While some roles in Hollywood could be played by any actor with a chiselled jawline and enigmatic smile, when it comes to the role of Superman, Henry Cavill seemed born to play the part. With his personable nature, old world charm and the kind of impossibly ripped physique you’d expect of a Marvel superhero, the outrageously handsome star has become synonymous with the role that, in many ways, thrust him on the map of Hollywood’s A-listers.
It’s hard to believe that 2013 first saw Cavill don the beloved red cape, but in the years since Superman’s presence on the big screen has been largely lacking. Instead, we’ve followed the storylines of other notable superheroes and notable characters, the more recent of which saw Dwayne Johnson take to the screen in the highly anticipated Black Adam. Though the hype around the film was largely one surrounding the storyline of this character that’s long deserved the Hollywood treatment, fans couldn’t help but be delighted by a cameo from Cavill’s Superman in the flick.
As it turns out, that was merely a taste of what’s yet to come as Cavill has since announced himself that he’ll reprise his role as one of the world’s most beloved characters. Taking to social media to make the announcement, Cavill said: “I wanted to wait until the weekend was over before posting this because I wanted to give you all a chance to watch Black Adam. But now that plenty of you have, I wanted to make it official: I am back as Superman.”
Speculation is already rife concerning Cavill’s Superman future, with fans speculating just what it might mean for the state of the DCEU. Though he was contractually obligated to appear in one more Warner Bros. film, some believe there may be a quasi-Man of Steel follow-up with Christopher McQuarrie, who worked with Cavill on Mission: Impossible – Fallout appearing on the shortlist of writers to pen the project. While this has since been quashed with the knowledge McQuarrie is engaged with making both parts of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, the success of Black Adam has put forward another direction entirely, with fans believing there should be a fight between Johnson’s titular character and Superman.
Though certainly exciting prospects, fans have long been wondering if Cavill will instead make an entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having starred in Netflix’s The Witcher series, fans have put forward many a character that Cavill’s acting credentials would lend themselves to, including the likes of Captain Britain, Cyclops, Doctor Doom and Wonder Man.
Ultimately, it all remains to be seen and while it seems certain Cavill will return as Superman one last time, once his contract is up he’ll be free to change sides to the MCU should he wish to.
