DC’s Multiverse Makes Henry Cavill’s Superman Exit Worse

There was never doubt that a lot would change as James Gunn and Peter Safran took over the DCU, but DC’s multiverse makes Henry Cavill’s exit from their Superman series even worse. With the DCU at a pivotal point, director and co-CEO of DC Studios James Gunn has to decide what the DCU will be and how to address a critical audience. While this new direction will be without Cavill, it didn’t have to be that way.Despite mixed reactions to Man of Steel, Henry Cavill’s brief return as Superman in Black Adam stood as the movie’s highlight. Shortly after, the announcement that Henry Cavill was returning as Superman and that Man of Steel 2 reportedly began development appeared to secure the actor’s place in the new DCU. However, when it seemed Man of Steel was finally getting the sequel it deserved, James Gunn announced (via Twitter) that he was dismissing Cavill for a new project based on a younger Clark Kent. Petitions for the movie Cavill promised immediately began to circulate in an attempt to save Superman.

Related: What Would Man Of Steel 2 Even Look Like Now?

Audiences Have Already Accepted DC’s Multiverse

Although a total reboot for the DCU makes sense, what doesn’t is why the Man of Steel series can’t continue. The DCU already debuted at least four unrelated theatrical DC universes via Joker, The Batman, DC League of Super-Pets, and the Snyderverse films, so the concept of separate timelines wouldn’t be anything new. As such, it would follow suit to continue this cinematic approach and make a Henry Cavill Superman movie alongside Gunn’s new project.

Additionally, with so much backlash surrounding Cavill’s leaving, questions remain unanswered surrounding whether or not DC can capture a sizable new audience while disappointing some previous franchise followers. It’s undoubtedly disappointing to miss conclusions to stories that have been growing for close to a decade and a second chance for a beloved actor to put on the red cape. Cavill’s Superman never got the chance to grow into the more hopeful and optimistic figure that Snyder had planned on exploring in later movies, leaving this rendition of the character in a strange spot.

The Multiverse Is Big Enough For Everyone… Including Cavill’s Superman

According to reports (via The Hollywood Reporter), J.J. Abrams & Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Superman reboot was unimpacted by James Gunn’s decisions. If Coates’ reboot releases besides Gunn’s movie, it dismisses the idea that Henry Cavill’s Superman exit reflected a desire for a single Superman series to represent the franchise. Additionally, with The Batman 2, Joker: Folie à Deux, and Gunn’s Peacemaker returning alongside the new DCU lineup, it comes off as curious that Warner Bros. wouldn’t greenlight a new Man of Steel project when there’s plenty of room in their new multiverse.

While changes are to be expected as the DCU finds its new direction, it’s evident that even some of its stars are confused about the role they may play franchise’s future. Regardless, there’s no doubt that Superman will play an important role in the future of the DCU. While James Gunn’s Superman decision has elicited passionate responses, it will hopefully lead to more quality films and an exciting roadmap for the wider DCU.

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