James Gunn Debunks Kurt Russell's Rumored Superman: Legacy Casting

Kurt Russell in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Credit: Apple TV+

Kurt Russell in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Credit: Apple TV+

For the past several weeks, there have been rumors that Kurt Russell is playing Jor-El in Superman: Legacy. While James Gunn has not confirmed it, fans have supported the idea of him playing the hero's birth father.

The actor has also expressed his interest to play the role in a recent interview which ignited the speculation even further and hopes that his casting will become a reality.

Now, Gunn has finally addressed the rumor and it looks like the iconic actor's casting may not happen at all.

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James Gunn Reveals Kurt Russell's Superman: Legacy Casting Rumor is Not True

Kurt Russell in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
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Credit: Marvel Studios

A fan recently asked Gunn on Threads whether Russell's rumored casting as Jor-El in Superman: Legacy is true.

The director responded and confirmed that there was no truth behind it. He wrote, "I love working with and directing Kurt. Hilarious and fun and talented guy. But no this was never discussed."

In his response to another fan question regarding Russell's rumored casting, Gunn explained that he doesn't see the actor as an ideal fit for the role.

"I just answered this to someone else but, no. Love Kurt, and, although the mores of Krypton are certainly different than ours, I’m not sure I see him as the first-time father of a newborn!" he said.

Despite the rumors and speculations going around, as it turns out, the rumor was not true after all and we won't see Russell play Jor-El in the movie which could be disappointing for some fans who want to see him take on the role.

It looks like Gunn is looking for a veteran actor who is younger than Russell's age range today for the role of Jor-El. It's interesting to see who he'll end up casting. If we can make a guess, it is likely that he'll cast an A-list actor just like in the past Superman movies.

There's still more casting news that the film has not announced yet at this point, especially in key characters such as Perry White and presumably Jonathan and Martha Kent.

Superman: Legacy is slated for release in theaters on July 11, 2025.

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