After DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn announced major news regarding Superman's future in the DC Universe, star Henry Cavill shared his thoughts on the changes.
Gunn and his partner, Peter Safran, have the tall task of reworking the entire DCU after seeing the franchise falter for the last few years. And while fans will find out more concrete details about these plans in early 2023, Gunn recently indicated heavily that this would result in a full-blown reboot of the universe that had been built for most of the last decade.
Unfortunately, Gunn just shared with fans that this reboot will not include Henry Cavill as Superman, which brings immense disappointment considering that the Man of Steel actor was only just brought back for a thrilling post-credits appearance in Black Adam.
Now, Cavill has gone public shortly after that announcement was brought to light, expressing his own feelings about leaving Superman in the rear-view mirror.
Henry Cavill on Man of Steel 2 Cancellation
Man of Steel star Henry Cavill took to Instagram to express his sentiments about not returning to play Superman in the new DC Universe as the studio scraps its plans for Man of Steel 2.
Cavill explained that he wouldn't be returning to the role after meeting with DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, although he respects that they "have a universe to build" and wished them the best in that endeavor:
"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."
Although he made it clear that fans "can mourn for a bit," he also expressed the sentiment that "Superman is still around" and that he supports everything that the hero stands for moving forward:
"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."
Cavill wasn't the only one mourning the end of his Superman tenure, as other fellow DC stars sent messages of support to the actor.
Cavill Mourns Superman Exit With DC Fans
Seeing Henry Cavill exit this way will be disheartening for most DC fans, particularly after 2013's Man of Steel became his only solo Superman movie along with a few team-up appearances elsewhere in the franchise.
After his comeback was confirmed only weeks ago with his Black Adam scene and the recent Man of Steel 2 news, seeing him leave the role like this is an unfortunate domino to fall in this major rebrand.
Although Cavill may make one final appearance in 2023's The Flash, this message appeared to put an end to his career as Clark Kent, setting the stage for a new star to help build the new DC Universe from the ground up.
Thankfully, this doesn't mean that the actor is completely done with the DCU, as he could very well come back in another role the way Aquaman star Jason Momoa is seemingly doing. There are already reports that Batman actor Ben Affleck is already in talks with Gunn and Safran to direct a future movie, with the trio simply working on finding the right movie to take on.
And while the new era of the DCU will be revealed in more detail in early 2023, fans can only hope that Cavill will find a way back into the fray soon.
