New Superman Movie Photos: Russell Crowe as Jor-El In 'Man Of Steel'

Not as many photos from the set of "Man of Steel" have emerged as have from shoots for "The Dark Knight Rises," but optimistically, that just means that much more when images arrive.

Today, meet one of Superman's original folks.

These are the first two images to emerge of Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe taking up the mantle of Jor-El once played by Marlon Brando. There's a certain stately, fatherly nature about Crowe, but its his garb that raised my eyebrow.

It's a refreshing nod to the fact that the "S" across Superman's chest stands for something much more than "Superman." Seeing it upon Jor-El's garb signifies that the writers paid attention to the fact it's actually a symbol for the "House of El," Superman's actual kin, that just happens to resemble an "S."

In any case, it's refreshing that Warner Bros. would recast the role completely, rather than take the path of least resistance and simply digitally insert Brando.

In addition to Crowe, "Man Of Steel" co-stars Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman and Amy Adams as Lois Lane, as well as Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix and Laurence Fishburne. It hits theaters July 14, 2013.