As we’ve mentioned before, despite receiving this small fortune, Brando wasn’t exactly committed to the role; he reportedly had to have his lines hidden on baby Kal-El’s diaper and, at one point, suggested that his character Jor-El should, rather than a human-like entity, instead be represented on screen as either a “suitcase” or a “bagel,” presumably while frantically scanning his surroundings, Usual Suspects-style, trying to come up with an alien design that would allow him to complete his entire performance from the comfort of a recording studio.
When Reeve went on the brand spanking new Late Night With David Letterman in 1982, Dave asked the star about Brando, and he didn’t hold back. While they only worked together for a few days, Reeve stated: “I don't worship at the altar of Marlon Brando because I feel that he's copped out in a certain way,” adding that because the press praised him regardless of the quality of performance.”