Henry Cavill return as Superman canceled; new ‘Superman’ film in the works
Henry Cavill attends Netflix’s “Enola Holmes 2” world premiere at The Paris Theatre on Oct. 27, 2022, in New York City. Image: Getty Images/Theo Wargo via AFP
Henry Cavill will not be making his return as Superman after all, as DC bosses Peter Safran and James Gunn made it known that they are working on a new “Superman” film.
Gunn announced his and Safran’s plans for DC in a series of Twitter posts today, Dec. 15.
“Peter [and] 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 told fans.
“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,” he added.
Despite Cavill not returning for the role, it appears Safran and Gunn have something else planned for him in the DC universe, as Gunn stated they “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
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
Cavill then confirmed his exit from the role in his Instagram post, also today. The cancellation comes almost two months since the British actor made initial announcements about his return, prior to Gunn and Safran’s hiring.
“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,” Cavill said. “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,” he continued.
Cavill then addressed fans of his Superman, telling them that they can mourn, but they must remember that “Superman is still around.”
“Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will,” he said. “It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”
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Cavill first appeared as Superman in the 2013 film “Man of Steel,” then starred as the character in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) and “Justice League” (2017). /ra
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