Henry Cavill will officially no longer be playing Superman after James Gunn revealed plans for a new film focusing on the younger part of the hero’s life…
There’s a new “Superman” movie in the works from James Gunn but the new DC Studios co-CEO had to also break the news that Henry Cavill will not be returning as the Man of Steel.
As Gunn and fellow co-CEO Peter Safran begin mapping out an ambitious plan for the future of DC Studios across film, television and animation, the duo were forced to make some tough decisions about legacy actors and characters previously appearing in certain roles.
Sadly, Cavill was one of the mainstays who will ultimately be replaced after he had just announced plans to return as Superman following a post-credit scene appearance in “Black Adam” alongside Dwayne Johnson. That announcement happened just before Gunn and Safran were hired to overhaul the studio with plans to eventually make a cohesive, shared DC extended universe similar to what Marvel has done since 2008.
“Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year,” Gunn wrote on Twitter. “Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.
“But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.”
Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman's life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
It had recently been reported that Gunn and Safran were likely going to make massive changes at DC Studios after they took over as co-CEO’s with rumors swirling that the pair would likely need to essentially wipe the slate clean from previous films and TV series to start fresh.
“Wonder Woman 3” from director Patty Jenkins has already been scrapped, although there’s no word yet if the studio will be splitting with actress Gal Gadot, who played the character through several films. There have also been rumors that Jason Momoa may not return as Aquaman after the upcoming sequel — “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” — drops in 2023.
After meeting with Gunn and Safran on Wednesday, Cavill released a message of his own as he expressed sadness that he wouldn’t be returning as Superman but wishing DC the best for the future.
“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill said on Instagram. “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens.
“I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes. For those who have been by my side through the years … we can mourn for a bit but then we must remember… Superman is still around. My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”
Cavill first portrayed Superman in 2013’s “Man of Steel” from director Zack Snyder and he made several other appearances in films such as “Batman V. Superman” as well as “Justice League.”
There’s no word yet when a new actor will be cast as Superman, although Gunn added that while he’s writing the film, he hasn’t decided yet on who will be directing. Gunn also responded “no way” when asked if his plans for a new Superman movie would be an origin story.
Gunn also commented on Ben Affleck’s future with DC Studios after he previously played Batman in several films. According to Gunn, DC has already met with Affleck, who has expressed interest in returning to the studio to direct a future film after he was previously attached to helm his own solo “Batman” project.
“Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project,” Gunn wrote.
Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project. https://t.co/Haz1APdlVN
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
Gunn and Safran have promised to reveal more plans for DC Studios in 2023 but for now it looks like a new “Superman” film is part of the priority as they look ahead to a new shared universe.
