**Editor’s Note**: This article contains spoilers related to the newly released feature-length film “Superman,” which debuted in theaters on Friday.
The much-anticipated film “Superman” has finally made its way to theaters, bringing with it a delightful array of cameos and references that pay homage to its DC Comics roots. This debut is closely aligned with the creative vision of director James Gunn, a lifelong comic book aficionado who has been enamored with the genre since the tender age of three.
Fans of the franchise will appreciate Gunn’s penchant for hidden Easter eggs throughout the movie. These delightful nods include subtle references like a road sign pointing toward the iconic Gotham City. However, the real surprises come through a series of unexpected cameos, which oscillate between the inspired and the emotive. It turns out many of these familiar faces have worked in numerous, if not all, of Gunn’s previous films, creating a connection across his body of work.
Taking on the pivotal role of Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, is Cooper, who delivers a pre-recorded message from the icy Fortress of Solitude at the film’s outset. This tribute is particularly poignant as Marlon Brando famously portrayed the same character in the 1978 “Superman” film directed by Richard Donner, alongside Christopher Reeve. Intriguingly, Cooper represents a newer era of actors in Gunn’s repertoire, having previously voiced Rocket Raccoon in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. Meanwhile, the role of Lara, Superman’s mother, is beautifully brought to life by Angela Sarafyan, who captivated audiences as Clementine in HBO’s “Westworld.”
A particularly touching moment in the film is the appearance of Will Reeve, the son of Christopher Reeve, who portrays an on-the-ground reporter. Born after the release of the original four “Superman” films, Will was just a child when his father passed away. As a current correspondent for ABC News, his role in the film serves as an emotional homage to his father’s legacy, bringing a sense of closure and continuity to the “Superman” narrative.
The film doesn’t shy away from humor either, particularly through the surprising cameo of John Cena, who appears as the comically exaggerated DC character Peacemaker. In a playful segment, Cena’s character can be seen as a talking head on a news program. This segment cleverly juxtaposes light-heartedness amid the chaos of an inter-dimensional battle, which is simultaneously unfolding behind Clark Kent (played by David Corenswet) and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan).
Gunn’s inclusive approach to placing family and close friends in significant roles continues in “Superman.” His brother, Sean Gunn, makes a brief but noteworthy appearance as Maxwell Lord, a character with a complex history in DC lore that has seen portrayals by actors like Pedro Pascal in “Wonder Woman 1984” and Peter Facinelli in the TV series “Supergirl.”
Delving into a comprehensive cast list showcases even more of Gunn’s stable of actors, with Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff appearing as robots in the Fortress of Solitude. Klementieff is well-known for her quirky portrayal of Mantis in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, while Rooker’s partnership with Gunn stretches back to earlier collaborations like the horror film “Slither.”
The film concludes a compelling narrative arc with the surprising appearance of Supergirl, played by Milly Alcock, who evokes nostalgia with her striking resemblance to the character depicted in Helen Slater’s 1984 film. In this brief cameo, audiences are treated to her spontaneity as she shares a precious connection with Krypto, the beloved Superdog.
In a lighter note, CNN anchor Jake Tapper makes an appearance as a news correspondent. Although he originally had speaking lines, his dialogue was cut to tighten the film’s pacing, a testament to the editing process that often shapes final productions.
“Superman” officially hit theaters this past Friday, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which is part of the same media conglomerate that owns CNN. This film not only revives a beloved superhero but also encapsulates a rich legacy through its creative storytelling and a star-studded cast.
