Paunchy Russell Crowe suits up to play Superman's dad (but he can't keep away from his own kryptonite... nicotine)



Russell Crowe emerged on the set of the new Superman film for the first time today.



The 47-year-old actor has signed on to appear as Superman's biological father, Jor-El from Krypton.

First look: Russell Crowe was pictured for the first time on the set earlier this week in costume

The New Zealand born star looked decidedly paunchy in his caped costume on the Vancouver set of Man of Steel on Sunday.



He was also spotted smoking a cigarette on set, proving that he has been unable to kick his bad habit.

It's been reported that he worked hard to get in shape for the part, especially given that he's acting alongside British heartthrob Henry Cavill.

Generations: The actor was in full costume to play Superman's father Jor-El

Abs of steel? The 47-year-old reportedly trained hard to play Superman's dad

Still, Crowe is a slimmer alternative to the last man who played Jor-El, however: deceased actor Marlon Brando took that title.

His current co-stars include Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Superman's adoptive parents and Amy Adams as Lois Lane.

The newest Superman reboot is being directed by Suckerpunch and 300 director Zack Synder. Light it up: The Kiwi actor snags a smoke break during work



He has said it's going to be a complete reworking of the hit franchise, which is based on the DC Comics character, Superman.



'Literally, the one thing that everyone can start to think about is that we're making a movie that finally goes with the approach that there's been no other Superman movies,' Snyder told the Los Angeles Times.



He added, 'If you look at Batman Begins, there's that structure: there's the canon that we know about and respect, but on other hand there's this approach that pre-supposes that there haven't been any other movies.



'In every aspect of design and of story, the whole thing is very much from that perspective of 'Respect the canon but don't be a slave to the movies.

Blockbuster: Man of Steel will be released in cinemas in 2013



