James Gunn Plans New Superman Movie – But Without Henry Cavill Playing Him
The changes continue at DC, with Gunn and Peter Safran revealing more of their plans and seemingly clearing the decks of the likes of Cavill and co.
Henry Cavill as Superman in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.'
The ripples of writer/director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran taking over as the heads of the renamed DC Studios at Warner Bros. Discovery continue to spread.
Taking to twitter, where he has been countering what he views as misinformation about the new regime, Gunn dropped some fresh information, a chunk of which will come as disappointing to fans of Henry Cavill as Superman.
“Peter and 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 says. “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.” It won’t according to Gunn, be an origin story, though.
This despite Cavill getting the greenlight from the previous bosses back in October to announce that he’s officially back, and appearing as the character––spoiler alert––in a ‘Black Adam’ post-credit scene.
Looking to soothe over the matter, Gunn continues, “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.” You can read the full thread here, where Gunn goes on to say that he’s been writing a new Superman movie as part of his and Safran’s future slate, but that he won’t be directing it.
(L to R) Director James Gunn and actress Jennifer Holland at the World Premiere of 'Thor: Ragnarok.'
For his part, Cavill wrote his own response to the news on Instagram, expressing sorrow but acceptance at the news. “I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and it’s sad news, everyone,” the actor posted. “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.”
And he struck a positive final note: “Superman is still around. 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.”
In related DC news, Gunn, in replying to a question on the twitter thread, commenting that he has met with Ben Affleck, who wants to direct a future DC movie.
It’s just the latest development, coming on the heels of Patty Jenkins’ departure from a third ‘Wonder Woman’ movie. The director, who had made the first two films starring Gal Gadot as the character, clarified that she hadn’t walked away from the new project when Warner Bros. studio bosses (including input from Gunn and Safran) decided to pass on her latest treatment. You can read more about that here.
What this means for Gadot, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and other legacy DC Extended Universe actors is anyone’s guess, but it is truly feeling like a new broom approach for the new bosses.
