James Gunn & Peter Safran Begin to Plot the Future of DC Studios: Gunn will Write a New 'Superman' Film without Henry Cavill while Ben Affleck will Return to Direct an Unknown Film in the DCU

by Darian Scalamoni

    Within the highly anticipated landscape known as the future of DC Studios, it appears that we are finally getting concrete answers from James Gunn himself on Twitter. Though many fans and pundits alike have been questioning everything in the world of DC, whether its Robert Pattinson's The Batman universe, Joaquin Phoenix's Joker films or the impending future of the Justice League, it stands to reason that it all starts with Superman.

    Gunn revealed in a thread on Twitter yesterday that Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, The Witcher) will no longer be putting on the red cape moving forward as he and Safran begin plotting out the future of the DCU. For some, it is unfortunate news. Cavill had played the character since 2013 with his introduction coming in the form of the solo film, Man of Steel directed by the original architect of the then-DCEU, Zack Snyder. Since then, Cavill has appeared on-screen as Clark Kent/Kal-El in so many other DC projects including Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, both versions of Justice League and even most recently in a post-credit scene following Black Adam.

    In a series of tweets, Gunn revealed the following: "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." With this news, we know that though Cavill is done donning the "S on his chest," he's in the eyes of the creative forces at DC Studios for potentially another role. It would be hard to believe Cavill portraying a different character under the DC banner, however, due to the iconic nature that comes with playing Superman.

    Cavill responded himself on Instagram confirming the meeting, saying: "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. 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." It's a heartbreaking revelation that the actor shared with the fans on social media after publicly announcing his supposed return to the role following the Black Adam stinger. Cavill then left his hit Netflix series, The Witcher, seemingly to work towards his obligation as the DC hero.

    Further along in the thread of tweets, Gunn revealed that he will be writing the upcoming Superman movie that will focus on a younger Superman. However, he also confirmed that the latest take on the hero will not be an origin story. Gunn has been working on the script for a while, though there is no definite director in place yet. 

    Gunn also revealed after a fan question regarding Ben Affleck (Argo, The Town) potentially directing the film, that the DC-head has spoken to Affleck directly about returning behind the camera for the DCU. "Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project." Affleck has donned the cape and cowl as Batman since Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice squaring off against Cavill. He will also appear in The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023 further confusing some fans as Affleck had a very public dismay of playing the character following some personal issues and the physical and emotional strain it took on him to play Batman. It remains to be seen whether he will still be Bruce Wayne down the road but with the news of Cavill no longer returning and rumors of Jason Momoa shifting roles, it seems imminent that a complete turnover will begin with the introduction of a new Superman.

    Many believe that this may not officially mark the end of Cavill's Superman forever though, as just last year fans saw the returns of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as their respective versions of Spider-Man in the latest MCU/Sony collaboration, Spider-Man: No Way Home. If DC ever decides (and let's be honest, it's probably inevitable) that a Crisis on Infinite Earths movie event comes to life on the big screen, than it would be hard pressed to not believe that Cavill, Affleck, Momoa and Gadot could all return to their Justice League roles. 

    Furthermore, as Gunn revealed, we're expected to get official news for the DCU moving forward in the new year. While much is not known at this point other than some reporting of multiple happenings (some true and some not so true according to Gunn), Jeff Sneider via Above the Line reports that the Black Superman film produced by J.J. Abrams (Star Trek, Lost) that will be written by Ta-Nahisi Coates (Black Panther comics) is still in development.

    The hierarchy of the DC Universe is indeed changing, and we all will have to just speculate until official news comes from Gunn himself, even if that occurs on your Twitter feed.