Henry Cavill Likely To Return in New DCU, but Not as Superman…

While Henry Cavill’s time as Superman in the DCEU has ended, fans may get to see him make a bold return in the DC Universe (DCU). Despite his widely publicized departure from the role of the Man of Steel following the end of the DCEU, James Gunn’s new vision for the DCU could see Cavill playing a completely different character in the near future.

During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, James Gunn was asked about Cavill’s future in the new DCU. The Superman (2025) director and DC Studios’ co-chairman and co-CEO explained the messy situation where Warner Bros. announced Cavill’s return as Superman, even though Gunn and his co-chairman and co-CEO Peter Safran were already working on plans for a new Superman movie.

“It was really unfair to him,” Gunn said, explaining how Cavill was caught in the middle of complicated timing and confusing messaging.

Interestingly, however, Gunn didn’t rule out the possibility of Cavill playing a different character in the DCU. “As another character? Absolutely not,” Gunn said when he was asked whether seeing Cavill appear in the new universe in a role outside Superman would confuse fans. Gunn went on to express his admiration for Cavill, noting that he would love to work with him on future projects.

Now, some fans are imagining what it would be like to see Cavill step into the role of Batman, who has yet to be cast in the upcoming DCU film, The Brave and the Bold.

While this may seem unusual at first—considering Cavill’s prior association with Superman, and not to mention the fact that he starred alongside Ben Affleck’s version of the Dark Knight in the DCEU—actors in the superhero genre switching roles isn’t unheard of.

Fans have quickly pointed to actors like Chris Evans and Ryan Reynolds, who have played different comic book characters in separate franchises. Evans portrayed Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four before becoming Captain America in the MCU, and Reynolds took on Green Lantern before becoming Deadpool. Those are just two of many examples.

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Either way, Cavill’s potential to play Batman seems to be sparking more excitement than scepticism. With Gunn’s reimagining of Superman is a brighter and more optimistic character — along with the world he inhabits — fans are hopeful that the new Batman will reflect a similarly lighter tone.

Gunn’s plans for a more vibrant and comic book-inspired DCU may present the perfect opportunity for Cavill to take on the role of the Caped Crusader, even if the transition may be jarring for some fans initially.

As we eagerly await the final casting decision for The Brave and the Bold, one thing is certain: Henry Cavill’s future in the DC Universe may still be far from over.

Superman (2025) is in theaters now. There’s no release date for The Brave and the Bold.

Would you like to see Henry Cavill play Batman in the new DCU? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!