, Cooper’s performance sets the stage for Kal-El’s journey to Earth.

The casting of Cooper, who previously voiced Rocket Raccoon in Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, wasn’t just a stroke of star power—it was a personal decision rooted in their longtime collaboration. “Bradley’s a friend of mine,” Gunn explained in an interview. “I needed someone who could embody Jor-El’s legacy—someone with gravitas, but not too old. Everyone kept suggesting actors who felt too old for the role. Bradley was perfect, and he did it as a favor. I’m so grateful.”

The role of Jor-El has a storied cinematic legacy, famously portrayed by Marlon Brando in the 1978 Superman film. Brando, who was initially attached to the sequel, was ultimately cut from the theatrical release due to legal disputes but appeared in the 2006 Richard Donner cut. Cooper’s subtle yet significant turn as Jor-El pays homage to that legacy while carving out a fresh identity for the reboot.

The cameo-packed Superman also features surprise appearances by Will Reeve, John Cena, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff, Michael Rooker, and Milly Alcock as Supergirl, further cementing the film as a star-studded launchpad for DC Studios’ ambitious new phase.

Gunn’s Superman marks the official kickoff of DC Studios’ Phase One: Gods and Monsters, and it’s already a financial powerhouse. The film debuted to a staggering $122 million at the US box office and $217 million globally—Gunn’s second-biggest opening after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Taking to Threads to thank fans, Gunn wrote, “We’ve had a lot of ‘Super’ in Superman over the years, and I’m happy to have made a movie that focuses on the ‘man’ part—a kind person always looking out for those in need. That it resonates so deeply is a hopeful testament to the good in people.”

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav also celebrated the film’s success, highlighting Gunn and Peter Safran’s role in revitalizing the DC Universe. “This weekend, we watched Superman soar as James Gunn’s passion and vision came to life on the big screen,” he said. “And this is just the beginning. In the coming year, expect Supergirl, Clayface, and Lanterns—a bold step forward in our 10-year DC plan.”

With a heartfelt origin story, legacy cameos, and record-breaking numbers, Superman isn’t just a movie—it’s the foundation of a whole new DC Universe.

Stay connected with us for the latest and exclusive updates on global entertainment—only here on Indori Nerd!

📲 Follow us on:
🔵 Facebook: https://t.ly/wlDW8
🐦 X (Twitter): https://t.ly/RhEuy
🧵 Threads: https://t.ly/Kb9xC
📸 Instagram: https://t.ly/uuCLg
▶️ YouTube: https://t.ly/FA5w_