Though there have been several one-sheets online already, we’ve clearly reached the point in the Man Of Steel promotional campaign where the character posters come striding out. Welcome, then, Supes himself, General Zod and super-dad Jor-El.
Even though Jor-El’s presence in the film is traditionally limited – he might be one of the sources of advice to son Kal-El (Henry Cavill), but he perishes along with the rest of planet Krypton early in the story – Crowe’s star power is being used to help boost the film. Which, along with the character’s iconic status, explains why he gets his own image here along with the others.
**Man Of Steel **finds young Kal-El growing up on Earth, raised by the kindly Jonathan (Kevin Costner) and Martha Kent (Diane Lane). Unsure about his place in society thanks to his incredible powers, he chooses at first to hide away, hunted by reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams) who has heard the tales of his feats.
But he’s forced to reveal his presence to the world when General Zod (Michael “I WILL FIND HIM!” Shannon) arrives on the planet and demands that Kal-El swears fealty to him, lest Zod get medieval on the Earth and its inhabitants. In related Crowe news, he's apparently seen the movie and thinks highly of it, sure that it's set to change Henry Cavill's life.
With Zach Snyder directing a script by David S. Goyer, Man Of Steel touches down in UK cinemas on June 14. There’s plenty more about it in the current issue of **Empire, in shops and on the iPad now. Plus, we talked to Steel composer Hans Zimmer about taking on a character so closely associated with John Williams’ theme.
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