Discussing the Future of Superman in the DCEU

DC Fandome was undoubtedly a  great event for fans of DC films. The day was highlighted by new trailers for Wonder Woman 1984, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and The Batman, with the latter earning over 20 million views on YouTube so far. Despite the new footage, panels with cast and crew, and exclusive concept art, the event ended with a noticeable exclusion of one of DC’s most popular characters. Besides a brief tease during the Black Adam panel, there was no mention of Superman during Fandome, leaving fans of the Man of Tomorrow still unsure as to the future of the character on the big screen. 

The last solo Superman film was 2013’s Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder. In the seven years since its release, Superman has appeared as a co-lead in Batman v Superman and in a supporting role in Justice League. Although audiences will see Clark Kent again in Zack Snyder’s Justice League next year on HBO Max, there is no clear sign as to when we will see Superman in another DC film. 

As a huge Superman fan, it is disappointing to see one of the best superheroes pushed to the sideline. Various rumors have floated around about Henry Cavill’s contract negotiations and Warner’s possible plans to reboot/recast the character. Personally, I really enjoy Cavill as Superman and would love to see him reprise the role for years to come. Not only does he look the part, but he has a warmth and charm to Superman and Clark Kent that encapsulate the hopeful nature of the character. With filming on The Witcher taking up much of Cavill’s schedule, it has been hard for the actor to find the time to film a new solo-leading Superman film. There are a few options, however, to bring the character back in supporting roles that will work for Cavill’s busy schedule and please Superman fans (for the short-term at least). 

The Black Adam/Shazam Situation

Superman appeared briefly in the ending of 2019’s Shazam!, albeit not portrayed by Henry Cavill. It would make sense to assume that Superman would act as a mentor figure to Billy. Superman represents the epitome of a superhero, and naturally, a perfect role model for Billy and the rest of the Shazam family. An appearance or supporting role in Shazam! Fury of the Gods would make perfect sense. 

Where things can get really interesting, however, is with Black Adam. The Rock has hinted before that he would like to see a Black Adam vs. Superman showdown in the DCEU. As the star has previously stated, with the introduction of Black Adam, the hierarchy of power in the DCEU will change. It seems that Billy would be unmatched in a one-on-one fight against the antihero. Who better to team up with Billy than Superman himself? Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods could set up a Shazam and Superman vs Black Adam film with Henry Cavill donning the cape again in a crowd-pleasing superhero showdown. A film that stars the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Zachary Levi would practically sell itself. This would deliver an action-packed end to the Shazam trilogy while also finally providing a meatier role for Cavill’s Superman until his schedule allows for a leading role again…   

Finally Another Superman Film

By introducing him back into the DCEU with a role in a third Shazam film, audiences will most likely be hungry for more Superman content. WB would be smart to capitalize on the character’s screen presence again by finally delivering the character’s first solo film since 2013. Now, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a “Man of Steel 2.” It seems unlikely that Snyder would return for another DC film. It may also be beneficial to see a new director’s take on the iconic hero. A few names have already been tossed around, such as Kingsman director Matthew Vaughn, Star Wars: The Force Awakens helmer J.J. Abrams, and Mission: Impossible Fallout’s Christopher McQuarrie. Ultimately, a Superman film needs any writer and director that understands and loves the character, regardless of their previous films. 

Superman is a symbol of hope and inspiration. A new film should balance the endearing, hopeful nature of the character with the complex and more grounded take that Snyder tackled. This would hopefully appeal to both the Snyder fans and the nostalgic fans of the Christopher Reeve films. The DCEU needs its Superman again. Cavill clearly loves the role and would like to return. He deserves another film. As his star power increases with each new role he takes on, it seems that a return to a character of this magnitude would attract the attention of hardcore fans and casual moviegoers alike. 

The Multiverse Direction 

Ultimately, if Cavill’s schedule or WB’s disinterest in the current iteration of the character keeps him from returning, it may unfortunately be time to recast and reboot the character, similar to what Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson are doing with The Batman. While this option may displease fans hoping to see Cavill finally return, it would at least mean more Superman content, even with a new actor. 

The one clear advantage to this strategy would be the complete creative freedom a new director and actor would have to shape the character and tell a new story that won’t be tied to other effects of the DC universe. As stated during DC Fandome, the existence of the Multiverse allows for this to happen. It is how DC can explain both Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson playing Bruce Wayne. Henry Cavill’s Superman could exist on one Earth, alongside Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, and Ben Affleck’s Batman. The new Superman could exist on another Earth in the Multiverse. WB can hire someone to take on a role similar to Matt Reeves’ to develop a new universe for Superman and his supporting characters. 

Ideally, if this option were to be pursued, Cavill could still appear in supporting roles, similar to how Affleck is going to appear in the upcoming Flash movie. With the Multiverse, nothing is off the table. 

Regardless of the direction WB decides to go, Superman needs to shine on the big screen again. Hopefully, the studio realizes the potential of the character and is actively pursuing a reappearance in an upcoming film. 

What are your thoughts on the current Superman situation? Let us know in the comments below!

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