Movies

Superman director condemns DC Studios for its ‘terrible’ handling of Henry Cavill after announcing the actor’s return as Man Of Steel – before handing role to David Corenswet

BBG News

James Gunn, the director of Superman, has spoken out against DC Studios for their allegedly poor management of Henry Cavill following the news that Cavill wouldn’t be returning to play the Man of Steel again.

Under Gunn’s leadership, the struggling franchise has experienced a remarkable resurgence, thanks to his innovative take on Superman, featuring up-and-coming actor David Corenswet. This fresh interpretation of the classic character is currently breaking records at the box office.

However, it was following the news that fan-adored Cavill, who portrayed the legendary character in five films, was released from duties, that Corenswet was eventually appointed.

Mentioning his awkward interaction with the British actor during their chat on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn confessed that things got even more complicated when DC Studios first announced his comeback.

‘He mentioned that it was quite surprising. It turned out that on the very day we were contemplating whether to accept the job offer from DC Studios, the day the deal got finalized, they unexpectedly announced that Henry was returning.’

In a surprising turn of events, Cavill, aged 42, initially declared his return to the role he debuted in the 2013 blockbuster “Man of Steel.” However, just two months later, he disclosed that he wouldn’t be involved in the new vision for the DC Studios franchise as conceived by its co-head.

Gunn expressed his confusion by saying, “What’s happening here? We knew the game plan, it was to enter and play Superman. It’s truly unfortunate for him.

In simpler terms, Cavill’s contract was not renewed after several failed superhero projects, including the box office disappointment “The Flash” (released in 2023 and met with negative criticism).

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the graceful response of the actor when informed by James Gunn and Peter Safran that he wouldn’t reprise his role in the Superman franchise. It was nothing short of remarkable!

He stated: ‘Therefore, Peter and I realized that it would be appropriate to have a conversation with Cavill. So, we did just that, and he turned out to be incredibly courteous, a fantastic individual in the process.’

He expressed that he’d prefer to disclose the information himself rather than having you all do it.

‘It was really unfair to him and was a total bummer.’

Gunn clarified that there were outside parties who aimed to control their own plans for DC, but these efforts never aligned with the original plan.

The director, who eventually chose Corenswet for the lead role of his Superman film, was questioned about the possibility of re-casting Henry Cavill in a different DC Universe character, to which he confessed his eagerness to collaborate with the actor from The Witcher series.

He stated emphatically: “Under no circumstances would I consider playing another character. We discussed this on that particular day, and I’m eager to work with Henry.

In 2022, Cavill acknowledged on social media that he had been surprised by the news of his departure, as he had originally been informed he would continue in his role.

He recently met with James Gunn and Peter Safran, and unfortunately, he shared the news that he won’t be coming back as Superman on Instagram.

Following the studio’s request for me to disclose my comeback in October before they were hired, it’s not simple news to share, but such is life. Transitions like these are inevitable. I acknowledge and appreciate their efforts in constructing their own universe. James and Peter have a lot on their plates.

‘I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes.’ 

The performer continued by acknowledging those who have stood with him throughout the years, expressing that we should take some time for sorrow, and eventually turned to discuss the future direction of the series.

Well, “Remember, though, that Superman is still alive and well. His values and the lessons he teaches us remain relevant.

As a lifestyle guide, I find myself constantly inspired by the enduring principles that Superman embodies. Although it’s not my time to don the iconic cape, the values he represents live on forever in each of us. It’s our turn now to set examples and make a positive impact, just as he did.

‘It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards!’ 

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2025-07-20 16:33

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