The 'Man of Steel' hunk admits the 'news isn't the easiest' as James Gunn reveals his and Peter Safran's plans to explore the earlier part of Superman's life among the next DC slate.
- Dec 15, 2022
AceShowbiz - Henry Cavill has officially retired as Superman. After months of speculation about what his next project as the Man of Steel will be, the actor has confirmed that he will not reprise the role for a future DC/WB film.
The 39-year-old broke the sad news via Instagram on Wednesday, December 14. "I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone," he said in a statement posted on his social media account. "I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life."
Insinuating that the change is a natural process, the British actor added, "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."
Cavill understood his fans' feelings though, saying that it's okay to "mourn for a bit, 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!"
"My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will," he reiterated, before concluding, "It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and updwards."
James Gunn also confirmed the news via Twitter. "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," he began sharing his and Peter Safran's plans for the next DC slate.
"The Suicide Squad" helmer then spilled the beans about their plans for Superman, "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."
Assuring that the studio is not cutting ties altogether with Cavill, 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."
Responding to the news, fellow DC actor Jason Momoa, who portrays Aquaman, wrote underneath Cavill's post, "love u brother." "Shazam!" star Zachary Levi also weighed in as saying, "Hope to catch you in another universe, sir."
Art director Boss Logic commented, "We this a damn shame. So sorry to hear this man...... Don't know what to say." Another fan wrote, "You will always be the Superman of our generation brother. Always."
Content creator Matt Ramos couldn't hide his disappointment as tweeting, "I'm heartbroken for Henry Cavill. This man truly loved playing this character and he had his own hopes and dreams for what he wanted to accomplish with Superman on the big screen. We love you Henry." He added, "If Henry Cavill is no longer Superman, this whole universe has to be rebooted."
The news came as a huge shock since Cavill himself announced back in October that he's set to return as the iconic superhero. "I wanted to make it official - I am back as Superman and the image you see in this post and what you saw in 'Black Adam' are a very small taste of what's to come," he said in a video following his cameo in the Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson-starring movie.
He also thanked fans for their patience, promising they would be "rewarded" when he returned as Superman. He said in the Instagram video, "I wanted to thank you guys for your support and for your patience. I promise it will be rewarded."
