One of the big talking points in Hollywood lately has been Henry Cavill’s Superman journey. Since his debut in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel in 2013, the actor’s portrayal of the iconic superhero faced its fair share of challenges due to the mixed reactions to the earlier DCEU films.
Cavill and Snyder’s vision for Superman didn’t reach its conclusion, but now, the Rebel Moon director has shared how he intended to wrap up the character’s arc.
In a recent interview with GQ, Snyder discussed his plans for Superman’s storyline. He explained, “He was going to have to succumb to the Anti-life, be destroyed, turn the clock back, and then get his chance for this battle against Darkseid.” Snyder envisioned this as the concluding chapter of Superman’s journey, bringing him back to his roots as a guardian while restoring his humanity.
These ideas were teased in Snyder’s Justice League and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, with glimpses of an apocalyptic future ruled by Darkseid and a corrupted Superman.
Superman’s journey took a different turn under James Gunn’s direction. Although Cavill portrayed Superman in three films, including two cuts of Justice League, many felt his potential wasn’t fully realized. With Gunn leading the new Superman project, the decision was made to reboot the character and cast David Corenswet as the new Superman.
While it’s disappointing for some fans to see Cavill move on from the role, the change benefits everyone involved. Cavill has exciting projects like the Highlander reboot lined up, Snyder is immersed in expanding his Rebel Moon and Army of the Dead universes, and Gunn’s fresh take on the DCU has generated considerable anticipation.
Gunn’s Superman is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. As fans eagerly await the new direction of the DCU, they can revisit Snyder’s Justice League trilogy on Max or enjoy his latest film, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, streaming on Netflix.