Is Henry Cavill hanging up his cape? That was the question on everyone's lips yesterday, as it was rumoured that the British star was parting ways with Warner Bros. after playing the Man of Steel for three films.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, negotiations between Cavill and the movie studio have broken down and the door is now closed on other potential Superman appearances. Although not officially confirmed, a statement from the American entertainment company could certainly be read into. "While no decisions have been made regarding any upcoming Superman films, we’ve always had great respect for and a great relationship with Henry Cavill, and that remains unchanged," it says.
If the gossip is true, it leads us to a very important question. Namely: who will be next to take on the role of Clark Kent's alter-ego? If tittle-tattle is anything to go on, Michael B. Jordan is top of the list for his replacement. According to film pundits in the know, the Black Panther star could be next to wear the red cape.
Speculation is rife that Jordan's appointment may be a part of the studio's attempts to change up the traditional superhero. Deadline has reported that Warner Bros. "has been mulling a completely different direction with its Superman canon for some time".
In addition, an unidentified studio source told The Hollywood Reporter: "Superman is like James Bond, and after a certain run you have to look at new actors. There’s a recognition that some parts of the previous movies didn’t work," while a second source suggested the studio is hoping to hit a "reset" button after a string of failures, as well as a lack of critical acclaim among the DC films.
The news that it may be over for Cavill comes in the same week as former Mad Men actor Jon Hamm announced his interest in playing Batman during an interview with In Depth host, Graham Bensinger.
"I am a huge comic book fan, always have been," said Hamm. "I’ve read comic books since I was nine or younger. And I’m pretty knowledgeable about a lot of them. And I like the genre, and I like when they’re done well."
However, if the Baby Driver actor wants to see this idea follow through, he may have to talk to someone at Warner Bros. about it. Going on to admit he hadn't brought it up with studio bosses yet, Hamm said: "I’d probably fit the suit. I’d have to work out a lot, which I don’t love. But, I am sure there’s an interesting version of that being out there. And if they wanted to tap me on the shoulder and ask me to do it, why not?"
It's certainly a change in tune for Hamm, who has previously stated that he has been offered several roles in superhero films, but has turned them down. "For me to sign on now to do a superhero movie would mean I would be working until I am fifty as that particular superhero," he said. "It’s a lot of work at one thing, which is not necessarily the reason I got into the business - which is to do many things. If you want to spend all day pressing the same key that… seems an odd choice."
So, Jon Hamm as Batman? Michael B. Jordan as Superman? Boy, it's going to be an exciting year for Warner Bros.
