Henry Cavill was Superman in the last couple turns of the superhero franchise. A franchise that’s been dead for a while now. And in that time it seems he’s aged a little too much to be a believable crime fighter.
The British actor, 39, most recently has a cameo appearance as Superman at the end of Warner Bros. Black Adam, teasing a showdown between Superman and Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam.
That came just days before James Gunn and Peter Safran were brought on as the new heads of DC Films.
Cavill took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal the news to his 22.9 million followers that he will not be back as the Man of Steel on the big screen.
‘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,’ Cavill began.
‘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,’ he added.
‘The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build,’ he added.
‘I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and happiest of fortunes,’ he added.
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!’ Cavill 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!’ Cavill concluded.
Shortly after Cavill’s statement on Instagram, DC Films head James Gunn took to Twitter to elaborate on the future of the beloved Superman character.
‘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,’ Gunn began.