Warner Bros. eyed Bay-Cavill Man of Steel sequel pre-Gunn reboot

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DC Extended Universe Storylines That Never Materialized

Warner Bros. previously explored developing another Man of Steel sequel starring Henry Cavill under Michael Bay's direction before the DC Universe reboot, according to industry reports. Studio executives Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy reportedly initiated plans for a standalone Superman film featuring Cavill in 2022, with Bay considered as potential director.

These discussions occurred before James Gunn and Peter Safran's appointment as DC Studios co-chairs in October 2022. The studio's efforts to revive Cavill's Superman ultimately didn't proceed, paving the way for Gunn and Safran's DCU overhaul - which resulted in Cavill's departure from the franchise just two months later.

The Superman franchise has since taken a markedly different direction from Cavill's tenure. David Corenswet, known for Pearl and Hollywood, will portray the iconic hero in Gunn's reimagining, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Despite these developments, fans continue to speculate what Bay and Cavill might have achieved with another Superman collaboration.

Both Bay and Cavill remain actively engaged in other projects. Cavill appears in upcoming films including a Highlander reboot and Voltron adaptation, while Bay recently released the parkour documentary We Are Storror. The director has denied involvement with the controversial Skibidi Toilet movie despite earlier rumors.

DC Studios' Superman reboot premieres July 11, 2025.