Outside of Zack Snyder's Justice League, Superman hasn't had a major role in the DC Extended Universe for a while. That has been to the chagrin of fans and even Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, all of whom are shocked at the character's languishing in lack of usage. Unfortunately, rumors of Cavill returning as the Man of Steel at this year's Comic-Con were inaccurate, but that doesn't mean it's still not the right move.

Planning for more Superman appearances and feature films would bring a bit of a forward path back to the DCEU, something the shared universe has rarely had. Likewise, doing so would put the DCEU ahead of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is currently in its own rut. Whether or not Henry Cavill's return gets announced soon, Warner Bros. planning for it would put the wind back in the DCEU's cape.

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The DCEU Is Waiting for Superman

Henry Cavill

While Man of Steel and especially Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice were incredibly controversial, there's no denying that Henry Cavill was born to play Superman. Heavily resembling the character and being quite captivated with portraying him on screen, the fact that he hasn't really had a chance to do so again is a waste on WB's part. One big way he might return is in the upcoming film Black Adam, especially since star Dwayne Johnson wants to have a showdown with him.

Building up to a three-way fight between Superman, Black Adam and Shazam could be massive for the DCEU's hype and interest, similar to the battle between Godzilla and Kong in the MonsterVerse. Since the DCEU currently isn't building up to anything (notwithstanding whatever the highly tentative events of The Flash involve), finally having this sort of thing to look forward to would only generate more anticipation. It would also be far more successful than the formation of the Justice League in this universe, which many saw as being too rushed.

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Henry Cavill's Superman Return Would Eclipse Any of the MCU's Current Plans

Black Adam and Superman in the DCEU

Beyond finally introducing mutants and the X-Men, there's really not much that audiences are looking forward to long-term with the MCU. On top of that, audiences are waiting on bated breath for every MCU project, especially since the big draws are in limbo. Spider-Man is more of a Sony character, especially with it ramping up production of its Spider-Verse live-action movies. Likewise, the original Captain America is gone, along with Iron Man. Audiences are tired of the goofy joke that Thor has become, while the Hulk is in a similar rights situation as Spider-Man. With morale, box office and reception down, the DCEU finally has a chance to surpass the MCU.

Whereas they've gone through its big names, DC still has Superman of all characters to fall back on. Getting him right and giving him the respect he deserves would easily overshadow any non-mutant plans that Marvel has in the works. Likewise, bringing Cavill back to play the character would entice both fans and critics of Zack Snyder's movies, many of whom shared the sentiment that Cavill did well with what he had. Given how successful the show Superman and Lois currently is on The CW and HBO Max, having popular versions of the Man of Steel on all fronts would only further showcase that the character and the property are a priority to Warner Bros. Discovery. Now's the best time to make it happen, and revealing this plan to audiences would finally give DCEU viewers something that Superman is supposed to inspire: hope.