James Gunn described the challenging moment when he had to inform Henry Cavill that the role of Superman would be recast in the new DC Universe, referring to it as a “terrible” experience. This revelation came as the DC Studios co-head and co-CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery began developing a younger version of Superman for upcoming projects, necessitating the change despite Cavill being the most recent actor to wear the iconic cape before David Corenswet.
Preexisting Plans and Conflicting Announcements
Gunn revealed that prior to officially taking charge of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran in October 2022, there was some confusion regarding Superman’s casting. The day before Gunn and Safran’s deal was finalized, an announcement confirmed Henry Cavill’s return as Superman, a decision that conflicted with the plans Gunn and Safran intended to implement once they assumed control.
We were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios and we’re talking to David Zaslav and all the legal people there and figuring out what our deals would be. And the day our deal closed, all of a sudden they were announcing that Henry was back and I’m like, ‘What is going on? We know what the plan is,’ and [it] was a total bummer. But there was a vacuum at the time,
Gunn explained.
They had wanted to take on what they wanted to do at DC and were trying to force their way and it just was never part of the equation for David Zaslav who was the head of WBD.
The Conversation with Cavill and His Response
Ultimately, Gunn and Safran had to break the news to Cavill that he would not be continuing as Superman in their new vision. Gunn described the actor as gracious and understanding during their meeting, noting Cavill’s professionalism despite the difficult situation. Cavill made one clear request: to be the one to announce the news himself rather than hearing it through the studio executives.
We came in and that was really unfortunate. I’m like, this poor guy. Peter and I— the right thing to do is sit down with him and talk to him,
Gunn said.
We sat down, we talked to him. He was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it. He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I’m able to reveal it myself as opposed to coming from you guys.’
Future Possibilities for Henry Cavill’s Involvement
When asked if Cavill’s departure would impact upcoming stories, Gunn insisted that his absence as Superman would not disrupt the narrative. In fact, Gunn expressed openness to incorporating Cavill in other roles within the DC Universe, underscoring a continued respect for the actor and enthusiasm for future collaboration.
No, as another character? Absolutely not. No, I talked to him about it on that day. No, I would love to put Henry in something.
Significance of the Recasting News
The announcement of Henry Cavill Superman recasting news marks a notable shift in the direction of the DCU under new leadership. This decision reflects the strategic efforts undertaken by Gunn, Safran, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav to reimagine the superhero lineup and storytelling style. While difficult for Cavill and fans alike, it signals a fresh phase for the iconic character and paves the way for new creative directions. The movie Superman continues to play in theaters, even as audiences anticipate how the new DC Universe will unfold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How old was Tara King when she dated Henry Cavill? King was 18 years old when she and Cavill first began dating and was 19 by the time they split in May 2016.
A. Did Henry Cavill have a relationship with someone who was 18 years old?
Q. What religion is Henry Cavill?
A. Henry Cavill was born on May 5, 1983, in Saint Helier, Jersey, in the Channel Islands. He is the fourth of five brothers in a Catholic family. His mother, Marianne Dalgliesh, was born in Jersey and is of Scottish, English, and Irish descent. She worked as a secretary at a bank.
Q. Is Henry Cavill LGBT friendly?
A. Yes, he enjoys and values the support from the gay community, as many actors typically do. It’s positive for him!
Q. Who has a crush on Henry Cavill?
A. Tiffany Haddish mentioned she had a big crush on Henry Cavill. But after meeting him, she felt he was somewhat awkward. She joked that talking to him about Dungeons & Dragons might be more fitting. Haddish thought Cavill was not as impressive in person.
