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Henry Cavill made waves months prior when he revealed that he would reprise his role as Superman, the most recognizable character in comic books.
His appearance in Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam seems to lend credence to his declaration.
However, one of the two new heads of DC Studios, James Gunn, ruined the celebration by announcing that while DC would make a new Superman project, Cavill wouldn’t be coming back.
The announcement
Today, James Gunn updated fans on DC’s direction with a series of tweets.
“Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about,” he started.
“We’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first new projects at the beginning of the new year.”
“Among the slate is Superman,” Gunn continued.
“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.”
As they read the news, those who had been following Henry Cavill since Man of Steel in 2013 felt their stomachs turn.
It wasn’t all horrible, though, because Gunn left a shred of hope.
“But we had just 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.”
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Cavill confirms grim news
While everything was going on, Henry Cavill revealed the news on his Instagram page in a lengthy statement that devastated thousands, if not millions, of people.
“I have just had a meeting with James Gun and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill began.
“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.”
Henry Cavill encouraged fans to keep their heads high in a typical Superman way.
“For those who have been by my side through the years… we can 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. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”
The Witcher
Two months after declaring his final appearance as Geralt of Rivia for the third season of the Netflix series, Henry Cavill announced his departure as the Man of Steel.
Cavill consented to the new casting, which saw Liam Hemsworth take on the part.
Hemsworth’s takeover was backed by the English actor, who wrote:
“As with the greatest of literary characters, I pass the torch with reverence for the time spent embodying Geralt and enthusiasm to see Liam’s take on this most fascinating and nuanced of men.”
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Reaction
Twitter erupted when Gunn revealed that Henry Cavill wouldn’t be playing the “big blue boy scout” again since fans had been hoping to see him take on Black Adam and (hopefully) Darkseid.
One user wrote:
“I was so devastated by henry cavill leaving the witcher but now even more devastated he’s out on two roles he absolutely loved.”
“Truly tho [sic] what a sad night and one of the unfortunate eras for a Superman actor,” wrote another.
“Absolutely just disheartening and just unbelievable, and I can’t believe it happened, but Henry Cavill, u will always be our Superman, and we’ll miss you.”
A third chimed in, saying:
“Henry Cavill is Superman. He loves the character. He’s perfect for the role. The fans love him.”
“I have no idea how they possibly think it’s a good idea to not continue with him. Unbelievable. So much untapped potential. Hope has officially been lost.”
One admirer lamented the loss of Cavill’s Superman-like herculean frame, saying:
“It’s to bad Henry Cavill is no longer superman, it feels like they only scratch the surface of what he could do with the character.”
“The man looked incredible as Superman.”
One Twitter user thought it was hysterically idiotic of the studio to have him announce his comeback before having him fired from the part.
“Completely fine with both Henry Cavill staying and going as Superman,” he wrote.
“But my god, not only having him return and officially address it, but basically running a subliminal marketing campaign around said return, only to fire him 6 weeks later, is so hilariously stupid.”
Others accepted the status quo because they knew that the entertainment sector depended on commerce to survive.
“So, Henry Cavill is Superman no more. I’m devastated. But it is what it is. It’s not called Show friends, it’s called Show business,” they wrote.
“I’m interested what @JamesGunn and Paul does for DC Studios. Start with a clean slate is great.”
Another shared the sentiments, writing:
“Damn. It sucks we lost Henry Cavill as Superman but I’m super excited to see what James Gunn has cooked up.”
References:
James Gunn’s official Twitter thread
DC fans “devastated” that Henry Cavill is out again as Superman
