Fans disappointed by Henry Cavill’s earlier departure from the DCEU might see the return they’ve been hoping for, as speculation grows about Cavill taking on the role of Ultraman in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film. With James Gunn guiding DC’s relaunch and David Corenswet now portraying Superman, the idea of Henry Cavill as Ultraman in James Gunn’s Superman is gaining momentum among fans and insiders.
Speculation Grows Around Cavill’s Potential Return as Ultraman
After Henry Cavill’s exit from the DCEU, audiences around the world found themselves surprised and saddened, especially when Cavill publicly stated that his run as Superman had come to a definitive close. The transition to James Gunn’s leadership at DC Studios, coupled with the announcement that David Corenswet would play a new version of Superman, initially seemed to shut the door on Cavill’s involvement in upcoming projects. However, rumors now point toward a different direction.
Interest was recently fueled when fans speculated about the identity of a character featured in a Superman teaser trailer, dressed in black and bearing a distinct U-shaped insignia. Knowledgeable followers quickly connected this image to Ultraman, a villainous alternate version of Superman from the comics, who originates from Earth-3—a universe populated with sinister counterparts to DC’s main heroes. Ultraman wields powers nearly identical to Superman, making him a formidable antagonist capable of pushing the hero to his limits.
So far, the actor beneath Ultraman’s mask remains a mystery. There is, however, a strong case being made that Henry Cavill could portray the character, drawing on his experience and established connection with fans. This casting would serve as a natural bridge between the previous Snyderverse era and the emerging DC Universe, guided by James Gunn. Bringing back Cavill—not as the classic Superman, but as an alternate, villainous version—would offer him a unique sendoff, while maintaining the narrative continuity that Gunn appears interested in preserving.
The Narrative Potential of Cavill’s Ultraman
By introducing Henry Cavill as Ultraman, James Gunn’s new Superman movie could provide a meaningful conclusion to the DCEU era. It would acknowledge Cavill’s significant time as Superman and offer a dramatic, narrative handoff to David Corenswet. If the two actors were to share a major on-screen confrontation, it would symbolize the passing of the torch, as well as a cinematic farewell for the DCEU’s former leading man.
This face-off holds potential for a visually and emotionally compelling moment, painting Superman’s inevitable triumph over Ultraman as both a hero’s victory and a symbolic end to Cavill’s journey. The transition could help audiences embrace Corenswet as the new face of the character, giving Cavill the chance to exit with both closure and dignity—unlike the abrupt departure he faced in 2022.
James Gunn has already shown a willingness to bring elements of the Snyderverse, including characters and plot points, into his reimagined DC Universe for the sake of seamless storytelling. The multiverse concept makes Ultraman’s inclusion both plausible and narratively satisfying, as it would reconcile storylines and character arcs spanning different creative regimes.
What Lies Ahead for Superman and the DC Universe
Should Henry Cavill return as Ultraman, the resulting confrontation with David Corenswet’s Superman could become a defining moment for the franchise, helping old fans accept change while attracting new audiences curious about the DC Universe’s next chapter. This scenario would not only pay tribute to Cavill’s history with the character but also lay the groundwork for fresh stories and a refreshed hero in Corenswet’s image.
Superman is scheduled for release in theaters on July 11, 2025, promising answers to many questions that now surround the future of DC’s cinematic landscape and the possible return of beloved actors in new, surprising forms.
