Russell Crowe Joins Man of Steel

Jor-El's a small but important role in Man of Steel, and now it appears it'll be played by Oscar-winner Russell Crowe (2-time Oscar winner Marlon Brando tackled the part in previous Superman films). Variety reports Crowe's in final negotiations to play Superman's dad in the action film to be directed by Zack Snyder from a script by David Goyer (from a story he and Christopher Nolan developed).

If Crowe's deal does go through he'll be joining Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as Zod, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.

Filming's expected to begin later this summer with Warner Bros aiming for a December 2012 release.

Crowe was last seen on the big screen in The Next Three Days and recently completed work on the action film, The Man with the Iron Fists.

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