James Gunn scripts new ‘Superman’ film; Henry Cavill will not return
James Gunn, a co-head of DC Studios, has revealed that he is penning a new Superman movie. Gunn has also disclosed that Henry Cavill, who played the hero in the last film, will not reprise his role.
The director-turned-label-chief tweeted Wednesday night, “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. “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.”
According to sources close to DC, Cavill recently met with Gunn and his co-president Peter Safran, and the three of them are eager to find a project for Cavill to work on in the comic book world.
Cavill revealed on Instagram that he will not be taking up the Superman role again.
“It’s sad news, everyone. 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,” Cavill 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.”
According to insiders, James Gunn has been working on the new Superman narrative for some time. The plot will centre on the protagonist’s existence as a cub reporter in the made-up metropolis of Metropolis. According to insiders, viewers will see him interacting with important personalities including his coworker Lois Lane. Furthermore, according to sources for Variety, the upcoming Gunn film will not take the place of the previously revealed J.J. Abrams-Ta-Nehisi Coates Superman movie (which is still in active development).
Not every former DC superhero who met with Gunn and Safran was Henry Cavill. According to those familiar with the discussions, Ben Affleck, who has frequently played Batman in DC movies, recently met with the duo to particularly discuss the possibility of helming an upcoming film.
The story about Superman surfaced after Warner Bros. decided against making a new “Wonder Woman” film with filmmaker Patty Jenkins, which generated headlines for a week.
Regarding a prospective third project that was abandoned, Jenkins tweeted a lengthy message on Tuesday in which she stated that she was “open to exploring whatever asked of me.” Soon after, Gunn tweeted to Jenkins in support, saying: “I can attest that all of Peter and my dealings with you have been only nice and professional.” More information on the revamped DC Universe is anticipated in January, as Gunn said on Monday.
