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Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The best moment in Superman was almost cut - it would have been a disaster
The new Superman movie is at its most epic when we see Clark Kent's endless compassion – but filmmaker James Gunn has revealed he almost cut out the very moment that shows this best. After the immense pressure to bring one of the most beloved superheroes of all time back to the big screen it would have been easy for the new Superman to crash and burn. Especially in a cultural landscape saturated with superhero content from the likes of rival studio, Marvel (who have their own summer blockbuster, Fantastic Four, about to come out) – retelling Superman's story for old and new audiences is no easy task. Heck, it's only been three years since Henry Cavill last appeared as an iteration of Superman in a movie (Black Adam) so cementing David Corenswet as the newly-baptised Daily Planet reporter was already a tall order. Yet, if the glowing reviews and mightily impressive box office figures are anything to go by, Gunn's vision and the standout cast to go with it (also starring Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor) has been an undeniable smash hit. When scrolling through people's takes on social media, discussing it with my friends, or even pondering it at 2am while staring at my ceiling – one reason jumps out above all others. Unlike so much of the superhero content of recent years that prioritises mammoth displays of strength and overly-involved action scenes that forget their characters' human alter egos – in Superman we see the opposite. Yes, it's about battling the enemy, but it's more about preserving the world you love in the big and small ways. We may not all be capable of shooting lasers from our eyes and flying from disaster to disaster but we are all capable of small acts of kindness, no matter how unexpected. It's hardly a new perspective, plenty of people have been praising the movie's human first approach, making Superman's greatest strength his non-super qualities (whether the love he learnt from Ma and Pa Kent or the fierce protectiveness he feels for all living creatures). It harks back to the Clark we know and love from the prequel series, Smallville (coincidentally David's favourite version) who, during one episode, declares his greatest powers are his parents. We've teamed up with Camp Bestival Dorset to give one lucky Metro reader and their family the chance to win family weekend tickets, worth up to £1,172! Created by families, for families, Camp Bestival combines all the fun of a fantastic family camping holiday with everything you would expect from a perfect and action-packed festival adventure. Headliners include music legend Sir Tom Jones, pop icons Sugababes, plus a carnival-filled live show from electronic music duo Basement Jaxx. Simply enter your details here to be in with a chance of winning four tickets to this epic experience. You have until midnight on 23 July to enter. Good luck! * Open to GB residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+. Promotion opens at 18:01 on 16/7/25 and closes at 23:59 on 23/7/25. Entrant must submit their first and last name, email address, date of birth and postcode when prompted via the entry form available on (available here). 1 prize available of a family weekend camping ticket, including two (2) adult tickets and up to four (4) child and/or teen tickets in any combination as chosen by the winner to attend Camp Bestival (Lulworth Castle, Dorset) from 31st July 2025 to 3rd August 2025. Maximum 1 entry per person. Attendance is governed by the Camp Bestival Terms and Conditions. Full T&Cs apply, see here. No scene proves this better than the small, blink-and-you-miss-it moment when Superman dives to save a squirrel while battling the mid-movie Big Bad. Even in the cinema it elicited a delighted response from the audience with a fond chuckle escaping nearly everyone's lips. It's miniscule moments like this that made the movie, and Superman's characterisation, so fleshed out, grounded and realistic. In many ways, it is just as important as the grand speeches about what it means to be human and the sequences of Superman single-handedly holding up crumbling buildings. Which is why it was so shocking to learn that Gunn almost cut it out of the final version. He told Rolling Stone: 'We showed it to test audiences and some people did not like the squirrel. They're like, 'Why the f**k is he saving a squirrel? Why is he taking time out, saving a squirrel?'' Not sure who they chose to participate in the test audience but they may have missed the point of the movie entirely? Luckily, Gunn stayed strong with his vision, adding: 'There was a cut where I cut it out and I'm like, 'I really miss the squirrel. He's gotta save the squirrel.'' Thank goodness he did, as many fans have reiterated. 'The whole point behind him saving the squirrel was to show his kind heart & willingness to go out of his way for everyone – even the most innocent & tiny of creatures,' X user miss_mjoy shared. 'I liked that no creature no matter how small is seen as insignificant to Superman The squirrel was peak,' the blue elite agreed. 'It's VERY clear some people don't understand Superman in the slightest. 'Why would Superman save a squirrel' BECAUSE ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS!! BECAUSE ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!' gooberboober42 echoed. 'People that show no sympathy for the squirrel don't understand anything about Superman,' Spideyloui added. More Trending You get the point. The moment may seem insignificant to some – after all if Gunn had gone ahead with the cut it wouldn't have been a notable plot omission – but there would have been something missing. It's a small but mighty part of the beating heart of this movie that has made it so special to people so quickly – and that lack of soul certainly would have been noticed, and perhaps even detrimental. It's more clear than ever that superhero fans are yearning for less carbon cutout powerhouses and for more fallible heroes with the best intentions – and that's what makes scenes like this so important. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Fans are convinced James Gunn just revealed 'perfect' next Batman actor MORE: Games Inbox: What is the next big game for Nintendo Switch 2? MORE: Superman forced to cut two scenes after they were deemed 'overly sensual'
