Henry Cavill Superman Making Final Appearance?
Although Henry Cavill’s tenure as Superman is over, his iteration of the beloved superhero is referenced in Blue Beetle. Speaking on the Nestor Cine desde Hollywood YouTube channel, director Angel Manuel Soto said that Zack Snyder’s films had significantly influenced his work, and every mention of Cavill’s Man of Steel was made as a mark of respect.
Referring to Zack Synder’s previous comments about taking his son to see Blue Beetle, Soto said, “Waking up in Mexico to the news that Snyder wants to see [Blue Beetle] too, a director that I respect so much, that his films are an immense influence… Even in Blue Beetle, there are some references to Man of Steel that we made out of honor and respect for the work and art of Zack Snyder.
Henry Cavill won’t make a cameo in Blue Beetle, but the film’s director says there is a reference to his 2013 Man of Steel movie.
“Also, seeing David Ayer sharing it… It’s like, ‘Wow, brother!’ How nice it feels to have that support from people that one respects and that the fans also respect,” Soto continued. Exactly how the inspired Superman references fit into Blue Beetle remains unknown. They could be artistic elements inspired by the Man of Steel movie or more straightforward nods to Henry Cavill’s portrayal.
Yet, with the impending DCU reboot, alluding to the former Henry Cavill’s Superman might be problematic, especially considering Blue Beetle’s anticipated involvement in the DCU’s revamp. Should a reference be right on the nose, audiences must factor in that the movie’s storyline might not be entirely canon when Superman: Legacy hits the screens.
“Waking up in Mexico to the news that Snyder wants to see [Blue Beetle] too, a director that I respect so much, that his films are an immense influence… Even in Blue Beetle, there are some references to Man of Steel that we made out of honor and respect for the work and art of Zack Snyder.
Angel Manuel Soto, Blue Beetle director
Blue Beetle is directed by Angel Manuel Soto from a script by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. This movie is significant because it marks the first major superhero project centered around a Latino character. Initially, it was intended to be exclusive to Max, but during the reshuffle, which saw Henry Cavill lose his role as Superman, Warner Bros. and DC Films decided to give it a theatrical release instead.
Xolo Mariduena takes on the role of Jamie Reyes/Blue Beetle. Bruna Marquezine and Belissa Escobedo play the parts of Penny, his love interest, and Milagros, his younger sister, respectively. Additionally, Harvey Guillen plays Doctor Sanchez, a scientist who works for Victoria, while Becky G voices Khaji-Da, an entity that imbues and controls the Scarab. Blue Beetle is set for release on August 18.
Henry Cavill’s DC History
Henry Cavill’s tenure as Krypton’s Last Son has been marked by highs and lows. The reactions were mixed when it was announced that the British actor would don Superman’s cape in 2011. Cavill debuted in 2013’s Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder. The film delved into the origins of Clark Kent, tracing his transformation into the heroic figure known as Superman.
Henry Cavill’s performance garnered praise for his physicality and captivating screen presence, despite some criticism for a perceived lack of emotional depth. Following the film’s success, Cavill’s Superman became a crucial figure in subsequent DCEU films. He reprised his role in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League in 2017.
While DCEU aimed to create a cohesive cinematic universe, with Henry Cavill’s Superman serving as one of its cornerstones, the reception of these films varied. After the release of Justice League, uncertainty surrounded Cavill’s future as Superman. Reports surfaced about contract negotiations between the actor and Warner Bros. reaching an impasse.
This fueled speculation about whether Henry Cavill would continue donning the iconic suit. While some fans rallied for his continuation in the role, others were ready for a fresh approach. Despite the uncertainty, Cavill’s Superman made an unexpected cameo appearance in Black Adam, which was supposed to mark his return to the DC superhero franchise.
However, everything changed when James Gunn and Peter Safan were appointed co-CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios. The pair announced that the DC film slate would be reset with The Flash and that Henry Cavill would no longer appear as Superman.
