James Gunn and Peter Safran’s vision for the DC Universe, sadly, led to the removal of Henry Cavill from the superhero universe. Even though he was super excited to don the red cape once again after his cameo in Black Adam, his return was quite short-lived. Fans have yet to warm up to the promise of a new, younger superhero, as the wounds of Henry Cavill’s removal are still quite fresh.
The studios and Henry Cavill have made it crystal clear that this version of Superman will no longer be a part of the ensemble. Despite all that, fans have kept a tiny flicker of hope burning that they’ll get to see him again in the DCU, even if it is just through a small cameo. And now, a fresh synopsis of The Flash has made a small, but noticeable reference to Henry Cavill’s Superman.
The Flash Synopsis Mentions Henry Cavill’s Superman
It was once revealed by insider KC Walsh that Henry Cavill was going to have a cameo in The Flash, where Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen was going to see Cavill’s Clark Kent in the speed force. Rumors also suggested that Gal Gadot too would have a cameo in The Flash, alongside Cavill. Later on, reports stated that both the actors’ cameos have been cut from the film.
Recently, Warner Bros dropped a new synopsis for the upcoming film which mentions Cavill’s Superman. However, the reference is brief and does not promise a cameo from the Man of Steel actor in the flesh. It’s simply an ambiguous mention. The synopsis reads,
“Worlds collide in ‘The Flash”’ when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for.”
Miller’s Barry Allen and Cavill’s Clark Kent go back to the Justice League days. Adding to that, Barry is aware of the fact that Clark has previously defeated General Zod, who has returned for the upcoming film. As the synopsis states, Barry will be on the lookout for some teammates and will end up rescuing an “Imprisoned Kryptonian.” However, the Kryptonian is not going to be “The one he’s looking for.” This means that Barry’s first choice has to be Clark, even though he’ll end up teaming up with Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, instead.
The synopsis does suggest that The Flash will somehow make a reference to Cavill’s Superman. Unfortunately, though, the reference doesn’t mean that fans will get to see Cavill back in action. But, we’ll take what we can get, right?
Are the Fans Warming Up to the New Superman?
Peter Safran and James Gunn are starting off their DCU Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters with Superman: Legacy, which will see a newer, younger Superman in action. They have clarified that the film is not going to be another origin film but will see him balancing his “Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing,” as stated by Safran. Gunn also stated this Superman will have “innate goodness” as his defining characteristic.
Even though the slate was met with positive reviews overall, fans are still hurt and feel betrayed. They want Cavill’s Superman to stay and that’s the end of discussions. It will take fans a lot of time to warm up to the new Superman, whoever it may be. After the cameo in Black Adam, it was assumed that Cavill will have a bigger role in the upcoming future of the DCU, maybe even a sequel to Man of Steel. However, we all know how that turned out! The ending to his story was undoubtedly abrupt. Maybe a proper send-off could have helped heal the fans’ wounds a little bit and a mere reference to his Superman does not seem like one!
The Flash is set to release in theatres on June 16, 2023.
Source: The Direct
