Who played Superman's father in the 1978 film?

The answer is: Marlon Brando

Landing a Hollywood legend like Marlon Brando for the role of Jor-El was seen as a major win for the producers of "Superman." So when he demanded $3.7 million upfront and 11.75% of the box office, all for no more than two weeks of work, and a clause that said he didn't have to learn a single line, they happily signed on board. But Brando wasn't finished causing headaches.

The first sign of trouble came when Brando met producer Alexander Salkind. His big creative pitch was that Superman's dad should be a glowing green suitcase. Or maybe a bagel. Richard Donner had to sit there and explain to Brando that no, Superman's father couldn't be breakfast food, because every kid alive knew what Jor-El was supposed to look like.

On set, the crew scrambled to write Brando's lines on everything they could find. Baby Superman's diaper became a cue card. Props turned into scripts. Brando just kept reading and collecting his massive paycheck. Then he sued the producers for $50 million anyway, claiming they owed him more profit shares. The whole mess got his scenes cut from "Superman II" until years later when Donner restored them. Still, when people think of Jor-El giving Superman life lessons in that ice fortress, they think of Brando. Even if he really wanted to be a bagel.