Director Opens Up on Miscommunication at DC Studios, Cavill’s Exit, and the Casting of David Corenswet in New Superman Film
Washington DC [US], July 20: Director James Gunn has shed light on the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to Henry Cavill’s exit from the Superman film franchise, shortly before David Corenswet was cast as the new Man of Steel in DC Studios’ rebooted universe.
In a candid interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, as quoted by Variety, Gunn reflected on the confusion that arose just as his deal to co-head DC Studios was finalized. At the time, reports emerged suggesting Cavill would return as Superman, but Gunn says that plan was never part of the studio’s long-term vision.
“The day our [DC] deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back. And I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do Superman,” Gunn revealed. “So it was really unfair to him and a total bummer.”
Gunn explained that the situation stemmed from miscommunication and internal divisions at the studio, with certain factions attempting to push their own version of DC’s future. In an effort to clear the air, Gunn and co-DC Studios head Peter Safran decided to have an honest conversation with Cavill.
“We sat down and we talked to him. He was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it,” Gunn said. “He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I’m able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys.'”
Despite Cavill’s departure from the Superman role, Gunn hinted that there’s still a possibility for the actor to return to the DC Universe in a different role.
Henry Cavill had portrayed Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). His replacement, David Corenswet, now leads the new Superman film which was released on July 11, 2025, and has received critical acclaim.
The fresh cast includes Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl.