Henry Cavill claimed it was “not the easiest news” to hear as he had only recently revealed that he would be reprising his role as Superman. Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker and DC Studios’ new co-chairman James Gunn is creating a Superman movie without Cavill.
Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie will take the superhero in a different route and concentrate on his formative years. The decision coincides with a major shift at DC Studios and parent firm Warner Brothers, which has been axing numerous projects to reduce expenses since combining with Discovery, Inc.
Since the 2013 movie Man of Steel, Cavill has played Superman. His most recent appearance as the superhero was in a cameo in Black Adam earlier this year. He revealed he would be coming back to portray Superman in October after leaving the lead role in the Netflix series The Witcher. Cavill posted on Instagram on Wednesday informing his followers that he had met with Gunn and his co-chair, Peter Safran, to deliver the bad news.
“I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill remarked.
“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,” he wrote in his Instagram post.
“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.”
Prior to Gunn and Safran starting work at DC Studios on November 1st, Warner Bros is said to have approved Cavill’s announcement that he will be playing Superman once more. Cavill had stated in an interview six days prior that he was looking forward to portraying an “enormously joyful” Superman and that he was ”very excited” about Gunn’s hiring.
Patty Jenkins, the director of Wonder Woman for DC Studios, announced on Tuesday that she would no longer be involved in the franchise’s third instalment. In a lengthy open letter in reaction to rumours, she stated: “I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time.”
