It was only a couple of months ago when Henry Cavill revealed he would be reprising his role as Superman - but now it appears that is not the case.
In a somewhat very embarrassing development for the English actor, it seems that the recent shake-up in DC Films - which also led to the binning of 'Wonder Woman 3' - means that the studio is now looking for a younger actor to play the Man of Steel in the forthcoming film, which will be written by James Gunn.
Cavill has made no secret of his desire to play Superman again and even had a cameo as the superhero at the end of 'Black Adam' - but he took to Instagram to break the news to fans, and it seems like he is understandably miffed at the snub. Particularly since he reportedly walked away from hit series 'The Witcher' to star in the new film.
"I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and [DC Studios CEO] Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,' he wrote. "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."
Gunn, meanwhile, took to Twitter to share news on the project, saying: "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.
“Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill. But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future."
Gunn also revealed that while he is writing the film, there is no director attached yet and that it is NOT an origin story.
Variety also reports that Gunn and Safran have sweetened the blow to Cavill by promising him another role in the DC Universe for him in the future.
Of course, Twitter had plenty to say on the development...
There was also this very interesting observation...
