With DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran in the midst of creating a new slate of interconnected DCU movies, TV shows, and video games for Warner Bros., the "DCEU" as we know it is in a state of flux. This will lead to some big changes, and it's quickly become clear that not everyone will be happy about them.
Perhaps the most controversial decision that's reportedly been made thus far is the plug being pulled on Man of Steel 2.
Dwayne Johnson is thought to have taken matters into his own hands in order to ensure Henry Cavill could make a cameo appearance as Superman in Black Adam, and all signs pointed to him then returning to the DCEU in a new movie the actor said would be a more hopeful and joyful experience for fans.
That was something we very much looked forward to, especially as Cavill's absence from this franchise has frustrated and upset Superman fans in equal measure.
According to Deadline, Cavill was in "lock step" with the studio when the time came to announce his Superman return on Instagram back in October. In other words, they were fully on board with him sharing that heartfelt message with the world, so what changed?
Well, it came the day before Gunn and Safran were appointed as heads of DC Studios, perhaps signalling that the previous regime somewhat jumped the gun. However, there's nothing to suggest the duo aren't perfectly happy with keeping the popular actor in the DCU as Superman once their plan is formulated.
However, making a new Superman movie appears easier said than done as the trade notes that Man of Steel producer and writer Charles Roven pitched a follow-up to former DC Films executives Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. Unfortunately, they didn't like it and chose to wait on Gunn and Safran's plan to be formulated. Clearly, everyone wants to this movie right.
As a result, the movie never received the green light and won't until Warner Bros. potentially "hears a better pitch."
There have been rumblings lately that The Flash director Andy Muschietti is keen to direct a Superman project, and it's pointed out elsewhere in this report that both he and Logan director James Mangold are interested in working with DC Studios.
We're sure Gunn and Safran are aware fans want to see more of Cavill as Superman. However, if they're determined to give this DCU a fresh start with new faces, recasting Kal-El may be inevitable. We'll see what happens.