When it came to Jor-El Brando initially suggested that he played the part as 'a suitcase or a green bagel', basically just providing the voice - this was after he'd been paid! Richard Donner convinced him otherwise, but only after explaining that the comic was over 40 years old and generations had grown up knowing what Jor-El looks like - and it ain't a green bagel!Ĩ. With no-one yet signed to play the lead part in Superman, Brando quickly set about cutting the field, dismissing Sylvester Stallone as 'too Italian' and saying that no-one would be able to understand Arnold Schwarzenegger (well, he had a point). Brando also negotiated creative control for his character and a say in the casting of the other main roles. In inflation-adjusted dollars) and 11.75% of the gross profits for just 13ĭays work playing Jor-El in Superman, further adding to his mystique.ĥ. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Brando was paid a record $3.7 million ( $14 million When it came time to cast Superman's father Jor-El the Salkind's knew they wanted an iconic film legend to fill the role, so for the third time they approached Paul Newman and for the third time he turned down a part in the movie! Eventually a deal was done with Marlon Brando and he became a genuine record breaker. Hackman did finally agree to wearing a bald cap for just one day of shooting.Ĥ. Hackman agreed! However Hackman stood steadfast against shaving his head, so his own natural hair was styled differentlyįrom scene to scene to give the appearance of his character having changed wigs. To convince him to lose his mustache director Richard Donner (who was yet to meet the actor face to face) sent over a picture of himself sporting a fake bushy mustache and said he would cut off his if Hackman did the same. Even though Lex Luthor is traditionally bald in the comics, Hackman insisted he would only take the role if he didn't have to shave off his mustache or any of his hair, and also said he would not wear a bald cap on his head. Neither wanted it, and nor did Gene Hackman initially. After they had both turned down the role of Clark Kent/Superman, the Salkind's offered Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman the part of Lex Luthor. However Jaws was such huge successes that Spielberg skyrocketed out of price range.ģ. Rather than offering him a deal then and there the Salkind's passed on Spielberg, with a plan to wait and see how Jaws was received and then maybe come back to him with an offer. Spielberg showed some interest but was busy filming Jaws. Lucas was too busy with Star Wars and turned them down. Whilst looking for a director for their ambitious project the Salkind's spoke with both Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

Christopher reeve as clark kent