It’s the end of an era for DCEU fans & Snyderverse followers as James Gunn confirmed Henry Cavill will not play Superman in the upcoming DCU slate. The sad news was also echoed by the Man of Steel actor on Instagram, revealing he won’t return whilst acknowledging his announcement in October following the Black Adam post-credits scene cameo. Since news broke, DC Film fans have amplified their voices on social media, sharing their frustration over the end of Zack Snyder’s DC Film arc while others remain optimistic for the 2023 slate.
The rebooting of DC Extended Universe has been confirmed with James Gunn’s latest tweets addressing the upcoming DC slate which will kick off a fresh narrative with a new yet younger version of Clark Kent. The DC Studios co-CEO began by unveiling that “Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go” and information regarding their first round of DC Projects will be unpacked “at the beginning of the new year”.
While Supe is part of the DCU slate, James Gunn stated that this retelling will focus on the “earlier part of Superman’s life” which explains Henry Cavill’s exit from the DCEU role. According to Variety’s sources, Gunn and Safran’s meeting with Cavill ended on a fruitful note as they “are all energized” to cast Henry as a different character from the DC Universe. This comes after WB execs were well into developing a Man of Steel 2 project with Charles Roven producing but those plans were put on hold with the hiring of DC Studios’ heads.
Snyderverse fans share their frustration over Henry Cavill’s forced exit from the Superman role
Meanwhile, the new Superman movie is currently being penned by James Gunn. While the DC Studios chief has taken on writing duties, it’s unclear if he’ll also helm the project or find another creative to direct. The story will focus on Clark Kent’s early life as a cub reporter in Metropolis. Unlike the earlier iteration, moviegoers will see his arc begin around characters like Lois Lane rather than uncovering elements from his farm life in Smallville.
James Gunn replacing Supe has not sat well with Snyderverse stans with a wave of support going out to the Man of Steel actor for his dedication to the DC Film role. Many were heartbroken talking about Henry Cavill’s commitment to the DC franchise since he exited The Witcher, which was seen as a decision to prioritize his time for the superhero genre. Readers can check out reactions below.
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
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
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Me after hearing the Henry Cavill Superman news pic.twitter.com/Z4hEPICqQN
— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) December 15, 2022
Gunn just fired Henry Cavill Superman to reboot the DCEU.
What are the odds his wife and friends don't get fired or rebooted?
— Walt (@Uber_Kryptonian) December 15, 2022
How DC treats Henry Cavill as Superman pic.twitter.com/Dq6idAuW7N
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) December 15, 2022
Do you hate money? Why wouldn't you make Henry Cavill Superman? He was BORN to play Superman. HE IS SUPERMAN. Even people who didn't like the snydercut (like myself) think he's the perfect Superman. What's wrong with you guys? https://t.co/kfd7czvwBj
— ❄️🎅🎄Nina Infinity🎄🎅❄️ (@Nina7Infinity) December 15, 2022
Henry Cavill played an incredible Superman in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
It’s upsetting to see his time as Superman come to an end, especially after a such public return. Can’t say I’m excited for the future of Superman on film right now..
— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) December 15, 2022
Can’t say I feel excited about this.
It really felt like Cavill had much more to give with Superman and it stings to see it come to an end on a sour note.
Maybe one day we get to see his character back in some form or crossover. But looks like the old DCEU is over. https://t.co/4oFl4uYDzV
— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) December 15, 2022
Henry Cavill has officially confirmed he will not be returning as Superman.
I knew this was coming. I have said it since his cameo in October that I never believed his return.
But just because I was right, doesn’t mean it feels good. This f*cking hurts … so bad. pic.twitter.com/VCGatsVc8Q
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) December 15, 2022
No SUPERMAN film will ever touch MAN OF STEEL. I’m open to this happening & maybe it will one day decades from now. But nope.
MAN OF STEEL is a masterpiece. Go talk your shit to a wall. pic.twitter.com/tHsxWMT7tn
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) December 15, 2022
The DCEU has ended. This is the start of the DCU. Henry Cavill, arguably the greatest Superman ever, the Superman of this generation ousted.
To put it in clear terms – this is a very bad start. DC is NOT listening to their own fanbase. Extremely dissapointed & dissatisfied. https://t.co/wEGfb6JsFN
— Omer K. Farooqi (@OmerKFarooqi) December 15, 2022
A James Gunn written Superman movie…yeah you can go ahead and keep that 💀
— 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖Ʊ𝗥𝗬 (@theeSNYDERVERSE) December 15, 2022
“A younger Superman” pic.twitter.com/kDYhmOq9zR
— 🦇🦇🦇 (@FATHER_CLEF) December 15, 2022
Forever my Superman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/203qiE1zW0
— sabrina 🦇 (@nightwaynes) December 15, 2022
Henry Cavill not returning as Superman is one of the biggest fumbles ever after just securing his future. What an awful way to show him out. He deserved better
— Aniq (@aniqrahman) December 15, 2022
Nothing will ever make this moment and this night any less meaningful. I know Henry felt the love for his Superman that night. https://t.co/Eb3vsvMa1u
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) December 15, 2022
DELETE THIS https://t.co/egBpQs7XN0
— meg. (@wondermeg_) December 15, 2022
WHY WOULD YOU PUT SUPERMAN IN BLACK ADAM IF YOU WASNT GONNA USE HIM pic.twitter.com/UEwiccDVLQ
— Jozu Lucílfer 🇵🇦 (@thaboyjozu) December 15, 2022
First they asked Henry Cavill to announce that he’s back as Superman and two months later he’s asked to announce that he’s not returning as Superman.
What a stupid mess. pic.twitter.com/H6NynLEns5
— 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘁 of North (@Itssan17) December 15, 2022
What’s next for the remaining heroes from DCEU in James Gunn’s DC Bible
Even with the recent round of DCU slate updates – there still remains a lot of mystery surrounding the 10-year plan. Will Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, John Cena’s Peacemaker and the characters introduced in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad survive this revamp? If so, will that apply to Zachary Levi’s Shazam as well? A franchise set out with producer Safran’s involvement. Speaking of Whom, the Shazam 2 actor was one of the few to respond to Cavill’s post saying, “Hope to catch you in another universe, sir.” Let’s hope to two still have a home in DC after all the overhaul.
The curtains are down for Ben Affleck’s Batman as well but the actor cum director has discussed helming a potential DC Film project though they are yet to zero in on the character. While the future seems bright, it sadly begins with the burial of the existing Justice League heroes.
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
What did you think of Cavill’s run coming to an end? Let us know in the comments below. Readers can also hit up our writer @RAKarthikPrasad on Twitter to discuss all things DCU and comic book movies.
