Henry Cavill has been donning the bright red cape of Superman, the flagship superhero for the DCEU for almost 10 years at this point. Launching the cinematic universe in the growing, foreboding shadow of the MCU, Cavill fought and continues to fight (along with the rest of the franchise) a grueling battle against the rival cinematic universe. Suffice it to say that despite Cavill’s best efforts (some critics would say in because of), the DCEU hasn’t exactly been the monolithic success that its cinematic cousin has been.
Regardless of the reasons for the DCEU’s mediocre success, Cavill’s Superman has seemingly been reduced to an afterthought within the franchise. This has caused frustration for the actor, with many feeling his days with the franchise may be over, which could lead to Marvel/Disney snatching him up. While Cavill may not have been a household name before being cast as the Man of Steel (Who was he before becoming Superman?), the Man From U.N.C.L.E. actor has proven that he is more than just the guy who plays Superman, as his box office records reflect as much when not wearing the cape. With that being said, could Cavill be heading over to the opposition?
8 It All Started With Man Of Steel
Man of Steel was released in 2013 with much anticipation from DC fans hungering for their own version of the MCU. The first film to launch the franchise, Man of Steel, debuted 2 years after The Avengers and 5 years after the launch of the MCU. While the film did well at the box office, it was not the stellar hit that Warner Bros. was expecting. Plagued with a somber tone, muted colors, and a Superman who was capable of murder, Man of Steel was met with major criticism. Cavill also received heavy criticism for his emotionless performance as the most iconic superhero of them all. Despite the backlash, the hype for the DCEU going forward was still high.
7 Things Got Worse For Cavill After Batman V Superman
What can you say about Batman V Superman? Rushed, convoluted plot, bad casting (Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor), a bloodthirsty Batman, all of these criticisms were thrown at the second outing for the DCEU. On top of the aforementioned problems fan and critics had with BvS, the growing intolerance for director Zack Snyder’s dark vision and the continuing morose countenance of Cavill’s Superman let to the film being panned by critics and fans alike. BvS was expected but failed to make a billion dollars at the box office and the excitement for DC’s cinematic universe was waning, with many having no problem with Affleck’s Batman but pointing the finger at their version of the out of character Superman being a major problem.
6 After The Debacle That Was Justice League, Cavill’s Future With DC Was In Doubt
After the lackluster Suicide Squad and well-received Wonder Woman, Warner Bros. debuted the Justice League. Both critics and fans felt this to be far too soon for such a film, and the movie ended up being a jumbled mess with reshoots, far too much comedy and questionable CGI (take a gander at Henry Cavill’s upper lip. Thanks, Mission Impossible) that led to an underwhelming box office return. After Justice League’s failure, Warner Bros. steered focus away from Superman, choosing to focus on other projects moving forward.
5 Dwayne Johnson Has Been A Supporter Of Cavill As Superman
When Dwayne Johnson signed on to play Black Adam, fans were excited. The thought of Black Adam facing off against Superman was somewhat of a fanboy fantasy. The problem was that Henry Cavill’s future with the franchise was in doubt. It became obvious that not only were the two actors friends, as seen in various social media posts (the pair even use the same personal trainer), but The Rock was pushing for Superman to appear in Black Adam. Johnson even mentioned at a recent comic con that he would only do battle with Superman depending on who was portraying the Man of Steel, after being asked who would win in a fight between Black Adam and Superman.
4 The Superman Cameo In Shazam Was Not Cavill Which Led To Further Speculation
In a post credits scene in the well-received Shazam, the man of Steel made a humorous cameo. However, this particular Superman was not Henry Cavill. This led to further speculation that Cavill would be parting ways with the DCEU. Cavill further fueled the speculation a year before Shazam with a cryptic social media post that saw the Immortals actor slowly revealing a Superman action figure before lowering said figure, leaving fans scratching their heads as to its meaning.
3 Talk Of Recasting Michael B. Jordan As Superman Began Shortly Thereafter
Rumors have been swirling for some time about Cavill being replaced with another actor for the DCEU’s Superman. The most prominent name has been that of former Killmonger/Human Torch Michael B. Jordan. Jordan has been a front-runner for taking over as the Man of Steel, according to movieweb.com. However, according to collider.com, the talk of Jordan portraying a Val Zod (the Black Superman from an alternate universe) in an HBO Max project has surfaced as recently as last years, which seemingly eliminates the actor from becoming the DCEU’s Man of Steel.
2 Cavill’s Superman Will Be Making A Cameo In Black Adam (Allegedly)
Dwayne Johnson may be getting his wish, if the rumors are to be believed. According to fandomwire.com, Cavill’s Superman will be appearing in the upcoming Black Adam. Reportedly, this cameo will open the door for a new Superman film, marking Cavill’s return to the DCEU. So, perhaps Cavill’s future isn’t sealed for Cavill as the DCEU flagship character.
1 Rumors Are Swirling About Cavill Becoming Marvel’s Superman
Recently, a rumor has surfaced that the Man of Steel actor is being eyed by Marvel to portray their version of Superman, Hyperion. According to cosmicbooknews.news, Cavill will debut as Hyperion in the new season of Loki. This isn't the first time Cavell has had eyes on a jump to Marvel, as early rumors stated that Cavill might move to Marvel to play Captain Britain. Cavill has had meetings with Marvel this past February.
