Summary
TheDCU’s upcomingSupermanmovie has the opportunity to fulfill one of Henry Cavill’s wishes for the character that he never got to continue to explore in the DCEU.Supermanwill be releasedon June 30, 2025, with the reboot written and directed by James Gunn. It will be the first live-action project in Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DCU, and the official theatrical launching point for the universe after theCreature Commandosanimated series releases on Max in December.
In an interview with Total Film back in 2013, Henry Cavill talked about what he hopes to see in asequel to his filmMan of Steel. Most of what he said can’t really be delivered by the DCU due to the overall narrative of the universe, but he brought up wanting to see Kal-El’s relationship with humanity evolve going forward. WhileMan of Steelnever received a true sequel in the DCEU, Gunn’sSupermanfilm, and the potential sequels that follow can absolutely deliver on what Cavill wanted for the character.
DCU Chapter One Gods And Monsters: Every Movie & Show In The New DC Universe
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe begins with six movies and six shows that open the DCU’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters”.
One Of Henry Cavill’s Man Of Steel 2 Hopes Looks Set To Happen In DCU’s Superman Movie
James Gunn looks to bring back a more traditional Man of Steel with his upcomingSupermanmovie while still keeping modern audiences in mind.The film will explore Clark Kent’s relationship with humanity as well as his relationship with his Kryptonian heritageand what it means for him to be a superhero in a world already full of other heroes.This is exactly what Henry Cavill was hoping for with his own Superman story, which unfortunately never happened. Thankfully, the DCU will look to explore those ideas, and even though Cavill won’t be in the role, it’s still in service of what he, and many fans, wanted to see for the character.
If the DCU’sSupermanis successful in launching a brand-new universe, it’s reasonable to assume the character would have top priority for a sequel. Gunn has already shown that he can continue character arcs in sequels while also fitting into a broader universe with hisGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy. Getting a sequel toSupermanwould be huge for the character and fulfill the hopes that Cavill never got to make happen with his own take on the character.
The DCU Can Make DCEU’s Superman Series Hopes Possible
Following the failure ofJustice Leaguein 2017, Henry Cavill’s Superman was relegated to a parade of headless cameos, not having a speaking part until theend credits ofBlack Adam. By then, the DCEU was on its way out, and it felt like too little, too late.Gunn seems to be positioning his Superman as the figurehead of the DCU, which will hopefully mean more appearances from David Corenswet as the characterin other projects as well as true sequels toSuperman.
The DCEU’s Superman appeared in Shazam!, Peacemaker, and The Flash, but Henry Cavill didn’t return to film any new footage for any of them.
Never capitalizing on aMan of Steelsequel was the first true misstep for the DCEU. Cavill perfectly embodied the character physically and the story was set up to go in an exciting new direction at the end of the first film.While the overall story did see Superman’s relationship with humanity evolve to some degree throughout the DCEU, it was always told rather than shown outright.If Gunn is able to hone in on how Superman views his place in the world and how humankind views him, that makes the hope Cavill had for the character possible.
Cavill deserved better as Superman. Making the character essentially disappear in the DCEU right after he came back, as the more hopeful version that fans were wanting, will always be one of the biggest blunders in the universe. Cavill had a variety of aspirations for the character and really wanted to explore his relationship with humanity in sequels that never were. James Gunn, the DCU, andSupermanhave the chance to make those dreams a reality for the character.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
