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Why Steven Spielberg Is Perfect For Henry Cavill Superman Movie
Since Man of Steel 2 reportedly began development, there’s been no doubt that award-winning director Steven Spielberg would be perfect for a Henry Cavill Superman movie. Having launched the now-re-branded DCEU, Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill returned to the role of Clark Kent in 2022’s Black Adam after it was believed he hung up the red cape for good. Almost a decade since Man of Steel’s debut, it didn’t take long for rumors to start about the production of a sequel and for fans to give DC another chance to bring Superman back to the big screen.
In 2022 and shortly after Henry Cavill’s appearance in Black Adam, supposed sightings came in of Steven Spielberg having a meeting with Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav. Perhaps it was wishful thinking or the director’s past works that had many believing that Spielberg could direct the next Superman film, but regardless, there are few more qualified or ideal to give Man of Steel the soft revamp it deserves. Having helped to define modern mythology and delivered some of the most uplifting films of all time, as DC attempts to course-correct its past movies, it’s the teamwork of Spielberg and Cavill that’d give the world the Superman story it needs.
Cavill Is Bringing Back Superman's Hope & Optimism
After projects such as The Batman, Black Adam, and Joker, the DCU needs superhero movies that aren’t afraid to return to their roots to deliver a more optimistic tone. Although in the past, discourse suggested Sasha Calle could replace Cavill as Supergirl or that Ta-Nehisi Coates’ reboot needed to save Superman, Spielberg and Cavill have already proven they have the talent to work with what the DCU already established. Despite initially receiving a mixed reception, the DCEU’s Man of Steel series never needed to be scrapped, just another opportunity to improve and a change of direction to deliver the hopeful outlook that defined Clark Kent for over 80 years.
Steven Spielberg has created some of American cinema’s most awe-inspiring, emotional, and beloved films. Through E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, he already redefined modern sci-fi and audiences' perspectives on extraterrestrials by portraying them in an emotional light. Meanwhile, in movies like Hook and Ready Player One, Spielberg displayed a talent for evoking whimsy, wonder, and a sense of optimism. Despite controversies surrounding Man of Steel’s ending, Henry Cavill already showed hints of a Superman reflective of Christopher Reeve, George Reeves, and Tyler Hoechlin through his performance in Justice League. With such a positive reaction to Cavill’s return in Black Adam, it’s clear he’s restoring hope for the DCU and never needed to be replaced just the right story told through someone like Spielberg that brings out the best in his character.
Spielberg Almost Directed A Superman Movie Already
Despite being previously associated with films like the Men in Black series, it’s odd Steven Spielberg has yet to direct and write for a DC or Marvel property. However, it’s not from a lack of opportunity that Spielberg hasn’t worked his magic on a superhero film. In addition to Man of Steel 2, as recently as July 2022, various rumors began that Kevin Feige offered Spielberg a chance to direct the MCU’s Fantastic 4 movie. However, neither film would be Spielberg's first offer to work on a Marvel or DC project, as in the past, he almost worked on one of the most beloved superhero movies of all time.
1978’s Superman, for many, was the flashpoint of modern comic book cinema, helping to redefine and reimagine the character in a way that raised expectations of what a superhero story could be. Although Richard Donner directed Superman, he wasn’t the only person optioned for the movie. At some point in production, overseers wanted Steven Spielberg for Superman. However, deciding to “wait until [Spielberg's] big fish opens,” Warner Bros. lost their chance after Jaws became a success and the Oscar-winning director signed on for another alien film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. While it may have taken almost half a century, Man of Steel 2 could be the Spielberg Superman movie audiences were always intended to see.
A Superman Movie Presents Spielberg A Fresh Challenge
Although responsible for films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ready Player One, as previously mentioned, Steven Spielberg has yet to spearhead a Marvel or DC movie. Adapting a character like Clark Kent comes with unique challenges to make him relatable, likable, and above all else, seem real. With so many films under his belt and countless genres in his directing repertoire, a Henry Cavill Superman movie would play to Spielberg’s strengths but require the full extent of his talent developed through his long career.
What always made Superman such an appealing character was the idea that as an alien who could bend steel with his bare hands and withstand the force of a collapsing building, he was more human than most would think. The struggle wasn’t necessarily Kal-El having to fight Lex Luthor; it was trying to show him mercy. Clark Kent doesn’t need to exist, but rather, Superman wanted him to because Earth was his home, and it allowed him to experience it in ways a Kryptonian never could. Spielberg would have his work cut out for him, not only portraying Superman’s iconic powers; but also humanizing him. Although, after Spielberg made audiences fall in love with a hideous flying alien in E.T. and set the emotional stakes for an over-the-top action sequence in Ready Player One, a Superman film would open up new storytelling opportunities for the director. Additionally, it would present a new challenge for Henry Cavill as he fully embraces the Superman pastiche and escapes the gritty tone established in films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
The DCU Landing Spielberg Is A Major Statement Of Intent
Between James Gunn as the new creative lead of the DCU and its previous rebranding, DC wants its audiences to know that their movies are evolving. After mixed critical receptions, confusing reorganizations, and various controversies surrounding stars like Ezra Miller, the DCU now more than ever needs its audience to know that from now on, DC films aim to raise the bar and deliver something better. Additionally, the DCU also needs to establish it's actively listening to the fans and what they want to see. Recruiting Steven Spielberg and restoring Henry Cavill in the DCU is one of the best ways Warner Bros. could make a statement in a case of their actions speaking louder than their words.
Steven Spielberg’s name is synonymous with beloved characters, timeless stories, and some of the greatest spectacles put to screen. Recruiting high-tier talent like Spielberg is an affirmation by the DCU to moviegoers that after some disappointments and struggles to find their footing, they will deliver a better cinematic experience. By hiring Spielberg, who directed films like E.T. and Jurassic Park, the DCU acknowledges that it’s aware of its critics and that people want to see Henry Cavill’s Superman again, but this time they’ll do him justice.
There’s an irony in the DCU where it faces the same struggles as the characters it wishes to represent. Some claim that DC’s cinematic universe is beyond saving, believing after so many mistakes and shortcomings, the DCU doesn’t need a Man of Steel 2; it needs to be rebooted from the ground up. While others see the best in the DCU, choosing to build upon what DC established and help it realize its potential. Superman taught audiences that sometimes all it takes is one person to make a difference, lead the charge and do something incredible. Steven Spielberg is the perfect person to restore faith and optimism within the DCU; perhaps through his unique vision and Henry Cavill’s return, Superman and Man of Steel 2 can once again take flight.
