James Gunn, the guy now running things over at DC Studios and directing the new Superman movie, has finally spoken out about the whole Henry Cavill situation. It turns out, it wasn’t exactly a smooth transition. He called the whole thing “really terrible” and “a total bummer.”
Apparently, right as Gunn was signing on to revamp the whole DC universe, Cavill made that announcement about coming back as Superman. Gunn says that wasn’t quite the truth. “That was not true,” Gunn clarified. He explained, “He was never hired to be Superman again — it was just a cameo.”
Despite the awkwardness around the Superman role, James Gunn had nothing but good things to say about Cavill’s attitude. He called him “a great guy” and “incredibly gracious.” Apparently, Cavill even asked to be the one to break the news to the fans that he wouldn’t be returning. Gunn felt bad about the situation. He said Cavill was “getting jerked around by a lot of people — including the old regime at DC — and then it became my responsibility.”
James Gunn made it clear that this wasn’t about Cavill’s acting abilities. The decision to recast with David Corenswet was all about wanting a fresh start. Gunn wanted a younger Superman to kick off his new vision for the DC Universe. Corenswet landed the role after a search that included names like Nicholas Hoult and Jacob Elordi.
And it sounds like Gunn still really respects Cavill, even hinting that he’d love to find another place for him in the DC Universe down the line. “He handled it all like a true gentleman,” James Gunn said.
So, get ready for Superman, starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, hitting theaters on July 11, 2025. It’s the official starting point for James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
