DC Studios boss James Gunn recently responded to rumors regarding recasting of the DC live-action characters as well as explaining why he and Peter Safran are making the changes they are for the DCU.
Twitter user and scooper MyTimeToShineH recently claimed that Gunn and Safran will be recasting nearly the entire live-action DC cast.
He noted that Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Zachary Levi, and Jason Momoa will no longer be in the roles of Superman, Batman, The Flash, Cyborg, Shazam, and Aquaman.
However, the scooper also indicated that Jennifer Holland, who plays Emilia Harcourt, in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will be returning. The scooper also claimed that the entire cast of The Suicide Squad or what was left of it following the film would return including Viola Davis as Amanda Waller.
Gunn refuted this rumor writing on Twitter that the Suicide Squad would indeed get recast while also stating that previous live-action actors will be staying on in their roles.
User Macleanw tweeted to Gunn, “who knows if its true, but recasting all the main DCEU character, but keeping some. Will be interesting how Peacemaker and SS characters/actors live on, but the others dont? Particularly when they have all interacted together.”
Gunn replied, “I keep seeing posts with this untrue theory. We’re not recasting everyone except The Suicide Squad.”
One character that will be recast is Superman. Henry Cavill announced he would no longer be playing the character ahead of announcing a new live-action Warhammer 40,000 universe in partnership with Amazon across film and television.
On December 14th on Instagram Cavill wrote, “I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. 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.”
It’s unclear what the fate of Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot are. Gadot seemingly indicated she’s still attached to the character earlier this month.
She posted to Twitter on December 6th, “A few years ago it was announced that I was going to play Wonder Woman.I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to play such an incredible, iconic character and more than anything I’m grateful for YOU.The fans.Can’t wait to share her next chapter with you.”
Gunn previously claimed they were trying to find a project for Affleck to direct, but has not commented on his role as Batman.
Gunn wrote a few days on Twitter, “Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project.”
As for Miller, Momoa, Levi, and Fisher it’s been radio silence. However, Miller will be reprising his role as Barry Allen in the upcoming The Flash film. Momoa returns as Aquaman in the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Levi returns as Shazam in Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
It’s possible the radio silence on these three is due to the upcoming film projects and Gunn doesn’t want to hurt their box office potential. However, that’s pure conjecture.
Nevertheless, Gunn did also attempt to provide an explanation for the changes that he and Peter Safran are making regarding the DCU.
He wrote on Twitter, “One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind, to say the least.”
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He continued, “Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”
“No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions,” he tweeted.
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He went on, “We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”
He concluded writing, “But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists & custodians in helping to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.”
After attempting to explain his and Safran’s decisions, Gunn confirmed the Blue Beetle movie is still planned to be released next year.
When asked about it, he replied, “Oh yes.”
Gunn and Safran have not yet laid out a vision for DCU albeit he previously promised they would share more details at the beginning of the new year. He did provide details for a Superman film that he is writing.
He revealed those plans on Twitter writing, “Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”
What do you make of Gunn revealing the Suicide Squad would be recast?
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