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Russell Crowe has entertained the audience with his distinct movies and roles for several decades now. While his role as Maximus Decimus Meridius inGladiatorcaptured everyone’s attention, Zack Snyder’sMan of Steelsaw him tackle a completely different territory. In this, Crowe played the role of Jor-El, Superman’s biological father.
While the script of the Henry Cavill starrer was quite difficult for Crowe to comprehend, he only took on the role as his idol Marlon Brando had played the same character inSuperman: The Movie.
Russell Crowe Said Yes toMan of SteelBecause of Marlon Brando
The character of Jor-El was introduced for the first time in the comics released in1939. Thus, becoming a major cornerstone in theSupermanuniverse and mythology. AsSuperman’sKryptonian father, Jor-El quickly gained popularity and influenced several shows, whether animated or live-action.
Among these, the most notable portrayals are Marlon Brando’s inSuperman: The MovieandRussell Crowe‘s inMan of Steel.
In an interview, Crowe revealed how Brando was a major reason for him to accept the role in theHenry Cavillstarrer. The actor expressed his admiration forZack Snyder‘s vision inMan of Steeland discussed potential expansions of his character, like a pre-Superman Jor-El narrative, although these concepts never materialized.
Crowe detailed the challenges he faced while preparing for the role, describing the script as“heavy going”and noting that he spent many hours re-reading it to understand its complexities.
“That would have been interesting”: Russell Crowe’s Honest Feelings About a Jor-El Prequel After ‘Man of Steel’ Prove Zack Snyder Truly Fumbled the Bag With His Character
Despite this effort, he admitted he didn’t fully grasp it after finishing. For Crowe, the most important aspect of theexperiencewas being asked to play Superman’s father, an opportunity he cherished given his admiration for Marlon Brando’s work.
He stated,“For me personally, it was stepping into the shoes of one of my greatest heroes.”Thus, Crowe embraced the role both as a personal achievement and as a tribute to the legendary actor.
Russell Crowe’s Thoughts onGladiator 2
The OGGladiatorRussell Crowe shared his thoughts on the upcomingPaul Mescal-starringGladiator 2. Crowe, who starred in the original movie in 2000, won’t be reprising his role in the upcoming movie given that his character died in the first one.
But in a podcast withKyle Meredith With…, he admitted that he was uncomfortable with the fact that a sequel was being made after so many years since the original. He added:
I’m slightly uncomfortable with the fact they’re making another one — because, of course, I’m dead and I have no say in what gets done. But a couple of the things I’ve heard I’m like — no, no, no, that’s not in the moral journey of that particular character. But I can’t say anything, it’s not my place, I’m six foot under. So we’ll see what that is like.
He further talked about how the 2000 hit opened so many opportunities for him in the movie business and acknowledged a mix of nostalgia andenvyfor the sequel. He humorously added that“I remember when I had tendons.”However, this wasn’t the first time the actor had expressed his sentiments on the sequel.
“It is just a story about a team of guys”: ‘The Boys’ Creator Was Willing to Sacrifice His Own Story to Get Russell Crowe’s Movie Green-Lit
Notably, in a 2023interview, he revealed that he was“slightly jealous”that he was not a part of the sequel. He also detailed how the movie held a special place in his heart, given that it made him into the actor he is today.
The Paul Mescal starrer is said to pick up the events after the original movie, with Mescal taking over the role of the lead, Lucius, the son of Lucilla and the nephew of Commodus.
Gladiator 2is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 09, 2025. Further, you’re able to stream Zack Snyder’sMan of Steelon Apple TV and Max.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1436
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
