By Michaela Gordoni
Henry Cavill played Superman for eight years and even told sources in 2022 that Superman “was back” after his last appearance in JUSTICE LEAGUE, but two months later, he announced he wouldn’t be returning to the role.
In the same month, James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed CEOs of DC Studios. In the next few weeks, Cavill’s next Superman movie, a Wonder Woman movie and a Batgirl movie were all canceled, PEOPLE reported.
Gunn told fans that they should expect a “transitional period” as more cohesive stories come to the screens.
“We know we are not going to make every single person happy every step of the way.” He wrote, “But we can promise everything we do is done in the service of the STORY & in the service of the DC CHARACTERS we know you cherish and we have cherished our whole lives.”
Shortly thereafter, Cavill let fans know he wouldn’t return as Superman again.
“I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill wrote. “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.”
“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 continued.
Gunn explained that he wanted to tell younger Superman’s story, which explains the reason why Cavill was replaced with David Corenswet in the newest iteration of the iconic hero.
“He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way,” Gunn said of the new Superman. “He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.”
“This Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons,” Gunn said.
Cavill didn’t have any hard feelings.
“The changing of the guard happens,” he said. “I respect that. James and Peter have a new universe to build. I wish them all the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”
Corenswet tried to get some advice from his Superman predecessors before embarking on his new role.
“I was lucky enough to exchange letters with Tyler Hoechlin and Henry Cavill, two fellows who have played Superman before me,” said the actor.
However, “They both, in their way, sort of refrained from giving advice,” Corenswet said.
“There’s not much advice that we can give, you know? You sort of have to do your own thing,” he continued. “But it was really wonderful to get words of encouragement from them and then to be able to write to them and talk about how appreciative I was of the way that they had stewarded the character in their time.”
Corenswet held a long-time dream of playing Superman.
He said in 2019, “My pie-in-the-sky ambition is definitely to play Superman. I would love to see somebody do an upbeat, throwback [take on Superman]. I love the Henry Cavill dark and gritty take, but I would love to see the next one be very bright and optimistic.”
The new SUPERMAN movie came out on July 11 and is available in theaters.
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