New Delhi: Hollywood actor Henry Cavill revealed on Thursday that he would not be playing Superman in the upcoming DC movies. In a statement on Instagram, Cavill announced his exit from the character, which he has played since 2013's 'Man of Steel'. The news was released over two months after he declared his return as Superman.
James Gunn and Peter Safran shared that their upcoming slate for DCEU that includes a young Superman film, which will see the character in his early days as a doe-eyed cub reporter. Fans were in tears as they would not be able to see their favourite actor as Superman again. Cavill said, "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."
In the latter half of October, Warner Bros appointed James Gunn, director of "Guardians of the Galaxy," and Peter Safran as co-chairmen and CEOs of the recently established DC Studios. Since then there have been reports that the whole Zack Snyder- created DC Universe could be done away with, including Wonder Woman.
"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.", Cavill further added.
He concluded his Instagram post by addressing his fans and telling them that everything that superman stood for still existed.
He said, "For those who have been by my side through the years…we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember…Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! 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."
Fans were emotional and left their comments on his Instagram post. One of them said, "You are and will always be our Superman and you are, of course so much more. Here's to the brilliance that lies before you." Another person said, "You will always be the Superman of our generation brother. Always."
A third user said, "You were an incredible superman, Henry, and your version was the basis on my take on the character in the comics. Here's to your next Adventure! Long live Superman!" while a fourth one wrote, "Your work as Superman, on and off screen, will never stop being a testament to the power of your kindness, talent and this character. Thank you for giving us a Superman that will live on. The next guy has ENORMOUS red boots to fill."
On the other hand, James Gunn addressed the future of the DC Universe on Twitter. He tweeted, "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."
He further went on to add some more comments to his tweet where he mentioned, "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."
Talking about his meeting with Henry, he said, "But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future."