d+ “TOO LATE FOR REGRETS, OLD MAN GUNN!” Netflix’s CEO didn’t hold back in launching a fierce attack right after acquiring Warner Bros and signing a blockbuster deal with Henry Cavill for the new Superman project. Netflix also released a cryptic 15-word statement, alongside unveiling a special contract clause for Cavill — a direct slap at James Gunn, who notoriously cut him from the Superman role before!

Netflix’s CEO didn’t hold back in launching a fierce attack right after acquiring Warner Bros and signing a blockbuster deal with Henry Cavill for the new Superman project.

Netflix also released a cryptic 15-word statement, alongside unveiling a special contract clause for Cavill — a direct slap at James Gunn, who notoriously cut him from the Superman role before! Check out the full details below 

In a move that’s left Hollywood reeling and DC fans in absolute chaos, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has unleashed a scathing verbal assault on James Gunn, mere hours after finalizing the streamer’s historic $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.’ studios and DC properties on December 5, 2025.

Sources reveal that Netflix has inked a massive multi-film deal with Henry Cavill to reclaim the role of Superman, complete with unprecedented protections aimed squarely at preventing any interference from the old regime—including Gunn, who axed Cavill back in 2022.

Sarandos didn’t mince words in a fiery press conference on December 12, 2025, declaring: “Henry Cavill is an icon—no one can replace him on the Superman throne.” The 15-word bombshell statement, released officially by Netflix, has gone viral: “Henry Cavill is an icon, no one can replace him on the Superman throne.” This wasn’t just praise; it was a declaration of war on Gunn’s rebooted DCU, which launched successfully with David Corenswet as a younger Superman earlier this year.

The real jaw-dropper? Insiders leaked details of a never-before-seen contract clause in Cavill’s deal: Netflix holds the exclusive right to block any individual or entity previously involved in removing Cavill from the role from participating in future Superman projects under their banner.

This “veto clause” is a direct jab at Gunn and former DC execs, ensuring no one who “betrayed” Cavill can touch the Man of Steel again. “It’s poetic justice,” one source quipped. “Gunn thought he ended the Cavill era—now Netflix is making sure it never truly died.”

The drama traces back to 2022, when Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios and swiftly recast Superman with Corenswet for the 2025 hit *Superman*, which grossed over $800 million and kickstarted their optimistic DCU.

Cavill’s heartbreaking exit—after teasing a return in *Black Adam*—sparked the #HenryCavillIsSuperman movement, with fans demanding the SnyderVerse restoration. Netflix, having worked with Zack Snyder on hits like *Army of the Dead* and *Rebel Moon*, saw an opportunity in the acquisition frenzy.

As bids flew from Paramount Skydance and others, Netflix emerged victorious, securing Warner Bros.’ film/TV studios, HBO Max, and full DC IP rights post-2026 spin-off. Almost immediately, executives contacted Cavill.

A secret London meeting reportedly sealed the deal: Cavill returns in a standalone *Man of Steel 2*, potentially directed by Snyder, with multiverse ties allowing his god-like Superman to coexist alongside Gunn’s version.

Sarandos’ attack escalated tensions. “Too late for regrets, old man Gunn!” he reportedly sneered in private calls, per leaks. Publicly, he praised Cavill’s “unmatched presence” and slammed the previous decision as “short-sighted.” Social media exploded—#CavillThrone and #GunnOver trended worldwide, with memes of Cavill on a literal throne crushing Corenswet’s suit.

Zack Snyder posted cryptic Instagram shots of Cavill in the cape, captioning: “The king returns.”

Behind the scenes, the clause has Gunn fuming. His DCU—extended through 2027 with projects like *Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow* and *Man of Tomorrow*—remains intact under Netflix’s pledge to honor existing operations.

But sources say Gunn views the veto as a personal insult, barring him from any crossover involvement with Cavill’s timeline. “It’s vindictive,” an insider claimed. “Netflix is flexing to own DC’s soul.”

Cavill’s deal reportedly includes a nine-figure payday, creative control echoing his Snyder days, and guarantees for theatrical epics—no streaming shortcuts. “Henry demanded protections,” a rep allegedly said.

“He won’t be discarded again.” This clause ensures Netflix can veto Gunn or any “Cavill remover” from Superman films, potentially sidelining the DCU’s Man of Steel in multiverse events.

Fans are divided but ecstatic. “Finally! Cavill was robbed—Gunn’s boy scout can’t touch the real deal!” one viral post raged. Others defend Gunn: “His Superman was a breath of fresh air.

Two versions? DC chaos again.” Analysts predict billions in subscriber gains from nostalgia, with Netflix eyeing a “Snyder Cut Universe” parallel to Gunn’s.

As antitrust hurdles loom—Paramount’s hostile bid still lingers—the battle rages. Sarandos doubled down: “We’re committed to icons. Henry embodies Superman like no other.” Gunn stayed silent, but leaks suggest he’s pushing forward undeterred.

This isn’t just a comeback—it’s revenge. Henry Cavill’s throne is reclaimed, and James Gunn’s era faces its biggest threat yet. The Man of Steel soars again under Netflix, cape unbreakable. Stay locked—this superhero war is heating up!