The Wildstorm adaptation of an anti-Justice League, The Authority movie for DCU has some fans casting Man of Steel‘s Henry Cavill for the Apollo role. This comes as the DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn had earlier teased the possibility of working with the former Superman star by finding him a different suitable DC character.
An obscure ensemble of superheroes known for blurring the lines between good and evil are making their way to their cinematic debut under the DC Universe banner. The characters created by Warren Ellis and Mark Millar, The Authority are easily comparable to the likes of The Suicide Squad or Amazon Prime’s The Boys.
Described as “morally gray characters” but with good intentions to save the world, these so-called superheroes are not bound by the no-killing code unlike Batman or any of the JL members. The Wildstorm comic universe was eventually merged into DC Comics in 1999 allowing the New 52 iteration to utilize Authority members. In a similar fashion – James Gunn is introducing Authority in a universe where they will co-exist with the Justice League.
Surprisingly, some believe a powerhouse role like Apollo should be handed to Cavill to make amends for not casting him in Superman: Legacy movie. The fan casting of Henry Cavill as Apollo was prompted by Reel Reject’s Coy Jandreau suggesting the former Witcher star be cast as the white-haired solar-powered superhero.
Many also fan-cast Ben Affleck for the Midnighter role but some pitched it as a jest. Though it would be an interesting turn of events after the duo’s role in Batman v Superman since Apollo and Midnighter were shown as married gay couples in the comics. Readers can check out reactions below.
Henry Cavill as Apollo 🫡
also I stole this from @CoyJandreau pic.twitter.com/aRSu5fM9Bk
— mani (@awmaani) February 1, 2023
Always loved #TheAuthority as a commentary on #DCcomics characters themselves. Fascinated to see how it melds into the #DCU.
That said, lean in. Fuck it. Cast #HenryCavill as Apollo. It is Fated. pic.twitter.com/71RtjknzgB
— Coy Jandreau (@CoyJandreau) January 31, 2023
The ultimate power move for #DCU at this point would be to cast Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck as Apollo and Midnighter respectively in The Authority, just to fuck with everyone's heads.
— 🔶 Steve 🇺🇦 (@snarky_liberal) February 1, 2023
Henry Cavill would make a great casting choice in the Authority! pic.twitter.com/4rcbQbXjHb
— Home of DCU (@homeofdcu) February 1, 2023
Feel like he'd cook as Apollo pic.twitter.com/MEuyFIivAm
— Home of DCU (@homeofdcu) February 1, 2023
Ben Affleck should play Midnighter with Henry Cavill as Apollo https://t.co/AYJgACGYBG
— Nicholas (@NicholasJLevi) February 1, 2023
Cast Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill as Midnighter and Apollo. #DCStudios
— Adam Lance Garcia (@AdamLanceGarcia) February 1, 2023
Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill would be funny as Midnighter and Apollo
— Smv? (@Smv_of_Heroes) February 1, 2023
#TheAuthority #DCUChapterOne#JamesGunn
por favor @JamesGunn : Ben Affleck como Midnighter y Henry Cavill como Apollo https://t.co/SjV6iXSCGL
— 🦇Bat-wittero🃏 (@Bat_wittero) February 1, 2023
The answer is so obvious!
Cast Henry Cavill as Apollo and Ben Aflec as the Midnighter! #DCStudios #DCUChapterOne
— Reader Reborn | CR: Ship of Magic (@ReaderReborn) February 2, 2023
Bring back Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill as Midnighter and Apollo so they can kiss!!! 😤😤😤😤
— mad about comics (he/him) (@jackmonikerpub) January 31, 2023
Fun idea: recast Henry Cavill as the Superman-analogue in The Authority, Apollo
Even better idea: Cast him as Apollo’s lover and certified ass-kicker, Midnighter pic.twitter.com/un4DFG346z
— Mason Bowen 🟥 (@masonellisbowen) February 1, 2023
@JamesGunn – Dream casting for The Authority: Henry Cavill as Apollo and Ben Affleck as Midnighter. Maybe Michelle Yeoh as Swift? Angela Bassett as Flint?
— Carl – WWRS (@WyrdWaysRock) February 1, 2023
Not that anyone asked, but if I was making an Authority movie I’d cast Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck as Apollo and the Midnighter.
— Ed Hammond (@Ed_Hammond101) February 1, 2023
As #HenryCavill is no longer #Superman .
He can be casted as #Apollo the member of #TheAuthority .@JamesGunn@DCComics #DC #DCStudios @DiscussingFilm @therealsupes pic.twitter.com/RiGkjdRkmR
— Kal-EL 🤘 (@ManFromTheGlobe) February 1, 2023
The Wildstorm Universe’s Authority is a unique superhero team consisting of The Engineer, a super-powered individual drawing power from nanites, the bio-engineered vigilante, Midnighter, A Hawkgirl-Esque warrior, Swift and Jack Hawksmoor, who draws his power comes from cities.
There’s no question that Authority members will soon butt heads against the Justice League so casting Cavill as the solar energy-powered superhero would be an interesting sight to behold if he’s pitted against the new Superman.
The Authority does not have a release date yet and no actors have been cast nor a director or writer are attached as of this writing. Gunn is currently putting together a treatment working with the DC Studios writers’ room.
