Will Henry Cavill Wear the Cape Again? Netflix’s Superman Rumours Unpacked

With Netflix’s recent announcement of its acquisition of Warner Bros., speculation has erupted among fans about the possibility of Henry Cavill reprising his role as Superman. Some are convinced that the new leadership at DC Studios might dismiss James Gunn and reinstate the earlier Snyderverse. Online chatter has only intensified, with certain corners of the internet pushing the idea that Netflix is quietly negotiating with Cavill behind the scenes.

Why the Snyderverse Hopes Won’t Die

Many believe that a Netflix takeover could tip the scales in favour of Zack Snyder’s vision for the DC universe, largely due to the established working relationships between the streaming giant, Snyder, and Cavill. After parting ways with Warner Bros., Snyder signed a multi-project agreement with Netflix, while Cavill became a household name through his leading role in the streamer’s adaptation of The Witcher.

Supporters of Cavill’s Superman point to box office figures as justification for a DCEU revival. While James Gunn’s Superman managed to surpass $600 million in global takings, Man of Steel’s total reached $670 million. However, when adjusting for inflation and ticket prices, Cavill’s outing sold more than twice as many tickets as the latest incarnation. Some estimates even place Man of Steel’s inflation-adjusted earnings at nearly $800 million.

Complications for Cavill and Snyder at Netflix

Despite the nostalgia, Cavill’s relationship with Netflix is not without its complications. His departure from The Witcher after the third series, reportedly due to creative disagreements, left the show struggling in the eyes of critics and viewers alike. Cavill’s more recent films, such as Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, have not exactly set the box office alight, making it unlikely that Netflix would go to extraordinary lengths to bring him back.

Zack Snyder’s fortunes with Netflix have also taken a downturn. Several of his planned projects have been quietly shelved, including sequels and spin-offs to Army of the Dead, following disappointing results from both that film and the much-hyped Rebel Moon saga. Even his animated series, Twilight of the Gods, failed to secure a second series, reportedly due to disputes over budget. Insiders suggest that Netflix is now moving away from Snyder’s ambitious plans, with financial concerns outweighing creative aspirations.

James Gunn’s Position After the Merger

Amidst all the speculation, it appears that James Gunn’s position at DC Studios is secure for the foreseeable future. Reports indicate that Warner Bros. shareholders favoured the Netflix deal partly because it included provisions to retain Gunn and his co-CEO, Peter Safran. Netflix has stated its intention to maintain current operations and build upon Warner Bros.’ strengths, including continuing with theatrical releases.

Industry insiders claim that Gunn and Safran have had their contracts extended until at least spring 2027, with significant retention bonuses offered to keep top executives in place. Gunn’s first DCU film arrived at a time when Warner Bros. was outperforming other major studios at the box office, prompting the immediate green-lighting of a sequel. The next DCU release, Supergirl, is already scheduled for 2026, and Gunn is reportedly hard at work on Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

Fan Theories and the Road Ahead

Despite the persistent rumours and online campaigns, the reality is that neither Cavill nor Snyder is in a particularly strong position with Netflix at present. The streamer’s recent business decisions suggest a cautious approach, favouring stability over dramatic shake-ups. For now, the much-discussed return of Cavill’s Superman remains firmly in the realm of fan speculation.

Both Man of Steel and the latest Superman are currently available to stream on HBO Max.