Marlon Brando Wanted Kryptonians to Look like Bagels in ‘Superman: The Movie’
While the comic book character was foundational in inspiring the entire superhero genre, it was Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie in 1978 that first proved superheroes deserved to be on the silver screen. The trailer for James Gunn’s Superman broke records by becoming the most viewed trailer in DC and Warner Bros. history, proving just how many audiences still love the legendary big blue.
Marlon Brando Was the Highest Paid Actor in ‘Superman: The Movie’
The sheer outlandishness of Brando’s request, while comical, also reflected the sheer star power the actor had during that time. Superman is ostensibly Reeve’s film, even with the strong support from Margot Kidman as Lois Lane and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, but it was Marlon Brando who received top billing and the highest salary in the movie. In an unprecedented move, Brando was paid $3.7 million, and 11.75% backend, for his performance as Jor-El; a performance that resulted in less than 20 minutes of screentime after less than two weeks of actual filming. In comparison, Reeve only earned $250,000 in the titular role. Even if there was tremendous disparity in billing, fans of Superman can at least rejoice that the large investment in Marlon Brando resulted in seeing Marlon Brando, rather than a talking bagel.
Even before filming started, Richard Donner knew that he needed to do extra prep work before working with Brando. In conversation with another acclaimed auteur, Francis Ford Coppola, Donner learned that Brando could often get carried away with his own conversation, and that it would be better to let the actor tire himself out. Jay Cantor, Brando’s agent, gave more direct advice. Cantor shared that Brando was intent on being on film as little as possible and would try to talk his way out of that part of his job. If Brando had his way, Cantor explained, he’d have filmmakers photograph a green suitcase and simply overlay his voice over it.
Brando’s Bagel Concept
Brando once jokingly said, “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…n look like. What if we look like bagels, but I’m going to make my son look like a human because that’s where I’m sending him – to Earth – but everybody else on Krypton looks like bagels. That would really be original.” Donner gave Brando some credit for the original thought, as there technically was no precedent for what alien life should look like. However, before Brando could cement the idea any further, Donner craftily reminded the actor of the fact that audiences are familiar with what Jor-El looks like, having been familiar with the character since 1939. Ultimately, Brando’s musings remained nothing more than a creative attempt at avoiding his work, but it was an admirable attempt nonetheless.
Superman: The Movie is streaming on Max in the U.S.
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Conclusion
Brando’s iconic performance as Jor-El may have resulted in less screen time than other actors, but it’s a testament to the actor’s ability to make a lasting impact even with limited exposure. The fact that Brando was willing to take risks with his character’s appearance, no matter how bizarre, shows a willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of his craft. Ultimately, Superman: The Movie’s success can be attributed to a combination of great storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic performances from actors like Marlon Brando and Christopher Reeve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Marlon Brando paid $3.7 million for Superman: The Movie?
A: Brando was paid a large sum of money due to his star power and the demand for his acting services at the time. The movie’s script was also tailored to his character’s needs, with a performance that resulted in less than 20 minutes of screentime.
Q: Was Brando serious about making the Kryptonians look like bagels?
A: Brando’s statement was likely made in jest, but it did show a willingness to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas for the movie.
Q: Why did Brando try to get out of doing most of the filming?
A: According to his agent, Jay Cantor, Brando was intent on being on film as little as possible and would try to talk his way out of that part of his job. It’s likely that he was tired of the physical and mental demands of acting, and wanted to take a break.
Q: Why is Superman: The Movie streaming on Max?
A: The movie is available to stream on Max because of a deal between Warner Bros. and the streaming service. Fans of Superman can now watch the classic film on the platform.