As the casting of Superman: Legacy moves forward, there’s one important role that fans are awaiting: that of Jor-El, the father of Kal-El aka Superman aka Clark Kent. So who will fill that role? Right now, Kurt Russell has been rumored to be attached to Jor-El – but both Russell and DC Studios co-head James Gunn have debunked that any talk has taken place.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Kurt Russell said there is zero truth (yet?) to playing Jor-El in Superman: Legacy. “You know what: we don’t know a lot about Jor-El. Maybe there’s a version… I never heard this, so I don’t know. James Gunn was a blast to work with, though, so you never know.” For his part, Gunn addressed the rumor on Threads with, “I love working with and directing Kurt. Hilarious and fun and talented guy. But no this was never discussed.” The relationship between Russell and Gunn of course goes back to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, in which he played Ego, Quill’s father.
Kurt Russell also made reference to the original big screen Jor-El, Marlon Brando. “Yeah! Yeah, I’ll take on Marlon Brando! I mean there was something awesome about the way he was just looking around – I don’t care that he was looking at his lines – he’s crazy-great to watch!” OK, Russell seems to know those are big shoes to fill, but if he could work for less than two weeks and take in the same $3.7 million that Brando did for Superman, why not sign on?
So far, the cast of Superman: Legacy features David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman (yes, he is working on his physique), Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, with Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, and more rounding it out.
Directed by Gunn, Superman: Legacy is set for release on July 11th, 2025 as part of DC’s reset “Gods and Monsters” label.
How do you think Kurt Russell would do as Jor-El in Superman: Legacy? Let us know in the comments section below!
Check out our own interview with Kurt Russell below: