People Are Going Batty About Henry Cavill’s Superman As Warner Releases A Cryptic Statement

On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter claimed Henry Cavill will no longer be playing Superman, which just stokes more confusion around a cinematic universe that is already restructuring, hired multiple Jokers, and might have lost their Batman. For what it’s worth, that report may prove to be wrong, as Cavill’s manager, Dany Garcia, denied it:

— Dany Garcia (@DanyGarciaCo) September 12, 2018

Warner did issue a statement, but it’s vague, pointing out that “no decisions have been made” and that they have “always had great respect for and a great relationship with Henry Cavill, and that remains unchanged.” Okay, but does he still work for you

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 12, 2018

Meanwhile, Tatiana Siegel, deputy film editor at The Hollywood Reporter, said Warner were the ones who decided to part with Cavill, and Cavill himself posted a cryptic message on Instagram.

People are, not surprisingly, confused:

— ~Oracle (@4eyedRaven) September 13, 2018

WB's statement about Henry Cavill's role as Superman is like when someone tell you "he's still with us" at a funeral

— Walt (@UberKryptonian) September 12, 2018

And Reddit took the news well, if by “well” you envision the GIF of Kermit the Frog frantically waving his arms and screaming.

Meanwhile, on Twitter, shots were fired:

— Darth Kriss (@insanityreport) September 12, 2018

Can't wait for the Superman reboot in a few years that'll bring back the red trunks, John Williams' theme, and Superman smiling in every scene while saying things like "Golly Lois, that's just swell!" pic.twitter.com/1wqbktClwZ

— MisterBatfleck (@Mister_BatfIeck) September 12, 2018

Henry Cavill isn't Superman anymore.

It's not even 9 am but today is over. pic.twitter.com/B9piKBFDzB

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) September 12, 2018

Batman v Superman: Does the world need Superman

Warner Bros: Nah

— Alex Leadbeater (@ADLeadbeater) September 12, 2018

And many people had one specific replacement in mind:

— ℍ (@DanHevia) September 12, 2018

That picture is just a photoshop of Nic Cage’s head on a doll’s body, but Nic Cage really did suit up for a shelved Superman project that sounds fittingly bonkers. You can see pictures of that costume test here, or check these out:

— Dantooine (@Danburden1138) September 12, 2018

Henry Cavill is out as Superman It's time to call in the one man born to play the Man of Steel. It's time for Nic Cage. https://t.co/jUQqEcw58i

— Rev. Mike Jones (@mikejonesradio) September 12, 2018

Some suggested other possible Superman replacements:

— beloved comedy institution “the pixelated boat” (@pixelatedboat) September 12, 2018

We've got someone in mind for the next Superman… pic.twitter.com/GPxael0BDL

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) September 12, 2018

Okay Oscar Isaac as Batman.

Michael B Jordan as Superman.

And they show up in Justice League 2 and everyone proceeds as usual

— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) September 13, 2018

Possible Superman replacements:

– Keanu

– Nic Cage

– Idris Elba

– Wonder Woman

– the guy who punched Richard Spencer

– Maxine Waters

– Moana

– the lady who gave Trump’s motorcade the finger

— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) September 12, 2018

I'M GONNA SAY THIS ONE MORE TIME AND YOU BETTER LISTEN

BILL HADER AND ALISON BRIE FOR "SUPERMAN"

— Daniel Kibblesmith ☃️ (@kibblesmith) September 12, 2018

Cast Geralt as Superman you cowards pic.twitter.com/moLlJ0HESS

— GameSpot (@GameSpot) September 12, 2018

everyone please join my change dot org petition to cast ben affleck as the new superman and henry cavill as the new batman

— Cameron Poe Dameron (@verbal_kunt) September 12, 2018

Others spun a conspiracy about how convenient it is that this news broke just as the ever-chipper Werner Herzog revealed he’s filmed scenes in a mystery franchise.

— Ross Miller (@rosstmiller) September 12, 2018

Some made a catty reference about another actor who was gone too soon, and an actor who’s managed to stick around without even being in a movie yet.

— Patrick Willems (@patrickhwillems) September 12, 2018

The Rock was cast as Black Adam for DC in 2007 & has outlasted Batman & Superman with 0 appearances, a true legend. pic.twitter.com/eAUxIF4trn

— Arminies of Solotollogy (@Arminies) September 12, 2018

People offered constructive criticism to Warner Brothers:

Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Superman, and Batman are four different characters.

No Justice League movie will work on a fundamental level until they spend time nailing that down.

— Ryan Broderick (@broderick) September 12, 2018

Warner Bros.

Your franchise is in shambles.

Make Superman black.

Destroy the internet.

Do it.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Do it.

— Hayes Brown (@HayesBrown) September 12, 2018

Here's a thought for the DC film universe: Stop trying to make it a freakin' universe. Focus on making good films that work in themselves.

— John Scalzi (@scalzi) September 12, 2018

Others offered support to Henry Cavill, who really did seem to do the best he could with what he was given:

— Rron R2 is a romantic comedy shill. (@rron007) September 12, 2018

Finally, people gave suggestions for what Cavill could do next:

— Jeremy Conrad (@ManaByte) September 12, 2018

Man From UNCLE 2, a nation turns its lonely eyes to u

— Nicole Cliffe (@Nicole_Cliffe) September 12, 2018

Via Reddit

(Hat tip to Blastr, Dorkly, We Got This Covered, and /r/DC_Cinematic)