Henry Cavill Coming To The CW?
Henry Cavill wants to continue as Superman. Is that future with the CW?
This article is more than 2 years old
Henry Cavill’s performance as Superman/Clark Kent was one of the best aspects of the DC Extended Universe. Not only did he look the part, but he also delivered an emotionally resonant take on a hero who has incorrectly been called “boring” for decades. Sadly, though, it remains unclear if we will ever see him return to the role. Black Adam actor Dwayne Johnson supposedly wants Cavill back in the tights, but that does not for a second mean that it will happen. Now, though, we are getting word of Cavill’s possible inclusion in a different live-action DC universe. And yes, it is the one that immediately comes to mind.
Gossip writer Daniel Richtman brings word that the CW wants Henry Cavill to cameo in its superhero shows. With the Superman actor effectively displaced after DC’s axing of the Snyderverse, it is unclear where or how he fits into DC’s overall plans for the future. Richtman’s scoops and “predictions” have proven accurate in the past, but it is still best to take this rumor with a grain of salt. At least until we get official confirmation from either Cavill himself or the studio.
There is one critical issue with this rumor, and it’s that the DC’s CW super-shows, dubbed the “Arrowverse,” has always been separate from the DC Extended Universe. The recent casting of a different Supergirl in Andy Muschietti’s upcoming The Flash movie is further proof of that.
Another problem with all of this is that Tyler Hoechlin is currently playing Superman on the phenomenal Superman and Lois, making Henry Cavill’s appearance a near-impossibility and frankly, the furthest thing from a necessity. Of course, anything is possible with a multiverse approach, but that does not mean it would be a good idea. The Arrowverse has done a much better job with its universe-building than the DC Extended Universe has ever been able to do. Given that fact, there is no reason to bring Cavill into a franchise that was working beautifully without him. Sure, there are some flops and some duds in there, but overall, the Arrowverse is doing an excellent job with these characters.
The rumor that Henry Cavill is wanted for the Arrowverse just speaks to DC’s lack of cohesion and coherence when it comes to storytelling. As it currently stands, the DC Extended Universe is an absolute mess, and it does not look like it’s getting any clearer or cleaner anytime soon. Moving Cavill over to the CW side of things would only confuse casual viewers and muddy things even further. DC is such a rich tapestry of characters and concepts, but you would not know it if all you have seen is the stuff adapted for the screen.
If you are not ready to see Henry Cavill retire the cape or switch DC continuities, don’t worry: He shows up in the final third of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which is now streaming exclusively on HBO Max. Catch him there, or revisit his performances in Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
