James Gunn announces new Superman movie in the works; Henry Cavill confirms his exit as Superman

Henry Cavill to not return as the superhero in James Gunn’s new Superman film.

Despite Henry Cavill’s surprise return as Superman in Black Adam, it has now been made official that the actor will not be returning in his iconic role anytime soon. As DC Studios new head James Gunn announced that he’s working on a new Superman, set in the Man of Steel’s early days, he also confirmed that the new Superman will not be played by Cavill. “Peter & 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,” the director-turned-label-chief tweeted Wednesday.

James Gunn announces new Superman movie in the works; Henry Cavill confirms his exit as Superman

“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. 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.” Meanwhile, it is being said that Gunn, his co-president Peter Safran and Cavill met recently to work on and breathe life into a new comic book character for Cavill.

Peter & 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.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022

According to Variety, sources say that the script for the new Superman film will focus on the character’s life as a cub reporter in the fictional city of Metropolis. Audiences will encounter him meeting key characters, like colleague Lois Lane, insiders added. Additionally, the new Gunn project will not replace the previously announced J.J. Abrams-Ta-Nehisi Coates Superman concept, which is still in active development.

On the other hand, Cavill also wrote on Instagram that Gunn and Safran, had met with him to deliver the 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. 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,” Cavill wrote.

“The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that,” Cavill added. “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. 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,” he concluded in his post.

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The Superman news comes after a week of headlines made by Warner Bros. following the decision of not moving forward with a couple of projects including Wonder Woman 3, Man of Steel 2 and more as they shape DC’s new future. As Gunn stated Monday, more details on the reimagined DC Universe are expected to come in January.

Also Read: DC head James Gunn calls Superman ‘a huge priority’ and shuts down Henry Cavill rumors