The DC Universe (DCU) has been a whirlwind of change since James Gunn and Peter Safran took the helm of DC Studios in November 2022, and few topics have sparked as much debate as the departure of Henry Cavill as Superman. In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Gunn opened up about the difficult decision to recast the Man of Steel, admitting that overlooking Cavill was a mistake and expressing a strong desire to bring the beloved actor back into the DCU in a new, yet-to-be-revealed role. This revelation, shared on July 19, 2025, has reignited excitement among fans, while shedding light on the chaotic transition that marked the end of Cavill’s Superman tenure.

Cavill’s journey as Superman began with Man of Steel in 2013, a role he reprised in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017). His surprise cameo in Black Adam (2022) and subsequent announcement of his return as Superman sent fans into a frenzy, only for hopes to be dashed when Gunn and Safran, newly appointed as co-CEOs, revealed plans for a rebooted DCU. Gunn’s vision centered on a younger Superman, leading to David Corenswet’s casting in the upcoming Superman film, set for release on July 11, 2025. The decision to move on from Cavill was met with backlash, particularly after it emerged that Warner Bros. had announced his return just as Gunn and Safran finalized their deals, creating a “total bummer” for all involved, as Gunn described.

Gunn’s candid reflection on the Happy Sad Confused podcast revealed the behind-the-scenes turmoil. “It’s terrible,” he said, recalling the moment he and Safran sat down with Cavill to break the news. “The day our deal closed, they were announcing that Henry was back, and I’m like, ‘What is going on? We know what the plan is.’” Gunn emphasized that the announcement was not part of their vision, pointing to a “vacuum” at DC where competing factions pushed conflicting plans. Cavill, described by Gunn as an “absolute gentleman,” handled the news with grace, requesting only that he be allowed to announce his exit himself, a move that underscored his professionalism.

The decision to recast Superman was driven by Gunn’s creative direction, which focuses on a younger Clark Kent navigating his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing. However, Gunn now acknowledges that overlooking Cavill’s star power and fanbase was a misstep. “I would love to put Henry in something,” he stated, confirming that discussions about a new DCU role took place during their meeting. While no specific role has been confirmed, speculation is rife, with fans suggesting characters like Brainiac, Vandal Savage, or even Lobo, a role that could capitalize on Cavill’s charisma and action-hero prowess, as seen in his recent Deadpool & Wolverine cameo as a Wolverine variant. Posts on X have fueled this excitement, with users proposing Cavill as a Green Lantern like Hal Jordan, though Gunn debunked rumors of him voicing Frankenstein in Creature Commandos.

The DCU’s reboot, under Gunn and Safran, aims for a cohesive narrative, learning from the DCEU’s inconsistent track record. Superman marks the beginning of the “Gods and Monsters” phase, and early reactions to Corenswet’s performance are positive, with Gunn praising his ability to embody a hopeful, life-valuing hero. Yet, Cavill’s exit remains a sore point for fans, exacerbated by the mishandling of his Black Adam cameo, which promised a future that never materialized. Gunn’s admission that Cavill was “dicked around” by previous DC regimes reflects a broader acknowledgment of past mismanagement, a sentiment echoed by Zack Snyder, who recently commented, “It would be great to have more Henry.”

As the DCU moves forward, Gunn’s openness to including Cavill signals a commitment to leveraging the actor’s talent. With other DCEU stars like Jason Momoa transitioning to new roles (Momoa will play Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), the precedent is set for Cavill’s return. The question now is not if, but who he will play. Whether as a villain like Brainiac or a hero like Booster Gold, Cavill’s potential return could mend fences with fans and add a powerhouse presence to the DCU. As Superman approaches, the spotlight remains on Gunn’s ability to balance fresh talent with legacy stars, ensuring the DCU’s new era starts strong.