Variety is reporting that the Oscar-winning Aussie actor is in talks to play Jor-El, Superman's Kryptonian father, in Zack Snyder's upcoming "The Man of Steel."

Crowe is a big name for what may turn out to be a relatively small role in the film. 1978's "Superman" played a similar card, by casting screen legend Marlon Brando in the part. His performance from that film was also digitally inserted into 2006's "Superman Returns."

Meanwhile, Production Weekly is reporting that the role of Superman's biological mother, Lara, is being offered to Connie Nielsen, who co-starred with Russell Crowe in the 2000 best picture winner "Gladiator."

The duo would join a cast that already includes Henry Cavill ("Immortals") as the titular hero, Amy Adams ("The Fighter") as intrepid reported Lois Lane, Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road") as the villainous Kryptonian General Zod, and Kevin Costner ("Dances With Wolves") and Diane Lane ("Unfaithful") as Clark Kent's adoptive parents in Smallville.

Source: Press Release