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
James Gunn recalls booting Henry Cavill from Superman role: 'Poor guy'
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's ... not Henry Cavill. In an episode of the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast released on Friday, July 18, "Superman" director James Gunn reflected on the "terrible" experience of telling Cavill he was being replaced as Superman by David Corenswet for the new movie. Gunn said he sat down with the actor to break the news in 2022. At the time, Cavill had recently returned as Superman for a surprise cameo in the DC movie "Black Adam," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. After that film was released in October 2022, Cavill announced on social media that he was "back as Superman" and would reprise the role in future movies. But on "Happy Sad Confused," Gunn revealed that the same day Cavill's return was announced, he and producer Peter Safran closed a deal to take over as the heads of DC Studios. Behind the scenes, the pair had already been planning to reboot Superman and replace Cavill, who had played the character going back to 2013's "Man of Steel." "The day our deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back, and I'm like, 'What is going on? We know what the plan is.' The plan was to come in and do 'Superman,' " Gunn said. "So it was really unfair to him, and it was a total bummer." Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox He added, "That was really unfortunate. I'm like, 'This poor guy.' " Gunn noted that bringing back Cavill was "never a part of the equation" for David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, DC Studios' parent company. But Gunn said there was a "vacuum" in leadership at DC, and "a lot of people" were "trying to force" through their vision for the future of the franchise. He did not name names, though, noting he was trying to be "as diplomatic as possible." During his 2022 meeting with Cavill, Gunn said the actor was an "absolute gentleman" and a "great guy about it," only asking that he be able to share the news that he was being replaced as Superman himself. Cavill did so in December 2022, when he posted a statement on Instagram revealing that he "will, after all, not be returning as Superman." "After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to (Gunn and Safran's) hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life," Cavill told fans. "The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that." In posts on X at the time, Gunn said that Cavill would not star in the next "Superman" movie because the film would focus on "an earlier part of" the character's life. Corenswet, who at 32 is 10 years younger than Cavill, was ultimately cast in the lead role of "Superman." The movie is positioned as the start of a relaunched DC universe, set in a world separate from the one that Cavill's Superman occupied. Johnson, the star of "Black Adam," has previously said he played a major role in bringing Cavill back for his cameo in the 2022 film. "At the end of the day, the studio was not bringing Henry Cavill back, inexplicably and inexcusably," the actor said in a video on social media in 2022. "But we weren't going to take no for an answer." But just because Cavill is out as Superman doesn't mean his time with DC is over. Gunn said on "Happy Sad Confused" that Cavill could play another character in the new DC universe − just as "Aquaman" star Jason Momoa will play a new character, Lobo, in 2026's "Supergirl." "I talked to him about it on that day," Gunn said. "I would love to put Henry in something."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'He was an absolute gentleman', James Gunn recalls telling Henry Cavill about the ‘Superman' recast, his reaction and more
James Gunn , the man responsible for bringing Superman's character to life, recently revealed how everything went down when the casting for the latest film was being discussed. He revealed how he had to tell Henry Cavill , who had taken on the role before David Corenswet , that it was being recast. James Gunn recalls how he had to tell Henry about the recast Gunn recently got candid about what all went down while casting for the new 'Superman' film, which has been well-received by the public ever since its release. During a new episode of the podcast 'Happy Sad Confused', Josh Horowitz recalled how the news of Henry being back for the role came on the very day that they closed the deal in his studios. At the time, there had been a lot of confusion amongst fans of the film, as after his cameo in 'Black Adam', the actor had released an official video saying, 'I wanted to make it official — I am back as Superman'. The blunder happened then, two months later, Cavill shared that he would no longer be taking on the role of the beloved superhero. James talks about Henry's reaction to the news The 'Guardians of the Galaxy' writer shared during the podcast that after finding out about Henry's return, they were shocked. He delved into how they thought it was fair to inform the actor about the news face-to-face as well. 'That was really unfortunate, I'm like, this poor guy. And so Peter [Safran] and I knew the right thing to do was to sit down with [Cavill] and talk to him. And we sat down, we talked to him, he was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it. He said, 'The only thing I ask is that I'm able to reveal it myself as opposed to it coming from you guys'', Gunn shared. He even called the whole ordeal unfair to Cavill, and stated 'wanted to take on what they wanted to do at DC and were trying to force their way, and it just was never a part of the equation'. Will Henry Cavill return to the world of superheroes? While fans of Cavill were disappointed to see him no longer be the beloved 'Superman', there is still a possibility that the actor might make his return to the multiverse! During the podcast, the host asked about how everything would be if Henry were cast in another role. Gunn replied with enthusiasm, saying, 'No, as another character? Absolutely not. I talked to him about it on that day. I would love to put Henry in something'.
