Over the past two decades, superhero movies have given us some of the most entertaining showdowns in the entertainment industry. Batman versus Superman; Thor versus the Hulk; Captain America versus Iron Man; the list goes on and on. But of all the great conflicts, my favorite will always be the one between studio and fanbase when the latter gets wind of an upcoming cameo. The latest such conflict? Henry Cavill‘s Superman in the new “Black Adam” movie.
For the past few days, the hottest rumor out of Comic-Con has been that Cavill would make an appearance in Hall H to announce a “Man of Steel” sequel or even a cameo in the new “Black Adam” movie. Never mind the fact that Cavill is, by all accounts, currently shooting the third season of “The Witcher” – the rumor had legs, and “Black Adam” director Jaume Collet-Serra even went on record with Deadline before the panel to shoot this one down. “Our movie is an original story,” the director noted. “By the time the movie ends, he doesn’t know who Shazam or Superman is.”
So, with Collet-Serra’s denial and the Warner Bros program officially in the rearview mirror, can we put the Cavill rumors to rest? It’s too early to tell. For years, Marvel has been running wink-wink denial campaigns about the appearance of actors Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Patrick Stewart reprising iconic characters in their movies. It’s a very familiar dance, and one that keeps interest high. I personally would be shocked to see Warner Bros close the door on the one thing about that franchise (Cavill’s Superman) everyone could agree on, but then again, I don’t get paid the big marketing bucks. I guess time will tell.
“Black Adam” will hit theaters on October 21, 2022. Here’s the most recent – and 100% Superman-free – Comic-Con sneak peek.
