Where there’s smoke there’s fire? For several weeks no, rumors have been persisting in geek circles that Henry Cavill may be leaving his role as Superman in Warner Bros.’ DC Comics Universe over contract disputes. And it appears these rumors are true. THR reports that Cavill is out and talks broke down over a cameo in the upcoming DCEU film “Shazam!”
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No side, Cavill’s people or Warner Bros. will actually confirm the news, but with THR’s sources, plus this rumor floating around for several weeks now, it definitely must have weight. That said, as some have already speculated on line, this could be a power play move from Cavill’s agents that apparently feel like he is owed more now that he had a big breakout role in the “Mission Impossible” (though his character is dead and it’s not like his presence made that movie the gigantic hit that it is).
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Cavill leaving the DCEU is a massive blow to Warner Bros. and DC Films considering Ben Affleck as Batman is essentially gone too, simply waiting for the right time to officially announce. This would mean WB would have to recast both their Batman and Superman who have already appeared in three films each including the most recent 2017 film “Justice League.”
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THR says “the door is now closing on other potential appearances for the actor,” so it’s possible Cavill could come back and both studio, and actor (or his agents) are playing a dangerous game of chicken.
Cavill has also appeared as Superman in 2013’s “Man of Steel,” and then starred in 2016’s “Batman v. Superman.” Both films made, but failed to meet their bigger financial expectations. “Man Of Steel,” was met with mixed results and critics tore apart ‘BVS.’
The trade says talks have shut down because WB’s focus is shifting to the “Supergirl” movie they are developing—an origin story featuring a teen superheroine. Additionally, apparently a “Man Of Steel” sequel isn’t in the wings and wouldn’t arrive for several years. “Superman is like James Bond, and after a certain run you have to look at new actors,” a studio source tells THR.
A Warner’s source tells the trade that the “Shazam!” cameo fell apart because of scheduling conflicts, and that’s possible because Cavill recently signed up to star in a series (“The Witcher“) for Netflix (though if it’s a small cameo, can’t he suit up and then can shoot it whenever?). Warner Bros. may be attempting to hit “reset” on their entire DCEU midstream. “There’s a recognition that some parts of the previous movies didn’t work,” an insider says.
Personally, this seems disastrous. A huge blow to an already ailing, falling behind universe. Perhaps WB will focus on all their new, upcoming in development films—Batgirl, Supergirl, Lobo, etc.—and then swing and circle back to Batman and Superman in a few years and then team them all up again once the DCEU is on more solid ground. It’s unclear, but it’s not a good day to be a DCEU fan. More as it develops. [THR]