Movie fans, comic book fans, and DC fans were all stunned when Henry Cavill revealed on social media that he would not be reprising his role as Superman going forward just weeks after he confirmed that he’d be donning the cape once again.
Taking to Instagram on December 14th, Cavill wrote:
“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.”
Was Henry Cavill A Pawn In Dwyane Johnson’s Game?
The Hollywood Reporter has stated that Cavill’s time as Superman has come to an end as DC bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran look to cut ties with the previous regime. So much so that Cavill’s cameo in The Flash which will be released in 2023 has been cut from that film.
But how does Dwayne Johnson fit into DC’s decision to cut ties with Cavill? The report continues by saying that Johnson was supportive of Cavill’s return to the role of Superman with the man known to WWE audiences as The Rock hopeful of an eventual Black Adam vs. Superman movie to cement his own DC franchise as Black Adam.
However, despite Dwayne Johnson touting its apparent financial success, Black Adam only grossed $389 million worldwide, and that limited success has called into question Johnson’s future plans. An industry observer is quoted as saying that “In the end, [Henry Cavill] was a pawn in Dwayne’s failed attempt to control a piece of DC.”
While Dwayne Johnson’s own future with DC as Black Adam might be uncertain, the WWE icon is slated for a number of upcoming projects. Christmas movie Red One also starring Chris Evans is due for release on Amazon Prime Video in 2023. Johnson is also on the books for a sequel to Red Notice, Jungle Cruise 2, and San Andreas 2 as well as a role in Big Trouble In Little China and The King.