The fact that Henry Cavill read one particular DC comic to prep forJustice League8 years ago makes the culmination of hisDCEUstory so much sadder.Henry Cavill’s depiction of the Man of Steelwas among the mostcelebrated aspects of the DCEU, often becoming the saving grace of the movies in which he appeared. His debut inMan of Steelwas met with middling reviews (though sentiments have improved with hindsight), which worsened forBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceand 2017’sJustice League.
The unfortunate trajectory of the DCEUwould ultimately lead to the announcement of a total reboot, the DCU, which is already underway with the release ofCreature Commandosin December. The reboot announcement was soon followed by the poorly-received confirmation that Henry Cavill’s Superman would be replaced with a fresher-faced model, just weeks after Cavill had confirmed his return. Looking back at Cavill’s tenure is a particularly poignant endeavor now, and rendered even more heartbreaking by a comment from 2017.
Henry Cavill’s DCEU Superman Comic Prep Makes His Hero’s Story Even Sadder
Henry Cavill Was Reading DC Rebirth To Prepare For His DCEU Future
The release of 2017’sJustice Leaguewas accompanied by a companion publication, “Justice League: Official Collector’s Edition Book.” Within these pages,Cavill expresses his enthusiasm for Superman and his role in bringing the newest iteration to the big screen, despite the supersuit that he was required to wear being quite an uncomfortable part of the process. He also reveals that he had been “diving into” DC Comics' latest initiative:DC Rebirth.Rebirthwas a relaunch of DC’s mainline characters following the relatively unpopular “The New 52” initiative. Cavill’s quote is as follows:
“Putting the suit on was fantastic. I love wearing that suit. No matter how warm or uncomfortable it gets, it’s the Superman suit. There’s no feeling like it. It’s a truly unique, special thing and I hope I get to do it for many more years. I’m really happy.”
“I do indeed – especially with Rebirth, which has just come out. I’ve been really diving into that. It’s fun to see where the DC Comics Universe is going, and to see how closely our movie universe is matching it.”
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While they weren’t directly tied,DC Rebirthintended to draw significant inspiration from the then-four-year-old DCEU and vice-versa. Reading Cavill’s hopeful comments now, particularly his hope to continue embodying the role for “many more years,” is especially disheartening. Realistically,Cavill’s excitement at seeing how much the DCEU would followDCRebirthwould never be satisfied, as 2017’sJustice Leaguewould be the last time thatCavill’s Superman would appear on the big screenin earnest, save for a brief cameo atthe end of 2022’sBlack Adam.
The Plans For The DCEU Would’ve Gone Far Closer To Cavill’s DC Comic Prep
DC Rebirth And The DCEU Were Returning To DC’s Brighter Routes
DC Rebirthwas intended to remedy the less well-received aspects ofTheNew 52bybringing DC Comics' most beloved characters closer to its brighter, more lighthearted roots. The criticisms leveled at this initiative are mirrored by those leveled at the early DCEU, as detractors from each franchise were put off by their dark tones and the positioning of DC’s superheroes as mythical figures largely detached from humanity. FollowingJustice League, the DCEU’s pivot to a more vivacious tone became apparent.
It’s easy to see where Henry Cavill’s enthusiasm stemmed from, therefore, knowing that DC Rebirth was a sign of things to come in the DCEU.
It’s easy to see where Henry Cavill’s enthusiasm stemmed from, therefore, knowing thatDC Rebirthwas a sign of things to come in the DCEU.Man of Steel 2would likely have looked very differentto its predecessor,painting Superman in a light more akin to the DCU’s depiction in 2025’sSuperman. Movies likeShazam!,Birds of Prey, andThe Suicide Squadwere not only indicative of Warner Bros.' intentions but proved that this was the right move for the franchise. Sadly, however, Cavill’sJustice Leagueprep was ultimately for naught.
Justice League
Cast
2017’s Justice League brings together iconic DC heroes under the direction of Zack Snyder. In the aftermath of Superman’s sacrifice, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince recruit metahumans Barry Allen, Arthur Curry, and Victor Stone to combat the dire threat posed by Steppenwolf and his Parademons.
