The DC Universe (DCU) is undergoing a seismic shift under the stewardship of James Gunn and Peter Safran, with the upcoming Superman film, set for release on July 11, 2025, marking the dawn of a rebooted franchise. At the heart of recent discussions is the revelation that Henry Cavill, the former Man of Steel, was quietly phased out by Warner Bros. long before Gunn took the reins of DC Studios. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn disclosed that the studio had plans to replace Cavill as Superman even before he directed The Suicide Squad in 2021. “The studio wanted a new actor for Superman after Cavill… so things were even messier than they are now,” Gunn explained, shedding light on the chaotic state of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) at the time. This decision, coupled with Cavill’s own choices and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, has sparked renewed interest in his potential return to the DCU in a new role, akin to Jason Momoa’s transition from Aquaman to Lobo.

Cavill’s journey as Superman has been tumultuous. Reports indicate that he was silently dropped from the role after declining a cameo in Shazam! (2019) due to contract disputes and scheduling conflicts with Mission: Impossible – Fallout. His surprise return in a post-credits scene for Black Adam (2022) was orchestrated by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who reportedly pushed for Cavill’s inclusion despite resistance from Warner Bros.’ former leadership. Cavill announced his comeback enthusiastically, telling fans it was a “small taste” of future plans, only to be let go two months later when Gunn and Safran opted for a younger Superman, now portrayed by David Corenswet. Speaking to People, Gunn expressed admiration for Cavill, stating, “I like Henry, I think he’s a great guy. I think he’s getting d***ed around by a lot of people, including the former regime at this company. But this Superman is not Henry, for a number of reasons.” This candid acknowledgment has fueled speculation about Cavill’s future in the DCU.

Gunn’s comments reveal that Warner Bros. approached him in 2018 to direct a Superman film, an offer he declined due to the project’s daunting scale and the studio’s muddled vision for Cavill’s Superman. “It was going to be politically messy,” Gunn noted, opting instead for The Suicide Squad, a project more aligned with his ensemble-driven storytelling. The studio’s indecision, coupled with failed attempts to develop a Man of Steel sequel— including a script treatment by Steven Knight featuring Brainiac and talks with Michael Bay—left Cavill’s Superman in limbo. By 2022, Warner Bros. had pivoted to a full DCU reboot, with Gunn and Safran tasked with crafting an eight-to-ten-year plan. The result is a new Superman film that focuses on a younger Clark Kent balancing his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing, a narrative that didn’t suit Cavill’s established portrayal.

Despite Cavill’s exit, Gunn has hinted at exciting possibilities for the actor’s return in a different role, drawing parallels to Jason Momoa’s shift from Aquaman to the anti-hero Lobo in the DCU. Posts on X reflect mixed fan sentiment, with some decrying Cavill’s departure as a “fumble” while others are intrigued by his potential reinvention. One compelling fan theory suggests Cavill could play Ultraman, an evil alternate-universe version of Superman from Earth-3, a role that would leverage his familiarity with the character while offering a fresh challenge. Gunn’s openness to collaborating with Cavill, confirmed in a 2022 CBR interview where he mentioned discussing “exciting possibilities,” keeps hope alive for fans. Cavill’s recent cameo as a Wolverine variant in Deadpool & Wolverine has further showcased his versatility, with director Zack Snyder commenting, “It would be great to have more Henry.”

As the DCU takes shape with projects like Supergirl, Lanterns, and The Brave and the Bold, Cavill’s potential return adds intrigue to Gunn’s vision. With Superman poised to set the tone for the franchise, grossing expectations of over $500 million globally, the DCU’s success hinges on its ability to balance legacy and innovation. Cavill, a fan-favorite with a proven track record in action roles, could be a key asset in a new guise, ensuring the DCU delivers both nostalgia and bold new stories for a global audience.