In the ever-evolving landscape of superhero cinema, few names carry the weight of Henry Cavill. Known for his chiseled physique, commanding presence, and heartfelt portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Cavill’s journey as the Man of Steel came to an abrupt and controversial end in 2022. However, a recent revelation from James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and director of the rebooted Superman (2025), has reignited fan excitement. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in July 2025, Gunn expressed his admiration for Cavill, stating, “I would love to put Henry in something,” opening the door for the actor to return to the DC Universe (DCU) in a new role. Among the many characters fans and pundits have speculated for Cavill, one stands out as a thrilling, unexpected fit: Plastic Man, the stretchy, comedic superhero who could allow Cavill to showcase his untapped versatility. This article dives into the tantalizing possibility of Cavill as Plastic Man, exploring Gunn’s vision for the DCU, Cavill’s career trajectory, the quirky allure of Plastic Man, and why this casting could redefine the franchise’s future. Buckle up for a wild ride through the DCU’s bold new era, where a former Superman might just stretch his way into our hearts.

The DCU Reboot: James Gunn’s Ambitious Blueprint

To understand why Cavill as Plastic Man is generating buzz, we must first explore the seismic shift in DC’s cinematic landscape. In October 2022, James Gunn and producer Peter Safran were appointed co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios, tasked with overhauling the floundering DCEU. The previous regime, marked by inconsistent films like Justice League (2017) and Black Adam (2022), struggled with critical backlash and disjointed storytelling. Gunn, fresh off successes like Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and The Suicide Squad (2021), brought a fresh vision: a cohesive DCU with a focus on character-driven stories, bold risks, and a blend of humor and heart.

The reboot kicked off with Superman (July 11, 2025), directed by Gunn and starring David Corenswet as a younger Clark Kent. The film, grossing over $400 million and earning an A- CinemaScore, marked the start of “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” a slate including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026) and The Brave and the Bold. Gunn’s approach emphasizes lesser-known characters and tonal variety, from gritty antiheroes to comedic oddballs. His openness to recasting DCEU actors—like Jason Momoa transitioning from Aquaman to Lobo—sets the stage for Cavill’s potential return. “I talked to him about it on that day,” Gunn said of Cavill, referring to their 2022 meeting where he broke the news of Cavill’s Superman exit. “He was an absolute gentleman, a great guy about it,” Gunn added, fueling hope for a new role.

Cavill’s departure was messy. After a cameo in Black Adam (2022), he announced his return as Superman, only for Gunn and Safran to reveal their plan for a younger Clark Kent, nullifying Cavill’s comeback. “The day our deal closed, they were announcing Henry was back,” Gunn recalled on Happy Sad Confused. “It was really unfair to him and a total bummer.” Cavill handled it with grace, requesting to announce his exit himself, earning respect from fans and Gunn alike. Now, with Gunn eager to collaborate, Plastic Man emerges as a bold, unconventional choice that could redefine Cavill’s DC legacy.

Henry Cavill: From Superman to Stretchy Superhero?

Henry Cavill, now 42, is a cinematic chameleon. Born in Jersey, UK, he rose to fame as Superman in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). His portrayal—stoic, powerful, yet deeply human—won over fans, despite the DCEU’s mixed reception. Beyond Superman, Cavill’s roles as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher (2019-2023) and Argylle in Argylle (2024) showcased his range, from gritty action to sly humor. His brief but electrifying cameo as “Cavillerine” in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) proved he can embrace lighter, self-aware roles, making Plastic Man a tantalizing prospect.

Plastic Man, aka Patrick “Eel” O’Brian, is one of DC’s quirkiest heroes. Created by Jack Cole in 1941 for Quality Comics (later acquired by DC), he debuted in Police Comics #1 as a small-time crook who gains elastic powers after a chemical accident. Unlike Superman’s noble heroism, Plastic Man is a reformed criminal with a wise-cracking persona, stretching his body into absurd shapes—think rubber hoses, giant hands, or even a bouncing ball—to fight crime. A member of the Justice League, he’s known for his comedic flair, often breaking the fourth wall, yet harbors a tragic core as a father and ex-thief seeking redemption. Despite animated appearances in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Justice League Action, Plastic Man has never starred in a live-action film, making him ripe for Gunn’s boundary-pushing DCU.

