Henry Cavill says he will not return as Superman

DC fans around the world wept Wednesday as British actor Henry Cavill announced that he will no longer play Superman in the DC Comics extended cinematic universe.

Fans were taken aback, as Cavill stated in October that he will be reprising his role as Superman. Cavill even appeared as Superman in a mid-credits sequence at the end of "Black Adam," the DC picture starring Dwayne Johnson.

Cavill stated on Instagram that he had a meeting with filmmaker James Gunn and British film producer Peter Safran, who were named co-chairmen and chief executive officers of DC Studios in October.
"After all, I won't be returning as Superman," Cavill wrote. "After being ordered by the studio to announce my comeback in October, prior to their hiring, this news isn't easy to swallow, but that's life. The changing of the guard is a common occurrence. "I appreciate that."

Despite not reprising the role, Cavill stated that "Superman is still around."

"Everything he stands for remains, and the examples he sets for us remain!" he wrote. "My moment to wear the cape has come and gone, but what Superman stands for will never change." It's been a pleasure riding with you guys; onward and upward."

Gunn also came to Twitter on Wednesday, saying that he and Safran "have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn't be more overjoyed about; we'll be able to share some exciting details about our first projects at the start of the new year."

Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022

"Among those on the slate is Superman," Gunn explained. "In the early stages, our tale will focus on an earlier portion of Superman's biography, therefore the character will not be played by Henry Cavill," Gunn added.

Gunn then began answering fan queries, confirming, among other things, that he'd been writing a Superman film for a while and that it would not be an origin story.

Wednesday's announcement also comes on the heels of Cavill's departure from the Netflix series "The Witcher" after three seasons as the lead. Liam Hemsworth, an actor, will take his place.

Gunn and Safran have been reevaluating the studio's project slate since their arrival, with certain recent decisions garnering headlines. On Tuesday, filmmaker Patty Jenkins addressed rumours that the studio would not pursue a third instalment of the "Wonder Woman" franchise.