Less than two months after a Black Adam appearance made it official that Superman is back, Henry Cavill announced his departure from the role.
“I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone,” Cavill wrote on Wednesday, referring to the newly formed DC Studios’ co-CEOs, who are vastly reworking the brand’s landscape. “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”
“For those who have been by my side through the years….we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember….Superman is still around,” the 39-year-old continued. “Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”
Cavill made his acting debut as Clark Kent/Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel in June 2013. His most recent work includes the Netflix series Enola Holmes and The Witcher. He made a comeback to star in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and Justice League in 2017, neither of which earned particularly positive reviews from critics.
On October 24, the actor posted an Instagram photo of himself dressed up, just days after Black Adam startled viewers with a Cavill-starring mid-credits scene. “A very small taste of what’s to come, my friends. The dawn of hope renewed. Thank you for your patience, it will be rewarded,” Cavill wrote in the description of the image, which received more than 3.6 million likes.
Also on Wednesday, Gunn denied claims that the DC Universe will include Robert Pattinson’s Batman.