Superman No Longer Played By Henry Cavill

Superman No Longer Played By Henry Cavill
Gary O' Driscoll Updated on by

Posted in News

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In news shocking fans worldwide today, it has been revealed that Superman will no longer be played onscreen by Henry Cavill, after Cavill himself made the following announcement on his personal Instagram account:

“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. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. 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.“

This news comes after writer/producer/director, James Gunn, famous for the Marvel Studios MCU movies, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 was named along with Aquaman, Shazam, Black Adam, and Shazam: Fury of the Gods producer, Peter Safran as the heads of the newly formed DC Films at Warner Bros.

A decision that also comes just days after the news that director, Patty Jenkins, would not be moving ahead with her plans for a 3rd Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot and iconic Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter, who was set to reprise her role of Asteria from Wonder Woman 1984.

What does this mean for the DC Cinematic Universe going forward?

With this latest announcement, and both Gunn and Safran revealing few details about their plans going forward, other than to confirm that they do have a new slate of films planned that they will be revealing more details on in early 2023.

It appears as though the heads of DC Films are preparing somewhat of a reboot of the DC Comics live action properties at Warner Bros.

Now, whether this is a full reboot of the existing cinematic universe that will see a new set of actors cast to portray some of DC’s biggest characters such as Superman and Wonder Woman. Or, as is seeming more likely right now, a redirection of the DC Cinematic Universe that takes the focus away from it’s current line up of heroes in order to focus on a new line up of heroes and villains, remains to be seen.

As, whichever direction, Gunn and Safran are planning, one thing that is undisputable is that a decision regarding the current cast of the DCU needs to be made when an a relatively clean cut actor such as Henry Cavill is being released from his DCU commitments. While other, far more problematic actors, such as Ezra Miller, the lead of the upcoming Andy Muschietti directed The Flash movie are, for now at least, still employed by Warner Bros. Studios despite a number of quite serious allegations against them, with some even leading to legal cases against the actor.

Now Read: The Dial Of Destiny Trailer Released

Superman No Longer Played By Henry Cavill FAQ

How many Superman’s did Henry Cavill do?

Since his first appearance as Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel. Henry Cavill has played the character a total of 4 times across 5 different DC Comics movies for Warner Bros.

Starring in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and Black Adam (2022)

Who was the first Superman?

The first actor to every portray the role of Superman was, Bud Collyer, who though initially uncredited, played Superman for the radio series, The Adventures of Superman, which aired from 1940 to 1951.

During this time, Collyer would also memorably portray Superman in the legendary Fleischer Brothers animated cartoons, beginning with 1941’s Superman, alongside his The Adventures of Superman cast mates, Joan Alexander, and Jackson Beck reprising their roles from the radio series.

Collyer would continue to voice Superman in animation right up until his death in 1969.

On screen however, the first ever actor to play Superman was, Kirk Alyn, who starred in a 15 part serial in 1948 for Columbia Pictures titled simply, Superman.

Before reprising the role again in 1950 for a second 15 part serial titled, Atom Man vs Superman.