It looks like the DC Universe will have a new Superman, after all. Henry Cavill confirmed the shocking news himself earlier today.
The Black Adam actor shared the news on Instagram, saying:
I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safranand it's sad news, everyone. 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. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples her sets for us are still there! 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.
James Gunn later confirmed this news himself on Twitter, all but guaranteeing he'll have far more to share about the plans for the DC Universe as early as next year.
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
Gunn was always meant to announce something big before the year ended, but no one expected this. Much more so when you consider that Cavill only recently returned to the DC Universe, with his Black Adam co-star, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, lobbying to bring him back.
This is a bold move considering Cavill is a fan favorite. If nothing else, Gunn must feel confident in his 10-year plan for the DC Universe, specifically going the route of a younger version of Superman. Plus, Gunn teased his future plans for Cavill with the DC Universe, so he's suggesting that the Man of Steel actor could return to take on a different role.
With Wonder Woman 3 already canceled, the future of the DC Universe is a huge blank. It'll be interesting to see how it will fit in the upcoming films next year, including The Flash, which apparently got rave reviews from early screenings.
As for Cavill, fans can rest easy knowing he'll never run out of big-screen appearances. After stepping down from Netflix's The Witcher, he's now free to pursue other interests. Maybe he'll send the internet on a frenzy once again with another PC build, so he can go dark and play Warhammer for the next few months?
Or, maybe, just maybe, Cavill can finally sign up to be the next James Bond.
