Warner Bros. Discovery execs were “not thrilled” with the screenplay Steven Knight had submitted for a Man of Steel sequel.
What happens next with the Man of Steel remains to be seen amid ongoing changes in the DCU, courtesy of new head honchos Peter Safran and James Gunn. After years of fans begging to see Henry Cavill return as Superman, the moment finally happened with a special appearance in Black Adam. The meeting teased a follow-up that would feature a battle between the two powerful characters along with establishing that Cavill was seemingly back and here to stay as the Man of Steel.
With Safran and Gunn plotting out the next decade of their plans for the DCU, it’s unclear what the next steps will be with Superman, as there are rumors that Black Adam 2 won’t end up happening. Now, per THR, more information has come out regarding the potential plans for Superman’s return at Warner Bros. Discovery before Safran and Gunn came on board. According to this new report, plans had actually been put into motion for Man of Steel 2 with Cavill, though apparently Zack Snyder would not have been involved.
Per the report, Peaky Blinders and See creator Steven Knight had written a treatment for Man of Steel 2 this past fall. Word is the treatment “didn’t thrill” the execs at Warner Bros. Discovery, and he was given notes to apply to tweak what had been written. There had then been tentative plans to continue on with the screenwriting process for the film, possibly with another writer coming on board to collaborate with Knight. However, the project was scrapped completely once Safran and Gunn took control of the DCU.
Will Henry Cavill Return in the DCU After Black Adam?
Another recent report by Deadline notes that nothing was set in stone at Warner Bros. Discovery concerning Man of Steel 2, and it was more so that the plans to make the film were contingent on a solid enough screenplay impressing executives. While any previously-discussed versions of Man of Steel 2 seem to have been shelved, the positive here for fans is that this doesn’t necessarily mean Cavill is finished as Superman. He could still end up returning for Man of Steel 2, but with another screenplay that’s been written to be more in line with the Safran-Gunn vision for the DCU.
Meanwhile, word continues to come out about other planned projects that are getting shelved due to the creative shakeup in the DCU. Wonder Woman 3 is no longer moving forward, while a movie adaptation of Batman Beyond starring Michael Keaton is also said to be nixed.