Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson opened up about Henry Cavill’s exit from the DC Extended Universe after James Gunn was named DC CEO late last year.
Speaking to Variety’s senior culture and events editor Mark Malkin at the Academy Awards, Johnson said when asked about Cavill’s departure from cinematography: put our best foot forward and surround ourselves with the best people and deliver the best film we can.”
He also explained. “It’s kind of like when you have a professional football team and your quarterback wins championships and your head coach wins championships and then a new owner comes in and says, “Not my coach, not my defender. I’m going to go with someone new.’
Watch the clip here.
Following the release of Johnson-starrer Black Adam in October, Cavill confirmed via social media that he would be returning to the DCEU as Superman after filming a secret scene with Johnson.
Cavill’s comments come two months after it was announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran have been named co-CEOs of DC Films. Gunn revealed that Cavill’s Black Adam scene was filmed before he was cast, and that his vision for the franchise would focus on a younger Superman, which Cavill does not play.
“I just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. After all, I’m not coming back as Superman,” Cavill wrote on Instagram at the time. “After being told by the studio that I would be announcing my return back in October before they were hired, this news is not the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that.”
Johnson later confirmed that “Black Adam will not be in [DC Studios’] the first chapter of the story. DC and Seven Bucks though [Johnson’s production company] have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be used in future DC Multiverse chapters.”
“James and I have known each other for years and have always rooted for success. Now is no different, and I will always root for DC (and Marvel) to win and win big,” he continued.