4
Credit: DCDirector Zack Snyder continues to fuel speculation that the DCEU is gearing up for a surprise comeback by sharing seemingly cryptic photos of actors Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Joe Manganiello, and Jared Leto to his Instagram, each as their respective hero/villains Superman, Batman, Deathstroke, and Joker, as seen across his three films, Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2021).
Together, these films also form the “Snyderverse”, a series of installments viewed by many as a standalone “pocket universe” with its own continuity that’s separate from the wider DCEU.
Last month, the director divided fans when he shared a photograph of Cavill with the caption, “Henry Cavill is Superman”. Fans of the now-defunct DCEU instantly thought that Snyder was hinting at Cavill’s return, despite the new DCU now fully established following the theatrical release of this year’s Superman (2025) starring David Corenswet.
Related: Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Batman’ Sequel Officially Canceled, James Gunn Confirms
The New DCU Is Already a Mess
The new film was written and directed by James Gunn, who’s also DC Studios’ co-chairman and co-CEO alongside Peter Safran.
But so far, many fans aren’t impressed with the DCU, largely due to Gunn’s goofy style and humor — which extends to Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 2 — and the confusion surrounding what’s canon and what isn’t.
This all comes amid reports that Warner Bros. Discovery is receiving unsolicited acquisition offers from third parties (per Variety). While there’s been no official word on Gunn or Safran’s positions, many fans are certain that the newly rebooted shared cinematic universe could be over before it’s truly begun.
With all that said, it seems the DCU is safe for now, while Gunn continues to openly discuss long-term plans for the franchise, with two new movies penciled in — Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in 2026, and Superman: Man of Tomorrow in 2027. Several other projects have also been announced, but the two theatrical releases are the only ones currently set in stone.
What Do Snyder’s Photos Mean?
Meanwhile, Snyder continues to share more black-and-white photos of Cavill, Affleck, Leto, and Manganiello to his social media. On the surface, it looks like he’s simply showcasing his impressive photography skills, but what’s driving many fans crazy is some of those captions.
In addition to “Henry Cavill is Superman,” which he must have known would set the fanbase ablaze, he’s added more pictures of the Man of Steel actor with the captions, “Henry in his natural setting” and “I love this photo it is pure Superman.” Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight is also among the collection, with one whose caption reads, “No question—this man is Batman.”
Related: James Gunn’s Superman Removed Amid Rumors of Henry Cavill’s Return, Warner Bros. Gives Update
DCEU Fans Want Justice for Henry Cavill
While the new DCU certainly has its fans, with many hopeful that it will right the many wrongs of the DCEU — which also includes films such as Wonder Woman (2017), Aquaman (2018), Shazam! (2019), The Flash (2023), and Blue Beetle (2023) — there’s no denying that Snyder’s three films have gained a huge following over the years.
While Jared Leto’s Joker was poorly received (in 2016’s Suicide Squad as opposed to 2021’s Justice League), Cavill’s Last Son of Krypton and Affleck’s Dark Knight remain fan-favorites and have an army of defenders.
Not only that, but many fans feel that Cavill was poorly treated when, in 2022, it was announced that he’d be reprising his role as Superman in Gunn’s DCU, only to later learn that his version would not be involved with the new franchise.
In December of that year, Cavill released a statement on social media saying that his Superman had essentially been retired after meeting with DC Studios’ then-new chairmen and CEOs Gunn and Safran. Gunn explained how the confusion came about earlier this year on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz.
Related: Netflix Shares Henry Cavill Superman Teaser Amid Speculation on Actor’s Return and James Gunn’s Exit
Will the DCEU Return Alongside the DCU?
Whether there’s any deeper meaning to Snyder’s Instagram photos remains to be seen. While he’s likely celebrating the launch of his Instagram account — as he suggests in one of the captions — it’s possible that the Snyderverse, at the very least, could somehow return.
It also remains to be seen what will happen with the new DCU and the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery. For fans hopeful to see Snyder, Cavill, and Affleck back yet at the same time doubtful it will happen, it’s worth remembering that no one thought that Snyder’s re-cut of Justice League would ever come to fruition, and yet it did, following the massive online, fan-driven campaign, #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.
And let’s also not forget that his epic 2021 superhero ensemble, which also stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg, and Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, ended on a pretty major cliffhanger, with Affleck’s Bruce Wayne having an apocalyptic dream of the future.
What do you make of all this DC drama? Share your thoughts with us below!