Petition Launched to Have David Zaslav Keep Henry Cavill as Superman and Remove James Gunn as DC Studios Head

A petition has been launched to attempt to persuade Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to keep Henry Cavill as Superman while removing James Gunn as the head of DC Studios.

Henry Cavill as Clark Kent / Superman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The petition comes on the heels of Henry Cavill posting to Instagram that he would no longer be playing Superman following a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran.

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 fortunes,” Cavill continued.

Henry Cavill as Superman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ben Affleck as Batman, and Ray FIsher as Cyborg in Zack Snyder’s Justice League

RELATED: DC Studios Co-Chairman James Gunn Confirms DC Universe Will Connect Video Games To Live-Action Films, Shows, And Cartoons

He then stated, “For those who have been by my side through the years….we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember…. Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there!”

“My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards,” Cavill concluded.

Henry Cavill Instagram

James Gunn would also post a statement to his social media explaining the split between Cavill and his own vision for a Superman film.

He wrote on Twitter, “Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.”

James Gunn Twitter

“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,” he declared.

James Gunn Twitter

RELATED: James Gunn Responds To The Hollywood Reporter Story About Future Of DC Studios: “Some Of It Is True, Half-True, Or Not True, And Some Of It We Haven’t Decided On”

Gunn then added, “But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.”

James Gunn Twitter

He then proceeded to answer a number of fan inquiries confirming the Superman project he’s working on is indeed a film, and that he’s writing it. However, they don’t have a director currently attached. 

Gunn also claimed the film is not an origin movie despite saying it will focus on the earlier part of Superman’s life.

James Gunn Twitter

Finally, he provided an update on Ben Affleck as well saying, “Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project.”

James Gunn Twitter

RELATED: Rumor: James Gunn To Adapt Classic DC Story ‘Kingdom Come’ As Crisis-Level Cinematic Event

Following both Cavill and Gunn’s statements, YouTuber Lady Gravemaster launched a petition directed towards David Zaslav requesting that he “Keep Cavill. Eject Gunn.”

The petition states, “They say the age of the movie star is dead. Tom Cruise proved that to be false with Top Gun: Maverick. Movie stars can possess star power. You now have a Gunn of your own, but yours is shooting you in the foot, & the bottom line.”

It continues, “Mr. Cavill is Superman and can generate an actual net increase to your brand worth $1B+ if you allow him to. James Gunn cannot. What we wish to see of Superman is the same we wish to see of Batman; him in his prime, not Smallville 2.0 for more modern audiences.”

Ray Fisher as Cyborg, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League

“Superman is a beacon of truth, justice, & hope. Hope like that which, under your company’s direction & thereby yours, was ignited in the DC fanbase when you had Mr. Cavill announce his return just two short months ago,” she continues.

Lady Gravemaster then declares, “Treating your talent & (now previously)paying customers this way is almost as bad as disrespecting canon.”

Henry Cavill as Superman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League

She then offers Zaslav a solution and even points to director Steve Barron as a replacement for James Gunn, “The solution is quite simple: a connected, stand alone trilogy deal with Mr. Cavill as Kent/Superman. I can point you to dozens of lore knowledge rich individuals who would shatter, not subvert, your expectations in the writing room, & if you’re looking for a director who will absolutely deliver for EVERYONE, I recommend one Mr. Steve Barron, director of the 1990 TMNT film which still delivers to this day & assisted the late, great Richard Donner on the set of 1978 Superman.”

“I don’t know what the beef or blacklist in Hollywood looks like, & frankly you shouldn’t care,” she continues. “Find the best people for the job & deliver a production that is exceptional & worth paying movie ticket prices for, for your customers so it can in turn be profitable for you.”

The petition concludes, “We WILL vote with our wallets.”

Superman (Henry Cavill) struggling to be a match for Faora-Ul (Antje Traue) in Man of Steel (2013), Warner Bros. Pictures

The petition has currently been signed by 89 people. Will you be signing?

NEXT: DC Studios Co-Head James Gunn Snipes At YouTuber ‘The Den Of Nerds’ After Being Repeatedly Accused Of Disliking Henry Cavill

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