Henry Cavill Will Not Appear in SHAZAM 2 as Superman

Despite plenty of rumors and the tease at the end of Shazam!, it has been confirmed that Henry Cavill will not be appearing as Superman in Shazam 2. The first film made many references to the superhero, then ended with Shazam convincing Superman to come to Billy’s high school to show up a couple of bullies who were making life hard for Billy’s best friend, Freddy (Jack Dylan Grazer). In the scene, Superman steps into frame, but is only seen from the neck down. He’s played by stunt performer Ryan Handley.

Cavill was even originally was supposed to appear in the first film, according to the director, David F. Sandberg, who said in a Tweet, “Halfway through shooting Shazam the plan was still for Cavill to be in it. Scoopers could have scooped that and been right at the time but wrong in the end.” He also added that while there is no plan for Cavill to be included in the sequel, he’s “not going to comment on casting rumors for several reasons. One being you can’t be sure about anything until it’s happened.”

Well, that’s very non-committal. Cavill has made it clear that he is not done with the role for good, telling Esquire that he had not “given up” the role. “The cape is still in the closet,” he said. “There’s a lot I have to give for Superman yet.”

Last year there were reports that he was in talks with WB to reprise his role in future DC films. But I guess that return won’t be in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which is due to hit screens in 2023.