James Gunn is speaking candidly about one of the most controversial changes in the DC Universe reboot, replacing Henry Cavill as Superman.
In a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Superman director and DC Studios co-chair opened up about the difficult situation that unfolded just as his deal to lead the studio was finalised. According to Gunn, although it was already decided that he would write and direct a new Superman film with a different actor, a faction within the studio prematurely announced Cavill’s return as the Man of Steel.
“The day our [DC] deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back,” Gunn recalled. “And I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do Superman. So it was really unfair to him and a total bummer.”
Gunn clarified that the confusion came from a part of the studio attempting to “force” their version of events, despite it not aligning with the new creative direction. “That was really unfortunate,” he said.
Recognising the sensitivity of the situation, Gunn and fellow DC Studios head Peter Safran made the decision to personally meet with Cavill. “We sat down and we talked to him. He was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it,” Gunn shared. “He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I’m able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys.’”
Despite parting ways with Cavill as Superman, Gunn made it clear that the door is still open for collaboration. “I talked to him about it on that day,” Gunn said. “I would love to put Henry in something.” When asked if casting Cavill in a different DCU role might confuse fans, Gunn replied, “Absolutely not.”
Cavill portrayed Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). The cape has now passed to David Corenswet, who stars in Superman, the first film in Gunn’s new DC Universe, released on July 11.
The reboot also features Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.
