James Gunn, co-chair of DC Studios, recently confirmed his ongoing desire to include Henry Cavill in the DC Universe, with Cavill reportedly open to the idea. Despite a brief and contentious tenure as Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), fans and creators alike feel his portrayal did not fully realize its potential, leaving many curious about what new characters Cavill might embody in the refreshed DCU landscape.
The relationship between Henry Cavill and DC has been uncertain until recently, but Gunn clarified on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that Cavill’s cameo in the Black Adam movie was the result of a misunderstanding. He emphasized that Cavill remains on good terms with him, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran, and the broader DC team. Upon taking control of DC Studios, Gunn and Safran engaged Cavill in discussions about future opportunities within the rebooted DCU continuity.
So yeah, no, I would, I would love to put Henry in something,
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-chair
Since Cavill’s former Superman role is now recast with David Corenswet, various other DC Comics characters are considered as potential new parts for him. Fans have actively speculated about seven intriguing roles Cavill could take to reestablish himself within the DCU.
The Appeal of Batman as a New Role for Cavill
While the DCU is deliberately pacing its Batman introduction, many fans regard the character as the crown jewel of DC franchises. It’s unsurprising that Cavill is often suggested as a candidate for Batman, a figure whose dark and brooding nature aligns well with Cavill’s intense Superman portrayal. Physically, Cavill’s stature and screen presence make him well-suited to embody the Dark Knight.
However, casting Cavill as Batman may lead to confusion among more casual audiences, as it could complicate or imply multiverse connections rather than simply serving as a nod to longtime fans. Additionally, the extensive commitment required for the Batman role might not align with Cavill’s current career priorities, especially since the DCU’s growth demands significant time and effort.
Henry Cavill as Ra’s al Ghul: A Villainous Possibility
An intriguing option for Cavill is the villain Ra’s al Ghul, the immortal leader of the League of Assassins. Cavill’s physical attributes, including his tall, muscular build and dark hair with a widow’s peak, fit well with this character’s appearance. His experience with on-screen sword fighting and stunt work would also serve this part convincingly. Importantly, this role could reintroduce Cavill to the DCU sooner rather than later.
The upcoming introduction of Batman’s son, Damian Wayne, who is linked to Ra’s al Ghul through his mother Talia, suggests the League of Assassins will figure prominently in future storylines, creating a natural entry point for Cavill’s portrayal of Ra’s. Some fans have similarly proposed Cavill as Vandal Savage, another immortal adversary, although both characters share similarities, making it unlikely they would appear simultaneously. Ra’s al Ghul seems the stronger candidate for Cavill’s arrival.
Metallo: A Metropolis-Based Antagonist for Cavill
Metallo, a lesser-known yet formidable Superman antagonist, stands out as another fan-favorite candidate. The identity mostly linked to John Corben, a soldier transformed into a cyborg powered by green Kryptonite, presents an opportunity for Cavill to remain connected to the Metropolis corner of the DCU.
Unlike more famous villains, Metallo allows Cavill to carve out a new niche with creative freedom, since it’s a multifaceted character with a rich comic history but fewer high-profile portrayals. This role offers a fresh challenge while retaining ties to the Superman mythos, although it may be a more limited or short-term part for Cavill’s DCU future.
John Constantine: A British Anti-Hero for Cavill
John Constantine, the British occult detective, is another intriguing suggestion, partly based on Cavill’s natural British accent. Constantine would provide a darker, edgier counterbalance to the more traditional superhero personalities in the DCU. While not a conventional hero, his anti-hero status and mystical adventures could broaden the DCU’s tonal range.
Cavill’s lack of the character’s trademark blond hair is offset by his demonstrated ability to don wigs convincingly, as seen in The Witcher. The more notable difference is Cavill’s larger physique, which contrasts with Constantine’s typically lean build. Nonetheless, the role could offer an appealing and distinct direction for Cavill’s talents.
Captain Atom: Energy-Powered Hero with Superman-Level Strength
Fans seeking a role for Cavill that retains the power and prominence of Superman suggest Captain Atom, aka Nathaniel Adam. A former soldier transformed into a being composed largely of raw energy after a scientific experiment, Captain Atom is a powerful Justice League member. His story fits well with the DCU’s first narrative arc, Gods and Monsters, making this a logical next step.
Captain Atom’s strength and heroic stature are comparable to Superman’s, allowing Cavill to maintain his association with a powerhouse character in the DCU, while still moving into fresh territory distinct from Clark Kent’s legacy.
Etrigan the Demon: A Distinctly Different Role
At first pass, casting Cavill as Etrigan—a demon bound to a human soul—may seem surprising, but this position offers a wholly different challenge. Complete with prosthetic effects and CGI, Cavill could enkindle this prince of Hell with a compelling physicality. The character’s link to the legendary wizard Merlin (his half-brother) means Cavill could perform a British-accented role, consistent with his strengths.
The history between Etrigan and the human Jason, to whom he is bound, would allow Cavill to explore dual aspects of a connected identity, providing rich narrative opportunities. Their medieval exploits also could tie into the DCU’s broader mythological threads, alongside figures like Ra’s al Ghul and Wonder Woman. However, integrating them into upcoming storylines could prove challenging.
Alternate Versions of Superman: A Short-Term Strategy
Some fans have suggested Cavill portray alternate iterations of Superman, such as the versions from the alternate universes of Red Son or Injustice, or even a clone like Bizarro. While appealing for its nostalgic value, this approach risks feeling gimmicky within the current DCU framework and may not offer Cavill a lasting role.
Similarly, casting him as other Kryptonians, including General Zod, seems less likely to provide a fresh creative start for the actor or the franchise. It would complicate the new universe’s narrative and could confuse fans eager for new directions.
Beyond these seven possibilities, countless other characters in DC Comics offer potential for Cavill to contribute meaningfully to the universe’s expansion. Fans eager to revisit his Superman will find his earlier portrayals available on HBO Max while witnessing the ongoing evolution of the DCU in theaters now.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How old was Tara King when she dated Henry Cavill? King was 18 years old when she and Cavill first began dating and was 19 by the time they split in May 2016.
A. Did Henry Cavill have a relationship with someone who was 18 years old?
Q. What religion is Henry Cavill?
A. Henry Cavill entered the world on May 5, 1983, as the fourth of five sons in a Catholic family. They lived in Saint Helier, Jersey, which is part of the Channel Islands. His mom, Marianne Dalgliesh, was born in Jersey. She has Scottish, English, and Irish roots and worked as a bank secretary.
Q. Is Henry Cavill LGBT friendly?
A. Yes, he is happy and values the support from his gay fans, as most actors do. That’s positive for him!
Q. Who has a crush on Henry Cavill?
A. Tiffany Haddish revealed she had a big crush on Henry Cavill. When they met, she felt he was somewhat awkward. Haddish joked about discussing Dungeons & Dragons with him. She thought he was not as impressive as expected.
