Henry Cavill Out as Superman, WB Shifts Focus to SUPERGIRL Movie

Henry Cavill is up, up...and away.

The Hollywood Reporter has word that Warner Bros. is parting ways with Henry Cavill, who portrayed DC Comics' legendary character Superman in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League.

According to the article, Warner Bros. had been trying to get Cavill to do a Superman cameo in the upcoming DC Extended Universe movie Shazam!, but contract talks between Cavill's representatives and Warner Bros. broke down, affecting other potential Superman appearances.

One of THR's sources at Warner Bros. said the Shazam! deal fell apart because of scheduling conflicts, supported by previous reports that Cavill recently signed on to star in the Netflix series The Witcher.  However, another THR source stated that the Witcher commitment came after the impasse, suggesting a change in Warner Bros.' strategy.  "There's a recognition that some parts of the previous movies didn't work," said their studio insider.  Another source said Warner Bros. is attempting a "reset button with the DC universe", moving the cinematic universe in another direction. 

A statement from a Warner Bros. spokesperson remarked, "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."

Cavill, 35, was cast as Superman in January 2011 for Man of Steel and recently appeared in the hit film Mission: Impossible--Fallout.  He's also appeared in the films The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Stardust, Immortals, The Cold Light of Day, Tristan & Isolde, Hellraiser: Hellworld, and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002).  He also played Charles Brandon on the Showtime series The Tudors.

In addition, the article claims the studio has shifted its focus to developing the Supergirl movie, which will be an origin story.  They also state that Warner Bros. isn't likely to make a solo Superman film for at least several years, according their source.  "Superman is like James Bond," said the source, "and after a certain run you have to look at new actors."