Superman: Is Henry Cavill no longer superman?

Henry Cavill was most recently on cinema screens not as the man of steel but as a spy in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, sporting a very impressive moustache.

The British actor first took on the role of Superman in 2013 for Man of Steele.

Three years later, in 2016, he returned to face off Ben Affleck in Batman v. Superman. Then 2017 saw the middlingly successful Justice League.

Now rumours have it he’s set to hang up his superhero cape.

Is Henry Cavill no longer superman?

The answer seems to be affirmative – Henry Cavill will no longer play the man of steel.

Warner Bros, whose success with comic adaptations has yet to reach the heights of Marvel’s, were reportedly in negotiations for Cavill to cameo as Superman in Shazam.

However, negotiations broke down and the door seemed to close on further cameos for Cavill as Superman.

The reason behind Cavill’s departure seems to be the studio’s shifting focus.

WB is focussing on their Supergirl movie, which will be an origin story featuring a teen superheroine.

For continuity sake, and remaining true to the source materials, Cavill’s Superman wouldn’t be able to feature.

According to DC Comics canon, he’d only be an infant.

A statement from Warner Bros read: “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.”

A WB source told the Hollywood Reporter the studio is attempting to press a “reset” button with their adaptations of the DC comics.

With plenty of DC adaptations on the calendar (Shazam, Wonder Woman 1984, and 2019’s Flash starring Ezra Miller) Cavill’s departure may not be as damaging as some might think.

Cavill himself is not short of opportunities, having recently signed on to the Netflix series The Witcher in a lead role.

Cavill’s career started with a role in the feature adaptations of The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and I Capture the Castle (2003).

Like many other British actors, Cavill has appeared in supporting roles in a variety of British mystery shows like The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Midsomer Murders.

Cavill’s Hollywood credits include Tristan & Isolde, Stardust, Blood Creek, and Immortals.

His next movie appearance is in the Canadian-American drama Nomis, starring alongside Alexandra Daddario, Ben Kingsley, Stanley Tucci, Nathan Fillion and Brendan Fletcher.