Henry Cavill, the actor synonymous with Superman for an entire generation, learned he was being replaced in the DC Universe from none other than the new creative head himself — James Gunn.
In a recent podcast appearance, Gunn opened up about the emotionally difficult moment when he and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran informed Cavill that he would not be reprising his iconic role in the rebooted Superman film, now starring David Corenswet as the new Clark Kent.
The director candidly acknowledged how awkward the situation was. “It’s terrible,” Gunn said, recalling that the deal for him to take over DC Studios was still being finalized when public announcements suddenly suggested that Cavill was back as Superman. “We knew the plan was a reboot with a new actor,” Gunn added. “It was unfair to Henry and a total bummer.”
Despite the disappointment, Cavill’s reaction was graceful. Gunn described him as “a complete gentleman,” explaining that the only thing the Man of Steel actor requested was the opportunity to announce the news himself. “That’s a class act,” Gunn noted.
Cavill portrayed Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016), and Justice League (2017). Fans had high hopes following his cameo in Black Adam (2022), but with the DC Universe being reshaped under Gunn’s vision, the torch has been passed.
Still, all may not be lost for Cavill in the superhero world. Gunn hinted that the actor could return in a different role within the evolving DC Universe — leaving fans hopeful for a future surprise.
The newly released Superman film, featuring Corenswet alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, premiered on July 11 to largely positive reviews and has since earned $273 million globally against a production budget of $225 million.
