The DC Universe (DCU) is undergoing a seismic shift under the stewardship of James Gunn, the filmmaker-turned-CEO who, alongside Peter Safran, has been tasked with reimagining the franchise since taking the helm at DC Studios in 2022. In a recent revelation, Gunn shared new details about the controversial departure of Henry Cavill from the role of Superman, potential new roles for the actor within the DCU, and the studio’s plans for iconic characters like The Flash and Aquaman. As the DCU prepares to launch its rebooted slate with Creature Commandos in December 2025 and Superman in July 2025, these updates offer a glimpse into the franchise’s ambitious future and the challenges of balancing legacy with reinvention.

Gunn’s comments, shared in a recent interview and echoed across posts on X, shed light on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding Henry Cavill’s exit as Superman. In a surprising twist, Gunn revealed that Warner Bros. did not inform him of Cavill’s planned return as Superman in Black Adam’s post-credits scene, which was announced on the same day in 2022 that Gunn agreed to become co-CEO of DC Studios. This lack of communication left both Gunn and Cavill in a difficult position. After a private conversation, the two agreed that Cavill’s departure from the role was the best course of action, given Gunn’s vision for a rebooted DCU that would introduce a younger Clark Kent, portrayed by David Corenswet in the upcoming Superman film. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom had championed Cavill’s portrayal since Man of Steel in 2013.

Despite the exit, Gunn emphasized that the door remains open for Cavill to return to the DCU in a new role, drawing a parallel to Jason Momoa’s transition from Aquaman to Lobo in the upcoming Lobo film. One intriguing possibility floated by Gunn—and gaining traction among fans—is casting Cavill as Orion, a New God from New Genesis. In the comics, Orion is a complex, muscular warrior torn between his noble upbringing and his dark heritage as the son of Darkseid. The character’s physicality and emotional depth align well with Cavill’s commanding screen presence and proven ability to portray nuanced heroes. Social media buzz, particularly on X, has amplified this idea, with fans excited about the prospect of Cavill embodying a cosmic powerhouse in the DCU’s expanding mythology, especially as Gunn plans to explore the New Gods in future projects.

The decision to part ways with Cavill as Superman reflects Gunn’s broader strategy to reset the DCU, prioritizing a cohesive narrative over fragmented continuity. The upcoming Superman film, directed by Gunn himself, will focus on a younger Clark Kent navigating his dual identity, with a cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner. This reboot aims to establish a fresh foundation for the DCU, distinct from the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, Cavill’s potential return as Orion or another character signals Gunn’s willingness to honor fan-favorite actors while forging a new path.

In another significant update, Gunn addressed the future of two other iconic DC characters: The Flash and Aquaman. He confirmed that neither character will appear in the DCU for at least the next two years, meaning fans will have to wait until 2028 or later for any news about their return. This decision likely stems from the mixed reception to recent DCEU projects, including The Flash (2023) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), as well as Gunn’s focus on building out other corners of the DCU first. The absence of these characters in the immediate future has sparked speculation about how they will be reintroduced. Will Ezra Miller or Jason Momoa reprise their roles, or will the DCU opt for new faces? For now, Gunn’s comments suggest a deliberate pause to ensure these heroes are reimagined thoughtfully.

The DCU’s Chapter One, titled “Gods and Monsters,” is taking shape with projects like The Brave and the Bold, introducing a new Batman, and The Authority, which will explore lesser-known characters. Gunn’s vision emphasizes a mix of grounded and cosmic storytelling, with Superman serving as the cornerstone. The exclusion of The Flash and Aquaman from the immediate slate allows Gunn and Safran to focus on establishing a cohesive universe before tackling these heavyweights. Meanwhile, the animated Creature Commandos will set the tone for the DCU’s interconnected storytelling, with actors like David Harbour and Indira Varma lending their voices to this unconventional team.

Gunn’s candidness about Cavill’s exit and the DCU’s roadmap reflects his commitment to transparency with fans, a stark contrast to the often-opaque decision-making of the DCEU era. His openness to casting Cavill in a role like Orion shows a desire to maintain goodwill with both actors and audiences. On X, fans have praised Gunn’s willingness to take risks, with some calling the Orion casting idea “perfect” for Cavill’s gravitas. Others, however, remain nostalgic for Cavill’s Superman and hope for his return in some capacity.

As the DCU moves forward, Gunn’s leadership is proving to be a balancing act of honoring DC’s rich history while embracing bold changes. The absence of The Flash and Aquaman in the near term, combined with the possibility of Cavill’s return as a New God, underscores the DCU’s unpredictable and exciting trajectory. With Superman poised to redefine the franchise in 2025, fans are eager to see how Gunn’s vision unfolds and whether Cavill will don a new cape—or cosmic armor—in the years to come.