James Gunn reveals why Henry Cavill is no longer returning as Superman

James Gunn has sent shockwaves through the cinematic superhero community.

Henry Cavill will no longer be returning as Superman and DC Studios will be going in a different direction with the character.

Despite teasing fans only two months ago that Cavill was set to embark on a new era as the Man of Steel, it looks like that future won't come to fruition.

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.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022

DC Studios co-President James Gunn has taken to Twitter to reveal what they are planning with the famous character.

"[DC co-President] Peter [Safran] & 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 wrote.

"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."

Considering Cavill is nearly 40 years old, it would have been tough to make him look like a budding young superhero.

Gunn revealed he will be writing the script for the currently untitled movie and they're on the hunt for a director.

He also said the film will not be an origin story.

Cavill's Superman recently made a cameo in Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam film, and The Rock explained how hard he worked to get that cinematic moment to happen.

But, the DC Studios co-President didn't rule out Cavill coming back to the Extended Universe at some point.

"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," James Gunn said.

The Hollywood Reporter says this new development means there are two Superman movies currently in development at the moment.

The outlet claims Gunn's project will see the caped superhero work as a Daily Planet reporter and will dive into the younger years of Clark Kent.

Warner Bros. is also developing 'a Black superman film written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams'.

So, it looks like the character will live on, but not with Cavill's face.

The actor confirmed the sad news in a post on social media, where he said it's clear DC Studios wants to do something new and different with Superman.

"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."