New Superman movie reboot in the works, previous Superman actor no longer returning

On December 14, 2022, DC Studios co-head James Gunn shocked many DC fans when he announced that a new Superman movie written by him is in the works.

James Gunn shared this news as he announced that a new era for DC movies was begining. He shared the news via Twitter, saying, “Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”

This appears as a shock to fans, seeing as Henry Cavill’s Superman just appeared in the post-credits scene of Black Adam which released October 2022. Shortly after that, on October 24, Henry Cavill posted a video on Instagram announcing he would be back as Superman. However, his return was approved by old management at Warner Bros. where the CEO David Zaslav was still looking for someone to become the head of a dedicated movie studio for DC. Until that head was found, the DC movies in production would be overseen by Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, the heads of Warner Bros’ film division.

On October 25, it was announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran had been named the co-chairs and co-CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios.

It was also announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran would be working on a new 10-year plan for the studio that would include movies, TV Shows and video games to create a DC Universe with interconnected projects, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at Disney. Gunn and Safran would also not be reporting to the heads of Warner Bros’ film division but would instead report directly to WB CEO David Zaslav.

There was speculation on whether this new 10-year plan would continue the current DC movies or be a complete reboot. Some fans are speculating that the Superman reboot is a sign of a studio-wide reboot but and official statement has yet to be made. As Gunn said in his announcement on December 14, the new Superman movie he is working on is said to be a story that focuses on an earlier part of Superman’s life, meaning Superman will be recast with a new young actor.

The same day as Gunn’s announcement, Henry Cavill himself took to Instagram to share the news that he would no longer be returning as Superman despite his announcement stating as such just 2 months ago.

He wrote:

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.

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.

Even though Henry Cavill’s tenure as Superman is over, there is a new version of the character on the big-screen to look forward to. James Gunn has announced that he is writing the script for the Superman reboot himself. There is currently no release window yet but the movie is in active development.