One of the hot topics among DC fans heading into San Diego Comic-Con was whether Henry Cavill would make a surprise appearance to announce that he would be reprising his role as Superman. Those hopes were dashed when he didn’t show up at today’s Warner Bros. panel, prompting speculation that someone else might take on the famous cape.
Johnson seemed to confirm that Cavill would not be returning to the DCEU when he answered whether Black Adam could defeat Superman in a fight.
“That’s a great question … don’t threaten me with a good time, because I’m going to answer that question,” Johnson said. “Well, I will say, as you know, because we’re all deep into this mythology, and it’s been an age-old question of who would win in a fight between Black Adam and Superman. Pound for pound, they’re very close. I guess it probably all depends whoever plays Superman – I’ll just say this. I’ll leave it at that.”
John’s response was booed, as it seemed to suggest that the role was open and that Cavill would not be playing Superman again. Black Adam director Jaume Collet-Serra also confirmed that neither Superman nor Shazam would appear in Black Adam.
“Our movie is an original story. When the movie ends, he doesn’t know who Shazam or Superman is,” Collet-Serra told Deadline.
DC movies in (chronological) order.
However, Johnson still hints that Superman could return to the DCEU sooner rather than later, even if it’s a different actor playing him. Speaking to IGN, Johnson brought up who else but Superman when asked what it really meant that the “power hierarchy” in the DC Universe would be changing.
“The one sitting on top of the DC Universe is Superman. The one scratching his back is Black Adam,” Johnson said.
When asked if that dynamic would continue after the film, Johnson said, “I think so. That’s the fun part of movies that we get to do and be in the DC realm and bring to life a character who is very close to Superman.
“And I always like to remind people that Superman has two weaknesses: kryptonite and magic. Black Adam, one of his anchor powers is magic. Now, there are a lot of other elements involved, but I will tell you that this it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of doing Black Adam. And I’m right there with all the fans, what if? What if that happened? What if this guy met this guy? Or what if this guy met this woman ? What if”.
Every new DCEU character according to Peacemaker
One way or another, Superman remains the mastermind behind many DC fans. Cavill’s version of the character last appeared in 2017’s Justice League, but 2021’s Snyder Cut helped bring him back into the spotlight. Cavill himself has sworn that he is “still Superman” and that he has not given up the role.
Looking ahead to the upcoming DCEU roster, Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods is slated to arrive later this year, with Batgirl, Aquaman 2, The Flash, and Blue Beetle all coming in 2023. The Flash is shaping up to be a major event for the DCEU, but has been dragged down by the controversy surrounding Ezra Miller.
For now, Superman remains missing in action, and San Diego Comic-Con did little to clarify the character’s future in the DCEU. But hey, there’s always Superman and Lois, right? In the meantime, stay tuned for everything announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 as the show continues.
Kat Bailey is a senior news editor at IGN and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Do you have a tip? DM him @the_katbot.