Henry Cavill has been removed from his position as Superman in Warner Bros.’ DC Films. This news follows closely on the heels of Gal Gadot’s exit from Wonder Woman 3. Together, these changes signal a major shake-up in the studio’s superhero franchise.
Cavill had recently made a cameo appearance at the end of Black Adam, which featured an exciting tease of a possible showdown between Superman and Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam. The studio has now brought in James Gunn and Peter Safran to serve as the new heads of DC Films.
It remains to be seen how these new appointments will affect the future of the franchise.
Henry Cavill took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news with his 22.9 million followers that he will no longer be playing the iconic Man of Steel on the big screen. The actor thanked fans for their support, expressing his appreciation for the character and his time portraying him. He also clarified that he will not be reprising the role in future DC movies.
‘I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,’ Cavill began.
‘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,’ he added.
‘The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build,’ he added.
‘I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes,’ he added.
The actor went on to address, ‘those who have been by my side through the years,’ adding, ‘we can mourn for a bit,’ before addressing the future of the franchise.
But then we must remember…. Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there!’ Cavill said.
‘Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he 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!’ Cavill concluded.
James Gunn, the head of DC Films, took to Twitter to elaborate on the future of the beloved Superman character. This followed shortly after Cavill’s statement on Instagram.
‘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 began.
‘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 clarified.
He added, ‘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.’