FACT
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Mo Amer returns to Dubai for a double dose of comedy
The Netflix sensation headlines Dubai Opera for two exclusive shows during Dubai Comedy Festival 2025. We have some news that is going to put a smile on your face. Palestinian-American comedian and Netflix favourite Mo Amer will return to the Dubai Comedy Festival for a one-night-only doubleheader at Dubai Opera on Thursday, 9 October 2025. It's a homecoming of sorts for the sharp-tongued stand-up, who made his Dubai debut at the very same festival in 2020. This time, he's bringing fresh material, deeper stories, and that signature swagger to two back-to-back shows in one of the city's most intimate venues. Mo Amer is no stranger to the spotlight. Since his last Dubai appearance, he's racked up starring credits in Black Adam alongside The Rock, Ramy on Hulu, and most notably, his semi-autobiographical Netflix series MO, a breakout hit that earned him a Gotham Award, a Peabody, and a place on The New York Times' Best Shows of 2022 list. The show's final season landed earlier this year to even more critical acclaim, offering fans a timely reminder of Amer's fusion of biting social commentary with razor-sharp humour. His latest stand-up material digs deep into themes of fatherhood, fame, and identity, with the same candid, culturally charged storytelling that has made him a household name. Expect brutally honest observations, unexpected tenderness, and explosive punchlines delivered with charisma and bite. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, Mo Amer joins a stellar lineup of international talent that includes Tom Segura, Zakir Khan, Joanne McNally, Omid Djalili, Morgan Jay, Akaash Singh, and John Achkar. Now in its fifth edition, the Dubai Comedy Festival has firmly established itself as a global stage for laughs, with performances across English, Arabic, Hindi, Russian, and French, making it one of the most inclusive comedy festivals in the region. Tickets to see Mo Amer live in Dubai are priced between AED 295 and AED 595. GO: Visit for tickets and more information.
What's On
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Just In: Mo Amer announced for Dubai Comedy Festival 2025
Comedy lovers, get ready, one of the biggest names in stand-up is making a comeback in Dubai Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer is returning to Dubai for a one-night-only, two-show special on Thursday, October 9. Presented by Live Nation Middle East, the award-winning comedian best known for his Netflix series MO and standout roles in Ramy and Black Adam will take the stage at Dubai Opera for an exclusive double performance, giving fans a unique opportunity to catch his sharp, unfiltered comedy in one of the city's most iconic venues. 'One of the sharpest comics of our time' Known for his clever storytelling, magnetic stage presence, and brutally honest humour, Mo Amer's comedy often weaves through personal tales of family, fame, and his identity as a Palestinian-American navigating life in the spotlight. This time, fans can expect new material that explores his journey as a new dad delivered with the same candid wit that's made him a global favourite. It's a full-circle moment for Amer, who last performed at Dubai Comedy Festival during its inaugural edition in 2020. Now, with global acclaim and a string of accolades to his name including a Gotham Award, Peabody, and AFI Honor, he's back and bigger than ever. And with Season 2 of MO having just dropped on Netflix earlier this year, fans are in for a timely treat. Part of a seriously stacked lineup There have been a number of amazing acts announced for this year's festival, with highlights including Tom Segura, Akaash Singh, Morgan Jay, Joanne McNally, and more. Earlier this week, the popular NearlyParents Podcast Livewas also announced, adding a fresh dynamic to the diverse lineup. A second wave of talent brought even more big names to the bill, including Amer Zahr, Redouane Bougheraba, Ivan Abramov, and Gaurav Kapoor, making this year's Dubai Comedy Festival one of the most exciting yet. The Details: Tickets are already generating buzz, don't wait too long to book yours. Location: Dubai Opera Date: Thursday, October 9 2025 Time: Show 1: Doors 6pm | Show 6.30pm and Show 2: Doors 9pm | Show 9.30pm Cost: From Dhs295 Image: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
