The biggest disappointment for some DC fans came when they learned Henry Cavill was not going to be the new and improved DC Universe's Superman. The co-CEOs of DC, James Gunn and Peter Safran, faced backlash ever since Cavill's disconnect from the DCU was confirmed. Gunn has now confirmed that the actor was technically not fired from the position of Superman.
Gunn has revealed the new slate of projects that are a part of the first phase of the DCU, and a Superman film is on the list. This doesn’t surprise fans, as after Cavill departed from the DCU, Gunn told fans about the Superman project he was working on. However, with the new slate, fans again brought up the topic of Cavill being let go from his position, and Gunn has revealed that the actor didn’t have a deal for another movie.
When discussing the roadmap for the DCU's first chapter at a press event, Gunn was asked about Cavill's role (via ScreenRant). “All I can tell you right now is Henry and Ben [Affleck] are not a part of this universe,” he said. Cavill and Affleck were the two actors who were part of the DC Extended Universe's launch projects, and according to Gunn, they didn’t have any deals with the studio for further projects. So, Cavill wasn’t fired, he “was just not hired to be Superman in the Superman movie.”
The DCEU began with 2013’s Man of Steel, and a few other films will be released this year to end the chapter, including Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Gunn has confirmed that the other films still being released later this year include The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. While the new co-CEO of DC is keeping casting choices and details of the films a secret for now, he did reveal that he has spoken to Gal Gadot, who played Wonder Woman in the DCEU, but he’s “not sure what [they’re] going to do with that.”
Gunn's work on the DCU has already begun. He confirmed during the press event and in a video shared on social media that Superman: Legacy will launch the DCU in July 2025. Gunn is working on the script, and he is “having a great time.” It remains to be seen who will be brought on to play the Man of Steel in the film, but Gunn has reassured Cavill fans that the actor was never intended to play the role and, therefore, cannot be fired from it.
Superman: Legacy is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Source: ScreenRant