Monday’s announcement that James Gunn and Peter Safran had been fired as the heads of DC Studios has renewed questions about the franchise’s future—including whether Henry Cavill could get another chance to play Superman.
Cavill is leaving that possibility open. In a new interview, the actor borrowed some advice from a cartoon bird while promoting a retro video game about saving the world’s mustaches.
His answer offers encouragement for fans who want him back in the cape, leaving the door open without suggesting another comeback is already in the works.
Cavill Borrows Advice From a Cartoon Pigeon
Speaking with Inverse, Cavill was asked whether he would consider playing Superman again. The interviewer suggested Kingdom Come, the 1996 four-issue DC Elseworlds miniseries written by Mark Waid and painted by Alex Ross, which features older versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
“Look, there’s lots of fantastic storylines. There’s always a lot of opportunity,” Cavill said. “As the pigeon sang to Fievel in An American Tail, ‘never say never.’ And I buy into that. I’ve had such a wonderful time playing Superman in the past. I would never say never now.”
The exchange does not directly address Gunn and Safran’s departure or indicate that Cavill has discussed a return with DC’s new leadership. Still, his affection for the character clearly remains intact.
Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel – YouTube, Warner Bros.
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The interview accompanied his collaboration with Google on Mustache Protocol, an ’80s-inspired side-scroller built using Google’s AI tools. Players battle rogue CGI artists attempting to erase the world’s mustaches.
It is a playful callback to the production conflict between Mission: Impossible—Fallout and the Justice League reshoots. Cavill had grown a mustache for the spy thriller, and Paramount would not allow him to shave it while production continued. His Superman scenes consequently required a digital shave, producing the much-discussed appearance of his upper lip.
Now, that awkward chapter has become material for a game—and a charitable promotion supporting Movember.
A Superman Comeback That Never Materialized
Although the films featuring Cavill’s Superman divided audiences, his portrayal developed a devoted following. His appearance during the credits of 2022’s Black Adam briefly suggested those fans would see more of him.
On October 24, 2022, Cavill publicly announced that he was returning to the role. The following day, Gunn and Safran were announced as DC Studios’ new leaders.
Henry Cavill as Superman in Black Adam – Warner Bros.
By December 14, the comeback was over. Cavill revealed that he had met with the pair and would not be returning, while Gunn explained that his planned Superman film would follow an earlier period in the character’s life.
“I will, after all, not be returning as Superman,” Cavill wrote on Instagram. “After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.”
It was a gracious response to a public disappointment. His latest comments retain that warmth toward Superman without revisiting the circumstances of his departure.
Still Superman to His Daughter
Whatever happens at DC Studios, Cavill shared a reminder that his connection to Superman extends beyond casting announcements.
“Sometimes people send my daughter Superman stuff as a joke. Just the other day, we opened this Superman toy, and she looked at it and said, ‘It’s Dada!’”
Henry Cavill as Superman – Warner Bros. Discovery
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Cavill said his young daughter does not yet know who Superman is, making her reaction particularly touching.
“It really brought it home to me, and it really, really, really warmed my heart,” he said.
“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have that opportunity and to have had that experience of her looking at that Superman toy.”
For now, Cavill seems content to take a talking cartoon bird’s advice and “never say never.” Whether another Superman appearance follows remains uncertain, but at least this time he gets to keep the mustache.
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