The DC Studios executive explains that it was never among his plans to have the British actor for the role despite his cameo in Black Adam. After many weeks of previewing it, yesterday we got a comprehensive look at the new DC Studios cinematic universe directed by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
In it the doors are open for several actors from already released films of the company, but not for Henry Cavill as Superman despite having been announced with great fanfare his return for the role in Black Adam. For the also director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 this was not the case.
In statements collected by The Wrap, the executive makes it clear that it was never in his plans to count on the British actor, ensuring that from the networks and media things were taken for granted that were not true at all.
“First of all, we did not fire Henry. Henry was never cast. He had a cameo in Black Adam [sent to film before his arrival at DC Studios] and that was the end of his story. A lot of people made assumptions that weren’t true, but for me, it’s about who I want to cast as Superman and who the filmmakers want to cast. For me, for this story, it’s not Henry.”
The American filmmaker goes further and assures not to have problems with Cavill, whom he defines as “a great guy”, but believes that he does not fit for the character he is building for different unspecified reasons, beyond wanting to look for a younger actor to serve as the last son of Krypton.
Finally, Gunn joins those who believe that the former Warner Bros. executive did not act well with the British actor: “He has been mistreated by many people, including former directors of this company.”
Other DCEU actors may follow
It is difficult that James Gunn could have been clearer on this issue. In the new DCU, for the moment, there seems to be room for Zachary Levi and Ezra Miller despite their recent controversies, but not for one of the most beloved actors of the fans.
For now it has not been shared who will be his replacement on the big screen, although sooner rather than later we should know since Superman: Legacy is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.