Henry Cavill’s Most Likely Superman Replacement Chosen?
Henry Cavill will likely not be returning to the role of Superman, and DC has all but decided who his replacement is, and it is antoher high-caliber actor.
So far, a lot of the attention for DC Comics movies this year has been on Batman, with The Dark Knight debuting a new guise courtesy of Matt Reeves’ film The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson in the main role. Next, The Flash will feature both Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck’s Batmen. However, what about DC’s other marquee superhero, the alien hailing from Krypton, Superman? According to a report from MovieWeb, bookies have labeled Michael B Jordan as the front runner to take on the iconic role of the next Superman effectively replacing Henry Cavill.
There’s no question that Michael B Jordan would make an excellent Son of Krypton. Replacing Henry Cavill is no easy task though. However, Jordan has already proved his worth in the comic book genre with a starring turn as the antagonist Black Panther. As well as being more than compelling as the film’s hero in the Creed franchise. Not only did both films show off Michael B Jordan’s incredible range, but also his superhero-style physique. Superman would be a natural fit for the actor, who leads the likes of Doom Patrol’s Matt Bomer and Moon Knight lead Oscar Isaac.
Interestingly, Michael B Jordan already has his hands on a Superman project of his own. A live-action creation destined for HBO Max (seemingly the new home for franchise bending HBO Max projects), Michael B Jordan is said to be developing a story focusing on Val-Zod, an alternate son of Krypton who hails from the Earth-2 timeline. However, Michael B Jordan will be facing some competition from the franchise machine that is J J Abrams. Abrams also has his hands on a Superman project centered on a Black Kryptonian which he is co-creating with Ta-Nehisi Coates.
However, what does this mean for the current cinematic Superman, Henry Cavill? British actor Cavill first donned the red cape for 2013’s Man of Steel, before reprising the role in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, as well as Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Henry Cavill has won over fans with his portrayal of Superman, but his relationship with Warner Bros and the DC Extended Universe is rocky at best. Cavill hasn’t filmed for the role since the production of the theatrical version of Justice League which was released in cinemas in 2017 and both JJ Abrams and Michael B Jordan’s projects could put a block to Cavill’s return to the role. However, reports suggest that Cavill could be making a cameo in The Flash, thus marking his return to the DCEU. Regarding Henry Cavill’s Superman competition, the British actor has said he found the possibility of a Black Superman “exiting” and that he saw Superman as “far more than skin color.”
As good a fit as Michael B Jordan might seem to take on the role of Superman, the actor himself must be willing. The Hollywood Reporter asked the actor what he thought of the possibility last year when rumors were suggesting he was to take the lead in JJ Abrams and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Superman project. The actor played down the rumors saying it was a “compliment”, but he will just be “watching on this one.” With Jordan currently just executive producing on his own Superman project, the bookies may simply be optimistic with this Superman casting, but if they’re right, it is sure to be a popular casting indeed. We want Henry Cavill to return, but Jordan is an incredible actor too.
