Will Henry Cavill Suit Up as Superman Again After Netflix-WB Deal?
Rumors are swirling about Henry Cavill’s possible Superman comeback after Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Could the streaming giant revive the Snyderverse and shake up DC Studios? Dive into the fan theories, box office numbers, and behind-the-scenes drama fueling the speculation.
Speculation has exploded online since Netflix revealed its plans to acquire Warner Bros., with fans buzzing about the possibility of Henry Cavill returning as Superman. Many are convinced that the new ownership could mean a shake-up at DC Studios, possibly even ousting James Gunn and bringing back the Snyderverse era. Social media has been ablaze with claims that Netflix is quietly negotiating with Cavill to lead a new chapter for the DC Extended Universe.
Why Fans Think Netflix Might Restore the Snyderverse
Supporters of Zack Snyder’s vision point to his ongoing relationship with Netflix as a key reason for optimism. After parting ways with Warner Bros., Snyder signed a multi-project deal with the streaming platform. Cavill, too, has a history with Netflix, having starred in the hit series The Witcher. This connection has fueled hopes that Netflix would favor Snyder’s take on Superman over Gunn’s recent reboot.
Box office numbers have also become a battleground in the debate. James Gunn’s Superman, the first major DCU film under his leadership, pulled in over $600 million globally, finishing at $616,684,465. In comparison, Man of Steel, starring Cavill, grossed $670,145,518. When adjusted for inflation and ticket prices, Cavill’s film sold more than twice as many tickets as the latest Superman. Some fans estimate Man of Steel’s box office would be nearly $800 million today, making a strong case for Cavill’s popularity.
Challenges Facing Cavill and Snyder at Netflix
Despite the excitement, there are significant hurdles to a Cavill comeback. His departure from The Witcher after season three was surrounded by reports of creative disagreements, and the show’s ratings dipped after he left. Cavill’s recent films, including Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, have struggled at the box office, raising doubts about his current drawing power.
Snyder’s relationship with Netflix has also hit rough patches. Several of his planned projects, including sequels and spin-offs for Army of the Dead, have been quietly canceled. The Rebel Moon saga, once envisioned as a sprawling franchise, stalled after just two films due to disappointing performance. Even Snyder’s animated series Twilight of the Gods was not renewed for a second season, reportedly due to budget disputes. These setbacks suggest that Netflix may be moving away from both Cavill and Snyder, despite their earlier collaborations.
James Gunn’s Position After the Netflix-WB Merger
Amid all the rumors, recent reports indicate that James Gunn’s role at DC Studios is secure. Warner Bros. shareholders favored Netflix’s acquisition bid, in part because it included keeping Gunn and his co-CEO Peter Safran in charge. Netflix has stated it plans to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and continue with theatrical releases, signaling stability rather than upheaval.
Industry insiders report that Gunn and Safran have had their contracts extended through spring 2027, and Warner Bros. is offering retention bonuses to top executives. Gunn’s first DCU film outperformed competitors at the box office, prompting the studio to greenlight a sequel and move forward with additional projects. According to Gunn’s co-CEO, they are considered “irreplaceable” at the helm of DC Studios, and no major changes are expected in the near future.
Both Man of Steel and the latest Superman film are currently available to stream on HBO Max.