Henry Cavill Will Not Be Reprising His Role As Superman

After a meeting with DC CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, Henry Cavill has released a statement that he’ll no longer be playing Superman. Many DC fans across the globe are outraged as the admired actor Henry Cavill confirmed he will no longer be donning the red cape as Superman in the DC extended cinematic universe. Fans were shocked as this news comes just after Cavill announced in October he’d be returning as the Man of Steel, and after making a cameo as Superman in the Black Adam mid-credits scene.

The British actor, known for his portrayal as the DC Comics character Superman in the DC Extended Universe, Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series The Witcher, and Sherlock Holmes in the Netflix Enola Holmes films has become a mainstay in the pop-culture community with his genuine love of the comics and gaming fandoms. Cavill, having appeared as Superman in Black Adam after not having played the hero since 2017’s Justice League, really gave fans false hope. Yesterday, the actor addressed Warner Bros.’ decision to move forward with a Superman film that will star a different actor in the title role.

During his meeting with DC Studios co-chairs and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, informed Cavill of the changes in direction for the character. Cavill explained that his post from earlier in the year declaring that he would return as Superman was made prior to Warners hiring Gunn and Safran.

“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” the actor posted to Instagram on Wednesday. “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.”

Wednesday’s tragic announcement also comes in the wake of Cavill’s exit from the Netflix series “The Witcher” after playing the infamous video game character Geralt of Rivia for three seasons. Actor Liam Hemsworth will be taking his place. Cavill, went on to say that he understands if his supporters want to “mourn for a bit” but that the focus should be on the Man of Steel’s future.

“Superman is still around,” he continued. “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.” Cavill’s Instagram post came just as James Gunn tweeted that he will be writing a new Superman film set to focus on the earlier years of the superhero and that Cavill would not be returning. “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,” Gunn said.

Gunn then started answering questions from fans where he confirmed, among other things, that he’d been writing a Superman film for a while and that this would not be an origin movie. The director also addressed some comments about another DC Actor tragically affected by all the changes over the years within the studios - Ben Affleck (Batman).

“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,” Gunn wrote. The visionary filmmaker added that he and Safran “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.”

This development follows director Patty Jenkins sharing her thoughts Tuesday in light of The Hollywood Reporter‘s report that the studio would not be moving forward with her plan for Wonder Woman 3 after she submitted a treatment. Jenkins wrote on Instagram that she did not walk away from the project but explained, “It was my understanding that there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time.”

Going forward, a complete reboot could be exactly what the DCEU needs, but it comes at the tragic loss of the actors that breathed life into the Cinematic Universe. While not perfect, the Synderverse did inspire so many stories and bring fans a dynamic cast and amazing interpretation of some of the most popular superheroes to exist. DC has too many continuity issues and they need a complete reboot in order to finally move forward.