Henry Cavill Wasn’t Fired as Superman But Not Hired to Play Superman in the upcoming Superman movie, Says James Gunn
The co-heads of DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran, have stated that there was never a formal agreement in place for Henry Cavill to reprise his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). During a press conference outlining the new plan for the DCEU, Safran emphasized that Cavill couldn’t have been fired as he was never officially hired.
Cavill became the most recognizable version of Superman after his debut in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel in 2013. However, since the production of Justice League in 2017, Cavill has been largely absent from the DCEU, until his recent appearance in the end-credit scene of Black Adam. This caused excitement among fans who saw it as a promise of Cavill’s return as Superman. However, just over a month before the new DCEU plan was revealed, Gunn announced on social media that Cavill would not be returning as Superman and a new young actor would be cast.
Gunn clarified during the press conference that Cavill was not fired, but rather not hired to play Superman in the upcoming Superman movie. He added that there was no deal in place for Cavill to star in another Superman movie. This supports earlier reports that Cavill may have announced his return before a contract was signed.
DC Studios also revealed plans for a new Superman movie, Superman Legacy, during the press conference. Gunn is writing the script for the film, with its release set for July 11, 2025.
