Russell Crowe As Jo-El

Yes you certainly did read that right. Russell Crowe is in talks to star as Superman's biological father Jo-El, a role made famous by Marlon Brando in the original 70's movie.

There's no word yet on how big this role will be, Brando's role was more a cameo than anything else, so will Crowe want a bigger slice of the action?

I really believe that Crowe is a fantastic character actor and would lend a lot of credibility to the movie if he does sign on, but I'm not sure he'd be that keen if his role was a tiny one.

Crowe's best roles for me have been when he's the underdog, The Insider and A Beautiful Mind are the ones that first spring to mind, and I feel that he's that good at them purely because they're the polar opposite to his normal arrogant self.

Crowe joins Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Michael Shannon who have already signed on for the Man Of Steel