The DC studios have been ramping up for major changes in the DCEU superhero franchise. Since Warner Bros. and the Discovery merger happened, David Zaslav has been pushing for a creative revamp by reintroducing the secondary characters and bringing back the old characters that have been missing. The studios even appointed James Gunn and Peter Safran as the new CEOs and co-chairs of the DC studios. Among many characters, the most anticipated one was Superman, and most importantly Henry Cavill playing the character.
In October 2022, Dwayne Johnson finally introduced the DC anti-hero Black Adam to the fans. The film has been in the works for many years, but it was finally released. During the promotional activities, The Rock made many references and passed hints that DC Studios would reintroduce Superman and Henry Cavill to play the character. When ‘Black Adam’ was released, fans were delighted to see the official return of Superman in the DCEU. The superhero will make a comeback, but Henry Cavill will no longer be associated with the character.
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Henry Cavill’s Departure From The ‘Superman’ Franchise
It is a sad and happy day for the Kryptonian superhero fans. One of the most beloved superheroes will be returning to the franchise. But, one of the most beloved actors, who introduced the character to DCEU in 2013 will not be a part of the franchise anymore! On Instagram, the actor posted a picture of his statement stating that he will not be returning as Superman.
Since October 2022, there has been a strong buzz and anticipation for the return of Henry Cavill as Superman. Dwayne Johnson hinted at his return during the Black Adam promotions saying in an interview that the most unstoppable force in the universe has been on “sidelines for too long”.
Henry posted on Instagram announcing his departure. He informed me that he had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran. Cavill wrote, “It’s sad news, everyone. 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. 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”.
But, he ensured that his departure will not affect whatever Superman stood for. He continued, “Superman is still around. 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”.
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James Gunn’s Superman Is In The Making
The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director James Gunn answered some of the fan questions. He announced that they will be working on a ready slate of some new exciting projects. He wrote, “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 said that one of the major projects on the slate will be the ‘Superman’ film. Gunn gave a basic idea of what the film will be writing and why Henry will not be a part of it. “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”.
Then he answered a few of the fan questions which cleared the air that it will not be the ‘Superman’ origin story. James will be the writer of the film, and the director is not yet confirmed. Ben Affleck is excited to work on a DC project, so the two co-chairs talked to him and informed him that Ben will come on board to direct a film, but they are yet to find an appropriate project for him.
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