James Gunn has confirmed that a new Superman movie is on the way, however, it will be without Henry Cavill.
It was only in October 2022, that Henry Cavill confirmed DC had sanctioned the return of Superman. Sadly, all that has changed. Sadly, James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new heads of the DCEU, cancelled all plans for Henry Cavill’s returning Superman movie.
Henry Cavill’s Superman might not be the only cancellation
Earlier this month, reports claimed that Gunn and Safran plan to cancel Wonder Woman 3 as well as the Synderverse. Personally, the cancellation of Wonder Woman 3 and the Synderverse might not be a bad thing.
However, even if WW3 and the Synderverse are cancelled, surely there’s no reason not to recast the likes of Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa? After all, they helped make famous in the DC Extended Universe, right? Sadly, that might not be the case.
James Gunn explained why Cavill won’t return as Superman
“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,” announced Gunn.
He continued: “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.”
Interestingly, Gunn adds: “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.”
We’re not sure what the “exciting possibilities” could be, but we know for sure that it’s not Superman. So, could Cavill be cast as a new character in the DCEU or perhaps something else that Gunn is working on, is not related to that universe? Only time will tell.
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
The new Superman movie won’t be an origin story, apparently
In a series of following tweets, Gunn revealed that the new Superman movie won’t be an origin movie. What’s more, it will focus on Clark Kent finding his way in Metropolis as a journalist.
However, that sounds a lot like an origin story that just skips Kent being a kid in Smallville. However, we have seen Kent as a struggling journalist at The Daily Planet countless times already.
What’s more, when replying to a fan asking if James Gunn will be writing/directing the new Superman movie, Gunn replied: “I am writing (and have been for a while). We don’t know who is directing yet.”
If Gunn has been writing the new Superman movie “for a while”, did he or someone at DC always know that Cavill won’t return prior to the actor announcing his return in October? It’s anyone’s guess.
I am writing (and have been for a while). We don’t know who is directing yet. https://t.co/RPwtAsUgZP
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
In response to Cavill’s Superman being cancelled and despite that cameo in Black Adam starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the popular actor was gracious in an Instagram post.
“I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” said Cavill. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
