James Gunn writing new 'Superman' movie, but Henry Cavill no longer returning
MANILA, Philippines — Warner Bros. and DC Comics had a bittersweet announcement in filmmaker James Gunn confirming a new "Superman" movie is indeed in the works, but it will not see Henry Cavill coming back to don the cape.
Gunn, the new co-head of DC Studios, said he was writing a new "Superman" film that focuses on the hero's secret identity as "Daily Planet" reporter Clark Kent, adding that Cavill won't be starring as the "Man of Steel."
"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," Gunn said. '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.”
Cavill confirmed the news and that he had met with Gunn and his fellow co-head Peter Safran in an Instagram post, admitting his disappointment but still hopeful.
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
"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,” wrote Cavill.
The "Enola Holmes" actor went on to thank his fans, that they could mourn the decision but to take heart that Superman is still around.
"Everything he stands for still exists, and the example he sets for us are still there!" Cavill said. "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."
Fellow DC actors commented on Cavill's post to show their support. "Shazam!" actor Zachary Levi said "Hope to catch you in another universe, sir" while "Aquaman" star Jason Momoa simply said "love u brother."
Gunn and Safran had also talked to Ben Affleck, who has played another DC icon Batman, about the possibility of directing a movie and to director Patty Jenkins who will no longer push through with a third "Wonder Woman" film.
Fans were ecstatic when Cavill reprised his role of Superman in the mid-credits scene of "Black Adam," his first appearance as the character since 2017's "Justice League" (and by extension Zack Snyder's version that came out in 2021).
Some days after "Black Adam" was released (before Gunn and Safran were tapped to head DC Studios), Cavill himself confirmed his Superman was returning, especially as it teased a match-up with Dwayne Johnson's character — but now as DC has been for a while, it is all up in the air again.
Cavill also departed from his fan-favorite role of Geralt in Netflix's "The Witcher" due to creative differences and will be replaced by Liam Hemsworth. The British actor is among the frontrunners to be the next actor to portray James Bond.
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