It’s been five years since Henry Cavill last appeared as the DC Extended Universe's Superman, but the actor finally reprised his role thanks to a cameo in Black Adam.

Advertisement

And now, the actor has spoken out about what it was like stepping back into the cape and tights during a conversation with MTV's Josh Horowitz during a talk at the 92nd Street Y (via The Hollywood Reporter).

He said: "I went to Warner Bros' studio in the UK and got back in the suit. It was a very powerful moment for me."

The star also explained that he deliberately chose the Man of Steel suit for the scene, which he donned for his first ever appearance as Superman.

"I wasn't sure how I would feel… whether it would be something very emotionally connective because I put the Man of Steel suit back on. I chose that one in particular because of the nostalgia attached to the suit," he continued.

But Cavill was immensely grateful for the opportunity and says he "never gave up hope" that he would portray Superman again in the future.

He added: "The character means so much to me. It's been five years now. I never gave up hope. It's amazing to be here now talking about it again. There is such a bright future ahead for the character. I'm so excited to tell a story with an enormously joyful Superman."

Naturally, Cavill's appearance in the Black Adam mid-credits scene left fans wondering about what the future holds for his character. So, will there be a Man of Steel 2? Read on for everything you need to know.

Will there be a Man of Steel 2?

Henry Cavill stars in Man of Steel (2013)
Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel (2013). SEAC

Quite possibly! Excuse the non-committal answer, but there have been a number of false starts down the road to another Superman solo movie, so we're trying not to get overexcited.

The first film's success did pave the way for 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, with the crossover flick likely prioritised to help Warner Bros expand its shared DC Comics universe as quickly as possible.

However, the studio did circle back around to Man of Steel 2 in the summer of 2016, spending the next three years toying with the project, but ultimately failing to get it made.

After Henry Cavill didn't show up for Superman cameos in Shazam and Peacemaker, it seemed for a moment that the actor was channelling all his energy into being Geralt of Rivia for Netflix's The Witcher.

However, The Hollywood Reporter revealed earlier this month that – off the back of his Black Adam cameo – Man of Steel 2 is once again in active development, under the guidance of regular DC film producer Charles Roven.

The publication described an "intense desire" among Warner Bros executives for Cavill to return in a full-fledged sequel, although noted that no writers or directors were currently attached.

When could Man of Steel 2 be released?

Henry Cavill and Amy Adams in Man of Steel (2013)
Henry Cavill and Amy Adams in Man of Steel (2013). SEAC

Given that Warner Bros seem to be going back to the drawing board for Man of Steel 2, we could still be a long way off seeing Cavill leading his own solo film once more.

Certainly, we would advise fans not to expect anything for at least another two years, but likely even longer given the enormous size and scale that superhero movies tend to be these days – that takes us to late 2024 at the earliest.

The fact is that until the film is officially green-lit, dated and in front of cameras, there's still a chance it could be pulled once again, particularly given how long it has spent in development hell so far.

Cavill's aforementioned commitment to The Witcher could also pose an issue, with the fantasy drama having a lengthy production cycle which would presumably need to be worked around.

Who could be in the cast of Man of Steel 2?

If there were to be a Man of Steel 2, the latest word from Hollywood is that Warner Bros. wants Henry Cavill back in the cape, rather than a new actor as had previously been rumoured.

If Cavill signs on, then we could potentially see other key figures from his tenure return, including Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor.

Is there a Man of Steel 2 trailer?

That's wishful thinking! The only new footage of Cavill's Superman doing the rounds is the Black Adam post-credits scene.

Black Adam is now playing in UK cinemas. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.

Advertisement

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.

Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement