The man of steel is no more.
After talks broke down between Superman actor Henry Cavill and Warner Bros. to potentially cameo in DC’s upcoming movie Shazam!, Cavill has parted ways with Warner Bros. and has, for now at least, put his superheroing days behind him.
“Superman is like James Bond,” remarked one studio representative. “After a certain run, you have to look at new actors.”
Yeah, but after five years? That’s not passing the torch; that’s throwing it on the ground before urinating all over it. What in the name of Hera is going on?
Note: Yes, I know the Spider-Man movies transitioned between three different actors in less than 10 years. I thought that was stupid as well.
To be clear, nobody knows what exactly happened between Warner Bros. and Henry Cavill while negotiations were going on, and people are equally clueless on what this means for the man of steel’s cinematic future. Some say Cavill left due to scheduling conflicts, which make sense since he was recently cast in Netflix’s upcoming series “The Witcher.” Others say it’s because Warner Bros. does not have a Superman sequel scheduled on its slate through 2020.
Or it’s the more likely reason that the DC Extended Universe has become completely bonkers and Cavill has become tired by it.
Honestly, whether Cavill left voluntarily or was forced out, I can’t blame the guy either way. Both Batman V. Superman and Justice League failed spectacularly in staying true to the character, turning him from the shining beacon of Christopher Reeve-hope he once was into a super-punching jock so generic that Mighty Mouse could be taken more seriously.
Whatever happened behind closed doors, I am disappointed by Cavill’s departure since he was one of my favorite aspects of the DCEU (I actually rated Man of Steel as my sixth favorite DC Comics film last year). Regardless I am happy Cavill is going to be able to put this part of his career behind him, and I hope he goes on to shine in spectacular blockbuster roles and continues to be successful at the box office.
By the way, his most recent film Mission Impossible: Fallout was not only the best Mission Impossible movie but it also arguably featured one of the best Henry Cavill performances. Yes, that includes his appearances as Superman.
What do you guys think? Are you sad to see Henry Cavill hang up the cape, or are you glad to see him go up, up, and away? Comment below, let me know.
– David Dunn
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes
DAVID DUNN 