Director James Gunn shared Henry Cavill’s reaction to his recasting in the new “Superman” film.
Gunn spoke about his conversation with Cavill during a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’ “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
Horowitz asked Gunn about how he was able to break the news to Cavill, who portrayed Superman in several films, including 2013’s “Man of Steel” and 2016’s “Batman v Superman,” after he publicly announced in October 2022 that he would be returning as Superman.
Gunn explained, “We were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios and we’re talking to David Zaslav (CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery) and talking to all the legal people there and figuring out what our deals would be.”
“And the day our deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back and I’m like ‘What is going on?’” he added. “We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do ‘Superman.’”
Gunn said that it was “really unfair” to Cavill and called the situation “a total bummer.”
“There was a vacuum at the time and a lot of people were…They wanted to take on what they wanted to do at DC and were trying to force their way,” Gunn said. “It was never part of the equation for David Zaslav who was the head …”
Gunn said the situation was “really unfortunate” when he and Peter Safran (co-CEO of DC Studios ) came into the picture,” explaining, “I’m like, this poor guy, so Peter and I knew the right thing to do is to sit down with him and talk to him.”
“We sat down, we talked to him, he was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it,” Gunn said of Cavill. “He said, ‘The only thing I ask is that I’m able to reveal it myself as opposed to coming from you guys.’”
When asked by Horowitz if Gunn would ever include Cavill in a future DC Studios project or if that would be too confusing for viewers, the director added, “I talked to him about it on that day, so no, I would love to put Henry in something.”
In October 2022, Cavill announced that he would be reprising his role as Superman in a post on Instagram, sharing a video message to his fans.
However, months later in December 2022, the actor shared on social media that he would not be returning.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Cavill wrote in part, “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,” Cavill added. “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.”
Cavill ended his statement on a high note, writing, “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.”
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
