Julia Ormond in Talks to Play Lara in 'Man of Steel'

A week after Connie Nielsen (Gladiator) was rumored to be in talks for the role of Lara, Superman’s birth mother in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Julia Ormond is now rumored to be in similar talks for the same role. Ormond was popular for capturing men’s hearts in the 90’s in such film’s as Legends of the Fall and Sabrina.

With Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark Kent’s adoptive parents Jonathan and Martha Kent, and Russell Crowe as Jor-El (still rumored), you might ask yourself why the filmmakers would go after such big name actors for what are essentially small parts.

But they’re not small in the least. Not in the sense of each character’s impact on the lead. Superman is guided by the teachings of the Kent’s and the spirit of his Kryptonian heritage. Audiences have to understand and believe this in the film’s few key scenes. I was reminded when I saw the original Superman a few weeks ago at the Hero Complex Film Festival that Glenn Ford only had two brief scenes, but his presence was felt for the remainder of the film (click here).

I believe actors like Costner and Crowe will have an impact akin to their memorable predecessors. I’m also glad to see that the Snyder and company are also interested in casting name leads in the matriarchal parts (this is not an attempt to besmirch the fine work of Susannah York or Phyllis Thaxter).

Man of Steel is scheduled for release during the 2012 holiday season.