With theDC Universe’s new rendition ofSupermanjust around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on Henry Cavill’s tenure and how one scene in particular makes me miss the erstwhile Man of Steel. The DC Universe is already underway withCreature Commandosnow airing onMax, but its live-action cinematic offerings will commence withJames Gunn’sSupermanon August 19, 2025. The release date falls a year and a half after the DCEU released its final movie,Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and nearly three years since the announcement that Henry Cavill would no longer embody the role.
Cavill’s departure is indicative of DC Studios' intention to draw a line beneath the preceding era. Aside from a handful of exceptions, most of theDCEU’s cast will be replaced in the DCUas it adopts a new aesthetic and ethos. Arguably, none of these recasts pack as much of a sting as Henry Cavill, whose depiction of Superman was among thebest-loved aspects of the DCEU. The DCEU movies in which Superman starred may have been divisive, but plenty of scenes demonstrate just how well Cavill embodied the role.
Henry Cavill’s Superman Era Is Back In Focus As The DCU Kicks Off
Fans Are Still Calling For Cavill’s Return
Despite my confidence in David Corenswet afterthe firstSupermanteaser trailer, I know I’m not alone in lamenting Cavill’s departure. The biggest challenge now facing Corenswet, who so far seems to be portraying a particularly vulnerable version of Superman, is measuring up to Henry Cavill’s depiction. Cavill conveyed similar traits throughout his tenure, often appearing as a tortured soul uncertain about his status as a near-invincible alien among mortals he tasked himself with protecting. His grounded portrayal explored how Superman would slot into a world not unlike our own while perfectly matching his physical attributes.
10 Henry Cavill Superman Scenes That Set The Bar High For Superman: Legacy
Superman: Legacy, James Gunn’s Superman reboot, has the difficult mission of introducing a new Man of Steel shortly after Henry Cavill’s exit.
Cavill’s celebrated portrayal of Kal-El has brought the question of when and how he could return to the forenow thatSupermanis around the corner. Despite Gunn definitively drawing a line beneath the DCEU, the first hurdle for the new franchise to overcome is ensuring that its new flagship character can live up to the mantle like his predecessor. I’d wager that much of this residual desire to see more of Cavill’s Kal-El is thanks to the fact that he was never granted enough screen time in his own franchise.
Superman’s Future Is Bright, But Henry Cavill Was Underused
However Corenswet’s Superman is received, James Gunn at least has the opportunity to capitalize on a DCEU misfire. While both cinematic franchises opened with Superman,the DCU has an opportunity to make its flagship character much more prolific than his predecessor.Despite being the foremostfan-favorite of the DCEU’s cast, Superman was front-and-center in only his first DCEU movie. Cavill shared his other main appearances with other members of the Justice League before the DCEU came to an end, causing fans of his character to lament his overall absence.
Cameo
June 08, 2025
Across eight years,Superman appeared just four times in the DCEU and once in a cameo(that showed his face, anyway). Two of these appearances were different versions ofJustice League, whileBatman v Supermanfelt like more of a Batman vehicle, given the Caped Crusader had yet to star in a solo movie.Man of Steelmay have divided audiences and critics, but I can’t help but think thatMan of Steel 2might have helpedchange the fate of the DCEU before it was too late. Unfortunately, we can only reflect fondly onMan of Steel’s best scene.
This Superman DCEU Scene Was Henry Cavill’s Best
Henry Cavill Looks Incredibly Powerful But Is Also Calm And Cooperative
For me, the DCU’sSupermantrailer successfully sparked the sense of wonder that should be synonymous with the character. Its bright color scheme looks like it has been taken straight from the comics, while several action-packed moments and mind-blowing visuals promise spectacle in spades. At the same time, I thinkHenry Cavill’s grounded take on the Man of Steel excelled most in theMan of Steelscene that showed him surrendering to the US military. With a full contingent of ordnance pointed directly at him, Henry Cavill exuded a quiet confidence that showed he was truly indestructible.
Henry Cavill reportedly based his Superman performance on comic books alone.
Superman could decimate the world but actively chooses to defend it instead. Henry Cavill, as he hovered unswayed above the might of the military, conveyed this perfectly in the scene. He surrenders to the military and accepts handcuffs, later stating to Lois that he wears them to make his “captors” feel secure. He is untouchable and assured, but willing to work with humanity on their terms.
I have no doubt that David Corenswet will perfectly embody that part of Superman that wishes for people to feel safe around him, as his argument for wearing trunks demonstrated.
I have no doubt that David Corenswet will perfectly embody that part of Superman that wishes for people to feel safe around him, as his argument for wearing trunks demonstrated. I’m also sure that his and James Gunn’s knowledge of and love for the character will manifest as one ofthe best renditions ofSupermanon the big screen. Nevertheless, this scene helps me understand why so many lament the loss of Cavill.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
