We're breaking down
the Henry Cavill Superman controversy.
The internet was set ablaze this morning
with tragic news from The Hollywood Reporter
that Henry Cavill was hanging up the red cape and boots.
In an exclusive article,
the mag detailed all the twists and turns
of what some hope is only a temporary bump
in the road of contract negotiations,
but is forcing fans to consider
a DC Cinematic Universe without
Cavill as the Man of Steel.
For awhile now, we've heard rumors
that with one film left on his DC contract,
Henry Cavill has been wanting
to make it Man of Steel 2.
But Warner Brothers has been dragging their feet
on the sequel,
as they want to focus on the new, lighter direction
of DC post-Zack Snyder's gritty, earlier takes.
The word around the campfire is that they want
Superman to function more like Marvel's Nick Fury
in the upcoming slate of films,
helping to maintain the foundation
of the DC Universe while tying together
all the different films and heroes.
So, what happened?
Well according to The Hollywood Reporter,
DC was moving forward with this plan,
hoping to add Superman to Shazam! in a cameo role.
But those hopes were dashed when
scheduling conflicts and contract negotiations
between Cavill and Warner Brothers broke down,
leading to an, as of now,
Superman-less Shazam!
And now a few other pieces of inside info
have us worried that Cavill's time
as the Kryptonian is over for good.
Like the news that Warner Brothers is shifting
focus of the DC Universe to a teenage Supergirl,
as detailed in that Hollywood Reporter exclusive.
The article explains that this would pretty much
rule out any further appearances from Cavill's
grown-up Superman, given that Superman,
aka Kal-El, would be an infant, according to DC lore.
We're not sure about the logic of that statement,
considering the comic book origins of Supergirl,
unless they are focusing on her time
living on Krypton, but we digress.
Of course, if Henry Cavill, who's been our
modern day Superman for the last five years,
is out, then a further shake up of the DC lineup
is probably on the books as well.
Rumors have been swirling that Ben Affleck is out
for Matt Reeves' upcoming Batman movie
and the Superman news throws some fuel
on that speculation fire.
In fact, Deadline reported this morning
that Warner Brothers is considering casting
the former Human Torch and Black Panther star,
Michael B. Jordan, in the Superman role.
Now while it seems like this Michael B. Jordan
Superman rumor is out of left field,
there is some evidence to support it.
A studio source reportedly told The Hollywood Reporter that,
"Superman is like James Bond,
"and after a certain run, you have to look at new actors."
Considering this, plus Jordan's recently announced
team up with Warner Brothers to improve diversity
and inclusion in the entertainment industry,
as reported on by The L.A. Times,
it seems like WB and Jordan have a good relationship.
And casting Jordan as the first black Superman would
certainly show the studio's commitment to diverse casting.
But before you throw your Henry Cavill Superman posters
in the trash, Cavill's manager, Danny Garcia,
dumped a bucket of water on this gossip fire
shortly after The Hollywood Reporter's
article dropped, tweeting,
"Be peaceful, the cape is still in his closet.
"@wbpictures has been and continues to be
"our partners as they evolve the DC Universe.
"Anticipate a WB statement later today."
And, they did.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter,
Warner Brothers had this to say about the story.
"While no decisions have been made regarding
"any upcoming Superman films, we've always had
"great respect for and a great relationship
"with Henry Cavill, and that remains unchanged."
So that certainly cleared everything up.
Honestly, this statement confirms
or denies, absolutely nothing!
At the moment, it seems Cavill is still
involved with the DC Cinematic Universe,
but it sounds like a game of contract hardball
between the Man of Steel and Warner Brothers
is now being played out in public.
We're not sure who's going to come out on top,
but if we had to dip our toe in the fight,
we certainly hope that Cavill gets to keep wearing
the red, blue, and yellow.
Regardless, we'll keep you updated
as the story develops.
But what do you folks think?
Would you like Michael B. Jordan
to take over the Superman role?
How do you feel about Cavill's run as the Man of Steel?
And if Superman is supposed to be the superhero equivalent
of James Bond, do you think Warner Brothers would ever
consider casting Sean Connery as Superman?
He's 88 years old and retired,
but he could probably make it work.
Kingdom-come, ya'll!
Let's discuss.
(upbeat music)