Ex-‘Superman’ Henry Cavill “Mourns” After Being Fired By New DC Chief James Gunn

Poor Henry Cavill is packing up his cape again after dusting it off just months ago. The actor, who announced his return as Superman in October, is no longer playing the iconic superhero after DC bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran announced their plans to focus on a younger version of his character.

Gunn broke the news on Twitter yesterday, where he shared that he’ll be writing the next Superman film, and Cavill has no part in it.

“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,” Gunn wrote, adding, “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.”

He teased the Cavill’s future in the DCU may not be over, though. Gunn shared, “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.”

As for additional details about Gunn’s new Superman film, he also shared on Twitter that they have not found a director yet (and he won’t be taking on directing duties), and also told his followers the movie will not be an origin story.

Cavill himself addressed the “sad news” on Instagram, where he released a lengthy statement yesterday confirming that he will not star in the next Superman movie.

“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,” he wrote. “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.”

He closed out his message with a hopeful note, writing, “My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will.”

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Cavill began playing Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel and reprised his role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and again in Justice League, which premiered in 2017.

Unfortunately for Cavill, Superman isn’t the only role he’s ending this year. In October, Netflix announced that The Witcher had been renewed for Season 4, but Cavill would not return as Geralt of Rivia. Instead, Liam Hemsworth was revealed as his replacement.

Hopefully the new year brings better luck to Cavill after this mess.