James Gunn’s decision to replace Henry Cavill was bound to cause controversy!

James Gunn’s involvement in reshaping the DC Universe (DCU) has sparked significant debate, especially around the decision to part ways with Henry Cavill as Superman. A rumor circulating claims that Gunn had been orchestrating the reboot long before it was officially announced, fueling the controversy around Cavill’s exit.

– AD –

James Gunn | Photo by Erik Drost, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gunn, however, has recently addressed this issue, emphasizing the facts behind his choices and debunking the notion that he planned to replace Cavill from the outset. However, his casting choices in addition to that of Superman, who will be portrayed by David Corenswet for the time being, have fuelled further controversy.

The question remains: if Gunn has cast actors in their 40s and older for pivotal roles in his upcoming DCU, what justified the recasting of Cavill, who was a fan favorite for Superman?

– AD –

James Gunn has cast several stars in his new DCU over the age of 40

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
What fans find most perplexing is that James Gunn has cast several actors over the age of 40 in major roles for his new DCU slate. This includes Nathan Fillion (53) as Green Lantern, Kyle Chandler (59), Frank Grillo (59), and Sean Gunn (50), among others. The question fans are asking is: if age isn’t a barrier for these actors, why not retain Henry Cavill, who is just 40, in the role of Superman?

For many, Cavill’s portrayal of the Man of Steel in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel and subsequent DC films was a high point, cementing him as the definitive Superman for a generation. Even though Gunn insists that his vision for Superman requires a younger actor, it’s difficult for fans to reconcile this with the casting of older actors in other key roles.

In casting David Corenswet (31) as the new Superman, Gunn has made it clear that his vision for Superman involves telling the story of a younger Clark Kent. Gunn’s take will focus on Kent’s early days as a journalist and hero, requiring a different approach than the seasoned, battle-tested Superman Cavill portrayed.

– AD –

Despite this explanation, it’s easy to see why fans feel conflicted. Cavill, at 40, is hardly out of place when it comes to playing a superhero. After all, Robert Downey Jr. was 43 when he solidified his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man, and actors like Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Keanu Reeves (John Wick) have remained fan favorites in action-heavy roles well into their 50s.

Why did James Gunn replace Henry Cavill?

David Corenswet in Superman | Credits: DC Studios
Gunn’s decision to recast Cavill appears rooted in a desire to distance his reboot from Zack Snyder’s controversial DCEU films. Many believe Snyder’s dark and gritty take on Superman tainted Cavill’s portrayal, making it difficult for him to carry the character into a new cinematic era. By casting Corenswet, Gunn seeks to redefine Superman for a new generation, focusing on the qualities of hope and optimism that have traditionally defined the character.

What’s perhaps most baffling for fans is Gunn’s willingness to cast actors like Kyle Chandler (59) and Frank Grillo (59) in key roles while advocating for a younger Superman. Chandler is reportedly in talks to play Hal Jordan in the Lanterns TV show, and Grillo will appear as Rick Flag Sr. in Creature Commandos and potentially other DCU projects. These casting choices indicate that age is not a disqualifying factor for significant DCU roles, which adds fuel to the debate surrounding Cavill’s replacement.

In fact, many of Gunn’s most prominent hires for the DCU are actors in their 40s or older. Nathan Fillion (53) is playing Guy Gardner, Anthony Carrigan (41) has been cast as Metamorpho, and Alan Tudyk (53) will voice and potentially portray Doctor Phosphorus. These casting decisions only deepen the mystery behind Cavill’s exclusion.