James Gunn and Peter Safran have set out their vision for the DC Universe. They announced a new slate of 10 projects, one of which will be a new Superman movie, called Superman Legacy. Gunn is currently writing the film, and Safran hopes that he will eventually agree to direct it, but will Henry Cavill be reprising his role as Superman? Or will another actor be stepping up to the plate as the Man of Steel?
Will Henry Cavill return as Superman in James Gunn’s new Superman Legacy movie?
Henry Cavill will not be returning as Superman in Superman Legacy, written by James Gunn. Cavill was “never hired” according to new comments from Gunn, after he and Safran took over as co-chairpersons and co-CEOs of DC Studios. This means that we have seen Cavill play Superman for the last time, with his brief cameo appearance in Black Adam.
Gunn explained (via Collider) during his DCU presentation: “Henry Cavill was not fired. Henry was just not hired to be Superman in the Superman movie. There was never a deal there for another movie.” This will come as sad, but not entirely unexpected news for those who were hoping there may be some slither of hope he would continue to be a part of the DC Universe.
Superman Legacy is currently scheduled to hit movie theaters on July 11, 2025. No casting information has yet been given, but Dave Bautista recently let some details of a conversation he had with Gunn slip, revealing that the new DC head was looking for “younger actors.”
Safran said (via The Wrap) that Superman Legacy is “not an origin story,” but instead “focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” With that in mind, it will be interesting to see just who the DC heads will bring in to take on the role.
