Meet Superman: Man of Steel’s Mom

Superman is getting a new mom as a casting change brings in Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer to play Lara Lor-Van, Supes’ Kryptonian mother, in Zack Snyder’s Superman: Man of Steel.

Zurer, who appeared in Angels & Demons and Munich, is replacing Julia Ormond as baby Kal-El’s mom, although there’s been no word at this time on why the last minute change was made. According to Deadline, Zurer will start filming this week.

It seems like Ormond would be a better fit than Zurer in terms of name recognition, where the rest of Superman’s family tree includes Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, and Diane Lane as Martha Kent, so it seems strange that a last-minute switch would take place. It’s hard to imagine Ormond deciding against having her name attached to the Superman project and time commitments shouldn’t be an issue since Lara has never been a major player in the Superman story, but the reasons for a last-minute change are numerous, ranging from a schedule conflict to getting sick at the wrong time, since Lara’s part will be shot this week. When you’re talking Hollywood dollars, it’s easier, and cheaper, to switch players instead of making everyone wait.

While she might not have Ormond’s resume, Zurer is no slouch and the role of Lara Lor-Van is probably still in capable hands. In addition to showing up on the big screen as Superman’s mom on June 14, 2012, Zurer also has a role in the upcoming Darling Companion with Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline.