Superman Movie News: Russell Crowe cast in 'Man of Steel' as Jor-El?

Variety.com reports today that Academy Award winner Australian actor Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind) is currently in talks and close to being cast in the role of Jor-El (Superman's Kryptonian father) for the up-coming  Man of Steel film starring  as Clark Kent/Superman,  as Lois Lane,  as Martha Kent,  as Jonathan Kent, and Michael Shannon as General Zod.

Here's part of the article (via Variety)...

The mercurial Aussie is in negotiations to take the role in "Man of Steel," which Zack Snyder is on board to direct with Brit thesp Henry Cavill set to play Superman. Warner Bros. had no comment on Crowe's casting.

Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Michael Shannon have already joined the cast. David Goyer penned the script and developed the story with Nolan who, as is his way, has kept plot details under wraps. Charles Roven will produce along with Emma Thomas, Nolan and Deborah Snyder. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are producing for Legendary Pictures.


With production set to start next month, Jor-El was one of the last roles to cast, though they also are looking for a big name to play Superman's biological mother.

Brando was 54 when he appeared in Richard Donner's 1978 classic; Crowe is 47. Other names that had gone out for the role included Sean Penn and Clive Owen, Crowe was the final choice.
Read full article here!

Speaking of Russell Crowe, his Gladiator co-star Connie Nielsen And Harry Lennix Offered Roles In Zack Snyder's Man Of Steel As Well? (via Cinema Blend) and  Man of Steel, Extras Needed for "Man of Steel" Movie (via Superman Homepage)