The DC Extended Universe is indeed in flux right now because James Gunn is rebooting it and creating the new DC Universe – there have been several characters that are confirmed to be recast. There are some major changes happening, both good and bad. One wouldn’t be surprised if some of the movies act as a soft reboot, changing little things here and there. However, it would be a huge surprise to know that the upcoming DC reboot has confirmed no return of some of its most anticipated actors (in the best-fit roles).
Top 6 Actors Who Left Their Jobs in the New DCU
The following are the six actors that will never return (because they’ve been recast or ended their contract) to the new DCU. The list will likely grow as James Gunn confirms the goodbye of more and more actors with every upcoming project.
1. Henry Cavill
It is confirmed that David Corenswet has officially been cast as Clark Kent/Superman, replacing Henry Cavill. DC Studios wanted a younger actor for James Gunn’s DC Universe relaunch, and Cavil didn’t fit his plans for the upcoming Superman release. It looks like DC Studio didn’t want Cavill anymore, and that’s the reason he quit the role on his own.
Cavill had been Superman since 2013’s Zack Synder’s Man of Steel — with his final appearance as Superman in Justice League (2021).
2. Amy Adams
Amy Adams has been playing Lois Lane in the DC Extended Universe, starting with Man of Steel (2013). She appeared as the witty journalist in several other movies, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League.
Although there were rumors that Adams would return as Lois Lane, she is now being replaced by Rachel Brosnahan, who will join David Corenswet in Superman: Legacy.
3. Jesse Eisenberg
Jesse Eisenberg was heavily criticized for being jittery in the role of Lex Luther, and he will not be returning as the villain in James Gunn’s DC reboot.
Because the state of the DCEU has shifted since these movies, Eisenberg’s Lex has not appeared. At this point, even Eisenberg didn’t think he’d ever revisit that role.
It has also been reported that there are a few actors shortlisted to play the villain in Superman: Legacy.
4. Michael Cassidy
The character of Jimmy Olsen was played by Michael Cassidy in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The character died early in the film after being exposed as a CIA agent.
Now, James Gunn has confirmed that Jimmy Olsen will be in the Superman: Legacy as part of the Daily Planet with Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
Although there’s been no confirmation about who’ll be the next Olsen, Skyler Gisondo has been rumored to take on the role.
5. Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne will not be seen as Perry White anymore. He portrayed the role in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice during his time in the DCEU. It was said that there was a scheduling conflict, and that’s the reason he wasn’t able to continue.
Besides this, the role of Perry White looks significant as Gunn has called the film a “workplace origin story.” While the character is yet to be cast, Gunn has hinted that Chris Pratt would be fantastic for the role.
6. Ben Affleck
Batman is returning in the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold (following Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne).
James Gunn recently confirmed that the film doesn’t have a script yet, nor have they begun the process of casting the new Batman. But this time, one of the most talked-about Batman, Ben Affleck, will no longer be seen in the role. According to sources, DC “changed stuff around, so he is no longer necessary to the plot.”