KUALA LUMPUR: Amidst a flurry of rumours on whether actor Henry Cavill would be returning to play Superman in upcoming movies, the British artiste has unfortunately confirmed that he will not be donning the blue tights and red cape for another cinematic adventure.
The dashing 39-year-old British artiste took to social media today to deliver the sad news. "I have just had a meeting with (director) James Gunn and (producer) Peter Safran and it's sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman."
He added: "After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life."
"The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.
"For those who have been by my side through the years we can mourn for a bit, but then we must remember.... Superman is still around.
"Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will.
"It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards," he said.
Cavill first played the famous superhero, known as The Last Son of Krypton, in the Zack Snyder-directed movie, Man Of Steel in 2013.
He reprised the role in the Warner Bros DC superhero movies Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017), as well as the extended version of Zack Snyder's Justice League from 2021.
The hunky actor was last seen as Superman onscreen in a cameo appearance at the end of Black Adam which starred Dwayne Johnson as the titular anti-hero this year.
Some of Cavill's other movies include Immortals (2011), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) and Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018).
He has also starred in lead roles for TV series such as in Showtime's historical drama The Tudors and Netflix's fantasy adventure drama The Witcher.