Henry Cavill reveals he won't be returning as Superman after meeting with DC Studios

It's official: Henry Cavill is not returning as Superman.

Fans went wild back in October when he teased that he was putting the red cape and blue superhero suit back on.

The actor's cameo as the Man of Steel in Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam set up a potential showdown between the two characters in another film.

There were also hopes for Cavill's Superman to re-enter the DC Extended Universe in other movies.

But, it looks like that won't be happening anymore after Cavill met with the co-Presidents at DC Studios.

The British superstar has posted a heartbreaking statement on Instagram where he's confirmed the decision.

"I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone," the actor wrote.

"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 with 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."

The news will no doubt be absolutely devastating for Cavill fans all over the world, especially after what was promised back in October.

He said in a social media post: "The image you see on this post, and what you saw in Black Adam, are just a very small taste of things to come.

"So there's a lot to be thankful for, and I'll get to that in time, but I wanted to thank you guys most of all. Thank you for your support and thank you for your patience. I promise it will be rewarding."

James Gunn recently revealed Superman is one of the highest priorities for the DC Extended Universe.

A fan on Twitter asked Gunn: “Hey James, please tell us if we are gonna see a Superman? We’ve been starved of the greatest comic book character on the big screen for ages!”

Gunn replied. “Yes of course. Superman is a huge priority, if not the biggest priority.”

But, it appears Cavill isn't in that vision for the future.

Since Cavill's post, James Gunn has revealed what direction they will be taking the Superman franchise.

"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," he said on Twitter.

"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.

"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."

Gunn says he's writing the film but doesn't know who is directing it. A fan asked if Ben Affleck could be brought in and the DC President said he's looking for the right project for him.

He's confirmed it won't be an origin story.