In a surprising twist that has set social media ablaze, Henry Cavill, the former face of Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), recently shared a lighthearted yet unexpected reaction to the first trailer for James Gunn’s Superman, set to soar into theaters on July 11, 2025. The trailer, featuring David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel, has already broken records, surpassing the viewership of Cavill’s Man of Steel trailer with 51.3 million views on Warner Bros.’ YouTube channel in just a month. But it’s Cavill’s response to a particular flying scene that has fans and critics buzzing with intrigue.

Cavill, known for his grounded and philosophical portrayal of Superman, was spotted at a promotional event for his upcoming Warhammer 40,000 project with Amazon. When asked about the Superman trailer, he chuckled and said, “I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw David flying. It’s so… bright and hopeful. It’s like Clark Kent decided to embrace the sun itself. I love it, but it’s a far cry from my guy’s brooding skies.” His playful tone and candid admiration caught everyone off guard, especially given the bittersweet circumstances surrounding his exit from the role in 2022.

The 41-year-old actor’s tenure as Superman began with 2013’s Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder. His portrayal, marked by a grittier and more introspective Clark Kent, was both celebrated and divisive. While some fans embraced the realistic take on a god-like hero navigating a skeptical world, others longed for the classic, optimistic Superman of the comics. Cavill’s Superman famously faced moral dilemmas, culminating in the controversial decision to kill General Zod in Man of Steel—a moment that sparked heated debates. In contrast, Gunn’s vision, as seen in the trailer, emphasizes a Superman who believes “the sanctity of life is of the utmost importance,” with a no-kill philosophy that directly addresses past criticisms.

Cavill’s laughter seems to stem from the stark tonal shift. The trailer showcases Corenswet’s Superman soaring through vibrant skies, accompanied by a riff on John Williams’ iconic score and scenes of him saving lives alongside allies like Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Krypto the Superdog. Unlike Cavill’s often solitary hero, this Superman is surrounded by a support system, a deliberate choice by Gunn to evoke the hopeful spirit of the character’s comic book roots. Cavill’s comment, while humorous, hints at his recognition of how different this portrayal is from his own. “My Clark was always looking for his place,” he added. “This one seems to know exactly where he belongs.”

The statement has surprised fans, particularly those who expected Cavill to harbor resentment after his abrupt departure from the role. Following a cameo in Black Adam and an announcement of his return, Cavill was informed that Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran were moving in a new direction, opting for a younger Superman to anchor their rebooted DC Universe (DCU). Gunn later clarified that Cavill was never fired but simply didn’t fit the vision for a story set earlier in Clark’s life. Cavill, ever gracious, expressed respect for the decision, but his recent quip suggests he’s now comfortable enough to poke fun at the contrast.

The internet has erupted with reactions, from memes juxtaposing Cavill’s stoic Superman with Corenswet’s beaming hero to heartfelt posts thanking Cavill for his contribution. Some fans see his laughter as a sign of closure, while others speculate it opens the door for a future DCU role—perhaps not as Superman, but as another character, following Jason Momoa’s casting as Lobo. Cavill’s current projects, including a Voltron movie and the Warhammer series, keep him busy, but his enduring popularity as a superhero icon fuels rumors about potential roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or even as James Bond.

Gunn, for his part, has praised Cavill, calling him a “great guy” who was mistreated by previous DC leadership. The director’s Superman is already generating buzz, with early test screenings reportedly exceeding expectations and Krypto’s inclusion delighting audiences. As the DCU prepares to launch, Cavill’s unexpected endorsement adds a layer of goodwill to the transition. His laughter, far from bitter, reflects a man at peace with his legacy and genuinely excited for the next chapter of the Superman story. Whether he returns to the superhero genre or not, Cavill’s heartfelt reaction has reminded everyone why he remains a fan favorite.