Henry Cavill Laughs When He Sees James Gunn’s New Superman Flying, His Statement Surprises Everyone
Henry Cavill, the former face of Superman in the DCEU, has once again found himself at the center of fan discussions after his unexpected reaction to James Gunn’s new Superman movie. Reports suggest that Cavill, who played the Man of Steel for nearly a decade, laughed when he saw footage of David Corenswet’s Superman in flight. His response, along with a cryptic statement, has left fans and media buzzing with speculation about what he really thinks of DC’s new direction.
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Since James Gunn took over DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, the franchise has undergone major restructuring, with the biggest shake-up being the recasting of Superman. Cavill, who returned briefly in Black Adam (2022) after years of uncertainty, was abruptly removed from the role when Gunn announced plans for a rebooted Superman film featuring a younger version of the character. The decision disappointed Cavill’s loyal fanbase, many of whom believed the actor deserved a proper send-off rather than an unceremonious exit.
Now, with Superman: Legacy in production and set for a 2025 release, the first glimpses of Corenswet’s portrayal of the Kryptonian hero have begun to surface. According to insiders, Cavill was shown early footage of the new Superman flying, and instead of a serious reaction, he reportedly laughed. When pressed for his thoughts, Cavill simply stated, “That’s… interesting.” This short but loaded response has led to a wave of interpretations.
Some fans believe Cavill’s laughter was a subtle jab at Gunn’s vision, implying that he finds the new take on Superman either underwhelming or amusingly different from his own portrayal. After all, Cavill’s Superman was known for his stoic presence and grandiose flight sequences, which Zack Snyder crafted with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling and emotional weight. If Gunn’s version presents a drastically different tone—perhaps lighter or more comedic—it’s possible that Cavill found it jarring or even humorous.
Others argue that his reaction was not necessarily negative. Cavill has remained professional and gracious regarding his departure, consistently expressing gratitude for his time as Superman while wishing DC the best. His laughter could have been one of genuine surprise rather than mockery. Perhaps he was taken aback by the stylistic shift but still respects what Gunn is trying to accomplish. His cryptic statement, “That’s… interesting,” could be his way of acknowledging the changes without offering direct criticism or praise.
Regardless of his intent, Cavill’s reaction has reignited the debate over whether DC made the right choice in replacing him. Many fans still feel that Cavill embodied Superman perfectly and was never given the right scripts or opportunities to fully showcase his potential. His physicality, deep voice, and understanding of the character’s core values made him an ideal Superman, yet his tenure was marked by inconsistent storytelling and behind-the-scenes turmoil.
On the other hand, some supporters of the reboot believe that Cavill’s era had run its course and that DC needed a fresh start. Gunn’s Superman: Legacy aims to explore a younger Clark Kent balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, a narrative that differs from the seasoned, battle-worn Superman Cavill portrayed. Corenswet, who bears a striking resemblance to a young Cavill, has the opportunity to bring a new perspective to the character, and many are eager to see how his version will compare.
Interestingly, Cavill’s reaction has also fueled speculation about whether he might return to the superhero genre in a different capacity. Since his exit from DC, he has been rumored for multiple roles, including a potential move to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some reports suggest he could play a major character like Captain Britain or Doctor Doom, further distancing himself from his Superman legacy. If Cavill were to join Marvel, his reaction to Superman: Legacy might be seen as the final sign that he has fully moved on from DC.
Despite the speculation, Cavill has not openly criticized James Gunn or David Corenswet. His reaction, while unexpected, does not necessarily indicate disdain. However, it does highlight the ongoing divide between fans who still want him as Superman and those who are ready for a new chapter.
As Superman: Legacy moves forward, all eyes will be on Corenswet’s performance and whether he can win over audiences the way Cavill did. Until then, Cavill’s laughter and his simple yet enigmatic statement will continue to spark debate, proving once again that his shadow still looms large over the future of DC’s most iconic hero.