Attention Daily Planet news junkies: the Man of Steel is hanging up his cape. And there are few phone booths left. What’s a superhero to do?
On Wednesday, British actor Henry Cavill confirmed he would no longer be playing the role of the iconic Superman in the DC Comics universe. The unexpected announcement came just two months after Cavill said he would be continuing in the role.
In an Instagram posting, Cavill said he made his decision after meeting with filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran, who were recently named co-chairs and chief executive officers of DC Studios.
“I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill wrote. “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.”
Despite his disappointment, Cavill declared his loyalty to the Superman character, writing that “Superman is still around.”
“Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there!” he added. “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.”
After Cavill’s announcement, Gunn posted in social media that he and Safran “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.”
This includes a film about Superman’s early life, played by a yet-unnamed actor. Some sources are reporting that Ben Affleck might be tapped as director. The film would focus on Clark Kent’s early days as cub reporter for the Daily Planet, including his first encounter with Lois Lane. Meanwhile, the “Black Superman” concept by J.J Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates is still being actively developed, unaffected by these developments.
This is not the only recent career change for Cavill, who is also turning over his role in the Netflix series The Witcher to Liam Hemsworth. Nor is it the only change under the new regime at DC. The day before Cavill’s Superman announcement, it was reported that DC would not be moving forward with a third installment of Wonder Woman, as directed by Patty Jenkins.
Henry Cavill Hangs Up His ‘Superman’ Cape at DC
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