Henry Cavill: James Gunn, co-chair & co-CEO of DC, to pen the next Superman film

James Gunn, writer-director of Super, Guardians of the Galaxy (volumes 1, 2, &3), and The Suicide Squad, has been commissioned to pen the screenplay of the next Superman iteration for DC Comics. The confirmation comes right after Henry Cavill's momentous announcement that he will not return as the Caped Crusader as those in charge have other plans set out for the superhero character. In the same vein, James Gunn has revealed that his upcoming writing project will focus on the younger version of Superman.

It isn't clear yet as to who will direct the project but DC's decision to let go of Cavill only solidifies their plans to take the franchise in a new direction. It is also apparent that the studio has a clearer picture in sight as far as the upcoming slate of films is concerned: not very long ago, DC announced that they would be shelving the third instalment of the Wonder Woman franchise, previously helmed by Patty Jenkins with Gal Gadot in the titular role. This, as reports suggest, is only the beginning of what could be a long line of announcements from DC's end. 

Both Henry Cavill and Patty Jenkins took to social media to address the developments. While Cavill, who was evidently caught by surprise by DC's decision to move past him, expressed regret in his post, he also displayed optimism and also acknowledged the support he and his portrayal of Superman received over the years. 

Jenkins, on the other hand, used her Twitter handle to rubbish all the inaccuracies that were being propagated about her. Recently, reports emerged stating that Wonder Woman 3 was cancelled because of her walking away to focus on the Star Wars instalment Rogue Squadron - the 51-year-old filmmaker shared a lengthy clarification to ensure that she is no longer misrepresented in the media. In the same breath, Jenkins spoke highly of the experience of making the first two Wonder Woman films, the gift of the Gal Gadot collaboration, and also thanked the many million WW fans before bidding adieu.

Coming back to James Gunn, the filmmaker has also revealed that fans can expect an announcement regarding the upcoming slate of DC films to be made shortly. Gunn was recently appointed co-chairman & co-CEO of DC Studios along with Peter Safran and the two are said to have closely overseen the new direction that the studio will take in the near future.