Henry Cavill’s future as Superman uncertain as talks with Warner Bros break down.
Superman actor Henry Cavill, who has donned the red cape in three D.C. Comics films, is parting ways with Warner Bros. according to The Hollywood Reporter. The British actor first played the man of steel in 2013’s (you guessed it) Man of Steel. His next appearance was opposite Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and then 2017’s Justice League. Whilst BVS was a financial success, it was met with mixed reviews and the subsequent Justice League was the lowest grossing of the five DCEU films.
According to THR, Warner Bros. had been trying to get Cavill to make a cameo in the forthcoming Shazam!, starring Zachary Levi due next April. Unfortunately it seems that contract talks between Cavill’s reps and Warner Bros. have broken down somewhere along the line and the actor’s future as Superman appears to be in serious doubt.
Warner’s source says the Shazam! deal fell apart due to scheduling conflicts. Cavill has recently signed on to star in the Netflix series The Witcher adding credence to these claims. Another source has provided contradictory information that The Witcher commitment came after the failure of the Shazam! cameo which may signpost an intended and pre-existing change in Warner Bros’ future for the iconic DC character.
Furthermore, Warner Bros. are unlikely to make a solo Superman film for several years according to another studio source; “Superman is like James Bond, and after a certain run you have to look at new actors.” Ben Affleck isn’t expected to reprise his role for director Matt Reeves’ forthcoming Batman stand-alone film and with both his and Cavill’s future in the DCEU looking doubtful, this is a massive blow to the integrity and continuity of the extended cinematic universe DC are trying to create.
Although Batman and Superman in their current incarnations are looking to be leaving the DCEU, Warner/DC’s other established characters are forging on with solo films Aquaman – due this coming December, Wonder Woman 1984 – due November 2019, and a stand-alone Flash movie, scheduled to begin shooting in early 2019.
It’ll be a shame to see Cavill leave as many believe he was paid short shrift in Justice League and the blow his departure will cause the franchise, coupled with the likely loss of Affleck, leaves the future of the DCEU in doubt.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
