The big blue Boy Scout is on his way back to the big screen. Deadline reports via James Gunn’s twitter that a new movie centered on the Man of Steel’s early days as a reporter is in the works, with the Co-CEO of DC Studios writing the script. No director has been announced as of yet. Henry Cavill will not be reprising his role and has announced his time as the Man of Steel is done completely following a meeting with Peter Safran and Gunn this week. The film is the first official announcement of Gunn and Peter Safran’s slate which is being pitched to Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav. Additionally, the new heads of DC studios are looking to work with Ben Affleck not as the dark knight but as a director.
You can read Gunn’s statements and Cavill’s Instagram response below.
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. 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. -James Gunn
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. 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 in the new universe the best of luck and the happiest of fortunes.
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. -Henry Cavill
This announcement brings an end to months of uncertainty which reached its apex last week following the demise of Wonder Woman 3 coupled with the uncertainty about the future of Jason Momoa as Aquaman (first reported by the Jody’s corner YouTube Channel) and uncertainty over whether Cavill would appear in The Flash. While there had been talk of Flash director Andy Muscietti wanting to direct a Henry Cavill Superman film nothing came of it.
Having a new iteration of Superman would seemingly make those rumors null and void. This seems to be the right way forward for the character now that DC is headed in a new direction. Given Gunn’s work on Guardians of the Galaxy it’s fair to say we can expect a Superman with heart and hope. Although it’s sad to see Cavill’s time with the cape is at an end, it seems the Man of Tomorrow’s future and I can’t wait to see what Gunn and Safran have in store for the pantheon of DC Heroes.
Are you excited for Gunn’s take on Superman and the DCU as a whole? Who do you think should direct? Are you sad Cavill is done? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to Marooners Rock for more Movie and Video Game news!
