Reason why Henry Cavill left role as Superman weeks after returning as new film sets Rotten Tomatoes record

Henry Cavill lost the role of Clark Kent just a short set of weeks after announcing his return on social media, with the role of Superman instead going to David Corenswet.

The new Superman, led by Corenswet and directed by James Gunn, is set to be released in just two days in the UK.

Early screenings in the US, however, mean that the verdict on Corenswet, and the wider attempt to reboot Superman, is in, with the movie actually setting a Rotten Tomatoes record.

Where the attention of many will be focused, however, is what led to Henry Cavill believing he was returning for a fourth try at playing Clark Kent.

What led to Henry Cavill announcing he was returning as Superman before clarifying this was no longer happening two months later?

Cavill posted on Instagram announcing the news in October 2022, saying: “I wanted to make it official: I am back as Superman.

“Thank you for your support and thank you for your patience. I promise it will be rewarded.”

Henry Cavill as Superman (Warner Brothers)

Just a month later, however, Peter Safran and Superman director James Gunn were hired as the new co-CEOs of DC Studios, and were reported to be looking to go in a different direction.

This was confirmed in December 2022 when it was announced the search was on for a new actor, with Cavill posting the news on his Instagram.

He admitted that, though he was told by the studio to announce his return, the change in regime meant that he would not be returning.

Among this statement, the British actor gave a hint towards the reasoning, saying: “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.”

What has James Gunn said about Henry Cavill being replaced and what is the Rotten Tomatoes record the new Superman set?

James Gunn responded to people questioning why Henry Cavill was replaced by saying that he was ‘never fired’ because he was ‘never cast’.

He went on to say: “For me, it’s about who do I want to cast as Superman and who do the filmmakers we have want to cast.

“For me, for this story, it isn’t Henry.”

And it seems Gunn’s gamble paid off, with initial reactions to the new movie being overwhelmingly positive.

This has led to Superman having the highest Rotten Tomatoes audience score of any DC film ever, higher even than The Dark Knight.

It sits at a whopping 96 percent at the minute, with one review of the film by a fan saying: “A movie for those who love Superman. A movie for those who love the DC Universe. A movie for those who hope. Adored it.”

Robbie Collin of the Daily Telegraph said in his four star review: “In a genre infamous for feints and teases, Gunn’s kitchen-sink approach feels refreshingly generous, and his excitement for the character shines through.”

Superman is available to watch on July 11 in the UK.