On the evening of April 8, 2025, the red carpet in Los Angeles buzzed with anticipation as James Gunn’s highly awaited Superman film premiered, marking the official launch of the rebooted DC Universe (DCU). Among the star-studded attendees was Henry Cavill, the man who embodied the Man of Steel for Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe (DCEU) from 2013 to 2022. His presence alone was enough to spark intrigue, given the bittersweet history of his departure from the role after Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran opted for a fresh start with David Corenswet as the new Superman. But it was Zack Snyder’s unexpected and cryptic reaction to Gunn’s take on the iconic hero that truly stole the spotlight, leaving fans and pundits alike reeling with speculation.

Cavill’s appearance at the premiere was a gesture that spoke volumes. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he greeted fans and posed for photos, exuding the charisma that made him a beloved Superman for nearly a decade. His attendance was a surprise to many, considering the abrupt end to his tenure following a cameo in Black Adam and the subsequent announcement that Gunn’s vision would pivot to a younger Clark Kent. Yet, Cavill’s gracious demeanor suggested no lingering bitterness. “I’m here to support James and the team,” he told reporters on the carpet. “Superman is bigger than any one of us—it’s a legacy, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.” His words were met with applause, but the real bombshell came later when Snyder, the architect of Cavill’s cosmic Superman, weighed in from afar.

Snyder, who has remained a polarizing figure in the superhero genre since Man of Steel, took to social media shortly after the premiere screenings began filtering out reactions. Known for his brooding, godlike portrayal of Superman—a stark contrast to the character’s traditionally hopeful persona—Snyder posted a single image: a black-and-white still of Cavill’s Superman soaring into the sky from Zack Snyder’s Justice League, captioned with the enigmatic phrase, “The cosmos remembers.” The post sent shockwaves through the fandom, with many interpreting it as a subtle jab at Gunn’s brighter, more grounded take on the hero, unveiled in the film that night. Others saw it as a nostalgic nod to his own vision, which had emphasized Superman’s alien heritage and existential struggles.

Gunn’s Superman, starring David Corenswet, has been teased as a return to the character’s roots—a beacon of hope navigating a world of skepticism, with a tone reminiscent of classic comics rather than Snyder’s darker, deconstructed lens. Early reviews from the premiere praised its vibrant energy, heartfelt humor, and a standout performance by Corenswet, who dons the iconic red trunks that Snyder famously omitted from Cavill’s suit. The10 Scenes from the premiere depicted Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog, bounding alongside him, a detail that elicited gasps and cheers from the audience. Yet, it was Snyder’s reaction that seemed to pull focus. His “cosmic Superman”—a term fans coined for Cavill’s otherworldly, almost mythic portrayal—had defined a generation of DC films, and his cryptic comment suggested a reluctance to let that vision fade entirely.

The contrast between the two Supermen couldn’t be starker. Where Snyder’s Kal-El grappled with his identity and the weight of godhood, Gunn’s appears more human—fallible, earnest, and deeply connected to his adoptive home. Cavill, ever the diplomat, avoided comparisons when pressed by interviewers. “They’re different stories, different times,” he said with a smile. “I loved playing that version of Clark, and I’m sure David’s bringing something special to this one.” Still, Snyder’s post reignited the debate among fans, with some rallying under hashtags like #HenryCavillSuperman, insisting his cosmic iteration deserved more time, while others embraced Gunn’s reinvention as a necessary evolution.

Snyder’s history with the character is deeply personal. His trilogy—Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League—painted Superman as a reluctant savior, burdened by his powers and the world’s mistrust. The premiere of Gunn’s film, however, showcased a Superman who inspires through action, not just presence, a shift that some see as a direct response to criticisms of Snyder’s approach. Snyder’s supporters argue his vision was ahead of its time, a bold reimagining that deserved a proper conclusion, perhaps with the long-rumored battle against Darkseid. Gunn’s advocates counter that Superman should uplift, not unsettle—a sentiment echoed in the new film’s triumphant score and vivid palette.

As the night unfolded, Cavill mingled with Gunn and Corenswet, their interactions warm and devoid of tension. But Snyder’s shadow loomed large, his cosmic Superman a lingering echo against Gunn’s hopeful dawn. Whether his reaction was praise, critique, or simply a farewell, it ensured one thing: the Superman legacy remains as complex and contested as ever, with both visions leaving an indelible mark on the hero’s storied flight.