James Gunn reveals Guardians of the Galaxy cameos in Superman, confirming which of his Marvel collaborators have found a place in his new DC film arriving July 11, 2025. The announcement gives fans insight into how past cast members join the worlds of David Corenswet’s Superman and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in Metropolis.
Returning Collaborators Join the Superman Universe
James Gunn, well known for including friends and former colleagues in his projects, has announced several familiar Marvel faces making an appearance in his Superman reboot. The core ensemble for this Superman film features David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, Anthony Carrigan, and Nathan Fillion. Alongside them, audiences have long speculated on possible cameos from Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy roster, including notable names such as Michael Rosenbaum, famous for his role as Lex Luthor in Smallville.
In a candid discussion with Buzzfeed, Gunn decisively ended speculation by naming the specific Guardians cast members joining Superman and their new roles:
“I will give you something that nobody knows, but Pom Klementieff is one of the robots. It’s Bradley [Cooper] and then it’s also Pom and Michael Rooker is another one of the robots.”
—James Gunn, Director
When questioned about the involvement of Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldana from the Marvel saga, Gunn offered that he was “keeping them in the wings”—indicating an openness for future participation without confirming their presence in this upcoming movie.
Connecting the Marvel Roots to DC’s Superman
Gunn’s comments have built on prior hints about Easter eggs and links between his Marvel and DC films. Addressing fans’ questions about sneaking in cross-references, Gunn clarified:
“I didn’t place any Guardians Easter eggs… but I may have placed a few Guardians who are Easter eggs. If that makes sense.”
—James Gunn, Director
The recently shared teaser for Superman has cast a spotlight on Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, launching the dynamic rivalry with David Corenswet’s Superman front and center. The buzzy intersection of actors from both universes continues to generate excitement among longtime viewers.
According to Gunn, all the robots acting as Superman’s helpers within the Fortress of Solitude are voiced by his network of friends and industry collaborators. This theory first gained ground when Alan Tudyk was officially assigned voicing duties for one of these artificial companions. Gunn’s reputation for inserting well-known cameos means these new additions were anticipated, yet fans speculated that some actors might secure larger responsibilities. For example, speculation swirled around Bradley Cooper perhaps taking on the important role of Superman’s Kryptonian father, Jor-El—though Gunn’s interviews suggest Cooper’s contributions are limited to voicing a robot this time.
The Tradition of Friendly Cameos Continues
While the prospect of Bradley Cooper appearing as Jor-El offered the possibility of a more substantial part, it appears the nods to Gunn’s Marvel cast are coming in the form of memorable, light-hearted voice performances. These appearances serve as a clever callback to fans who have followed Gunn’s trajectory from Marvel to DC. Importantly, taking on a robot role in Superman leaves the door open for Cooper, Pom Klementieff, and Michael Rooker to take on more significant characters if future DC films call for it.
As for Bautista and Saldana, both have been repeatedly suggested for roles in the ever-expanding roster of DC heroes and villains. Saldana, with her recent Academy Award, may be difficult to book for future projects, but her involvement remains a possibility, underlining Gunn’s preference to keep his creative circle involved. In total, this growing ensemble upholds Gunn’s celebrated approach to filmmaking—an approach that draws together talented colleagues, connects diverse cinematic worlds, and offers audiences a playful nod to his Marvel days while confidently establishing new stories in the DC universe.
As Superman’s release date approaches, viewers can expect more revelations and potentially more familiar faces weaving between the lines of blockbuster storytelling, all under the signature direction of James Gunn.
