James Gunn-Written Young 'Superman' Film First Movie on DC Studios Slate, Henry Cavill Departs

The first movie on DC Studios' slate will be a new Superman movie written by new studio co-head James Gunn, Gunn announced Wednesday. But it won't feature Henry Cavill.

IndieWire has learned that the new Superman will focus on a young Clark Kent when he arrives in Metropolis. No director is attached yet.

As to whether Henry Cavill will return as Superman, because the movie focuses on a younger hero, it will feature someone other than Cavill. Cavill himself confirmed the news shortly after a new Superman movie was announced, and he said "my turn to wear the cape has passed".

However, IndieWire understands that Gunn and Safran met Cavill recently, and the door is open for him to continue working with DC in the future. Additionally, Cavill previously announcing on Instagram that he was returning was not that he was going rogue, but rather was fully sanctioned by Warner Bros. under a previous regime. It's unclear, however, what Cavill's future role in DC Studios' future would be.

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Cavill isn't the only encounter between Gunn and Safran. IndieWire has also learned that Ben Affleck has met with Gunn and Safran to potentially direct a future DC movie, although it's unclear what project he'll be involved in at this point.

Gunn and Safran recently met with the head of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, and have outlined their entire plan, and they will now turn their attention to putting together a group of writers and directors for their various projects. They are expected to be ready in early January to reveal more details about the first chapter of film and TV projects under the DC Studios banner.

Looking ahead, DC has a handful of movies throughout 2023 that still stem from an earlier regime, including "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," "The Flash" starring Ezra Miller, "Blue Beetle and "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom". It's unclear how or if any of these characters or story threads might factor into DC's future, but IndieWire understands that Gunn and Safran are still excited. by the movies and each have their own surprises.

The 'Superman' movie news follows other uproar from DC Studios in recent days, including IndieWire's report that plans for a 'Wonder Woman 3' as written by Patty Jenkins would not advance to the studio and that Jenkins was unwilling to alter his script. However, Jenkins has recently pushed back and in a statement to social media yesterday she said she has not walked away from the film and is willing to cooperate with the studio.

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