PHOTOS: The New Generation of Super Heroes

Brando was famously paid $3.7 million dollars in the mid-1970s for the part that amounted to 15 minutes of screen timea and two weeks' worth of work. Details of how large the role (a scientist who forsees the destruction of his planet and squires his infant son into an escape rocket bound for Earth) is in Man of Steel are not being revealed.

STORY: Superman Getting New Costume in 'Action Comics' Relaunch

Steel already has Kevin Costner playing Jonathan Kent, the human father of Superman, who is being played by Henry Cavill.

Christopher Nolan is producing the movie, which is heading for a late summer or fall start in Vancouver.

Crowe, repped by WME, last starred in The Next Three Days.

Sean Penn and Clive Owen were reportedly considered for the role.