Superman director condemns DC Studios for its 'terrible' handling of Henry Cavill after announcing the actor's return as Man Of Steel - before handing role to David Corenswet
Gunn has overseen something of a renaissance for the beleaguered franchise, with his reimagining of Superman - starring relative newcomer David Corenswet - currently enjoying enormous box-office success.
But Corenswet's appointment came after fan-favourite Cavill, who starred as the iconic superhero across five films, was told his services were no longer required.
Recalling his uncomfortable conversation with the British actor during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn admitted the situation was worsened by DC Studios initially announcing his return.
He said: 'It's terrible. Believe it or not, the day we were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios, the day the deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back.'
Cavill, 42, had announced that he was set to reprise the role he first played in 2013 blockbuster Man Of Steel, only to reveal two months later that he wouldn't be part of the new DC Studios co-head's vision for the franchise.
'I'm like, what is going on? Like, we know what the plan is, the plan was to come in and do Superman,' said Gunn. 'That was really unfortunate, I'm like, this poor guy.'
Cavill was released following a series of commercial misfires as the superhero, among them box office flop The Flash, released to poor reviews in 2023.
But Gunn says he was impressed with how the actor handled the news after he and Superman producer Peter Safran told him he would not be returning to the franchise.
He added: 'And so Peter and I [knew] the right thing to do is to sit down with [Cavill] and talk to him. And we sat down, we talked to him, he was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it.
'He said, "The only thing I ask is that I'm able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys."
'It was really unfair to him and was a total bummer.'
Gunn explained there were external influences who 'wanted to take on what they wanted to do at DC and were trying to force their way and it just was never a part of the equation.'
The filmmaker - who ultimately cast Corenswet in the title role of his Superman movie - was asked if it would be "too confusing" to recast Henry in a different DC Universe role, and he admitted he is keen to work with the Witcher star.
Confirming his departure on social media in 2022, a gracious Cavill admitted he was blindsided by the news after initially being told he would retain the role
He said: 'No, as another character? Absolutely not. I talked to him about it on that day. I would love to put Henry in something.'
Confirming his departure on social media in 2022, a gracious Cavill admitted he was blindsided by the news after initially being told he would retain the role.
'I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,' he told Instagram followers.
'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 happiest of fortunes.'
The actor went on to address, 'those who have been by my side through the years,' adding, 'we can mourn for a bit,' before addressing the future of the franchise.
'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!' he said.
'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!'
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