Why Cavill? His physicality—6’1”, muscular, and agile—suits Plastic Man’s action demands, while his lesser-known comedic chops, seen in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), align with the character’s humor. “If The Witcher taught us anything, it’s that Cavill can do dark, brooding, and intense perfectly,” noted a Collider article. “Then there’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E.… that’s all the slick energy you need.” Cavill’s ability to balance gravitas with levity makes him ideal for a hero who’s both absurd and deeply human.

The Plastic Man Appeal: Why He Fits the DCU

Plastic Man is a perfect fit for Gunn’s DCU, which thrives on eclectic characters. Unlike Superman’s mythic heroism or Batman’s brooding intensity, Plastic Man brings a zany, everyman vibe. His powers—stretching, shape-shifting, and near-invulnerability—offer endless visual possibilities, from slapstick gags to mind-bending action. Imagine Cavill morphing into a giant slingshot to thwart a villain or disguising himself as a lamppost to eavesdrop, all while delivering deadpan one-liners. Gunn’s knack for quirky ensembles (Guardians of the Galaxy, Peacemaker) makes him the ideal director to bring Plastic Man’s weirdness to life, potentially in a standalone film or a Justice League cameo.

The character’s history supports a rich narrative. As Eel O’Brian, he was a safecracker until a chemical spill granted him elasticity, prompting a monk to guide him toward heroism. His dual life as a hero and father to his son Luke adds emotional depth, a hallmark of Gunn’s storytelling. “Plastic Man has all the potential for weird comicality and unexpected violence that would adhere to the DCU’s ambiance,” noted a ScreenRant article. His comedic roots could counterbalance the DCU’s darker tones, much like Peacemaker’s irreverence complements Superman’s earnestness.

Fan interest in Plastic Man is high. Actors like Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog) have publicly pitched themselves for the role, with Wilson telling Entertainment Weekly at Fan Expo Chicago 2025, “I’ve hinted to James several times, ‘Hey man, you’ve got to do something with Plastic Man.’” Schwartz echoed this on X, saying, “It would be a dream come true.” John Mulaney also expressed interest in a 2024 GQ interview. Yet, Cavill’s star power and proven superhero pedigree give him an edge, especially for a high-profile DCU debut.

Cavill as Plastic Man: A Game-Changing Casting

Casting Cavill as Plastic Man would be a bold departure, showcasing his range and distancing him from Superman comparisons. “Knowing Gunn, he would absolutely cast him in a role that is extremely different from Superman,” a Reddit user commented in a r/Fancast thread, emphasizing the need to avoid typecasting. Plastic Man’s comedic tone would let Cavill flex his humor, seen in Argylle’s campy spy antics, while the character’s redemptive arc aligns with his knack for portraying complex heroes, like Geralt’s tortured warrior.

Physically, Cavill’s athleticism suits Plastic Man’s dynamic action. His stunt work in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) and The Witcher demonstrates his ability to handle complex choreography, essential for a character who stretches into impossible shapes. Visually, Cavill in Plastic Man’s red-and-yellow suit—perhaps CGI-enhanced for elasticity—would be a striking contrast to Superman’s iconic cape. His British accent could add a playful edge, distinguishing Eel O’Brian from Clark Kent’s stoic drawl.

The role also fits Cavill’s career arc. At 42, he’s at a crossroads, balancing action-heavy roles (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, 2024) with lighter fare. Plastic Man, potentially an older, grizzled ex-crook, aligns with his age and experience, avoiding the “ageism” concerns some fans raised on X about his Superman exit. “Henry is much, much hotter to me, but ok,” one user quipped, reflecting his enduring appeal. A comedic superhero role could also broaden his fanbase, appealing to younger audiences who know him from Deadpool & Wolverine.

Gunn’s Vision and Fan Speculation

Gunn’s DCU prioritizes fresh takes on classic characters. Superman (2025) introduced a younger Clark Kent alongside heroes like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), setting a precedent for unconventional casting. Plastic Man, never adapted in live-action, offers a blank slate. “Whatever the case, Plastic Man would be a fun fit for James Gunn,” ScreenRant noted, citing his potential to rival Marvel’s Mr. Fantastic while embracing DC’s comedic roots.

Fan speculation is rampant. On Reddit’s r/comicbooks, users propose Cavill as villains like Vandal Savage or Brainiac, citing his intensity, but Plastic Man gains traction for its originality. “Give him a weird role and let him have fun,” one r/Fancast post urged, echoing Gunn’s desire to avoid typecasting. A French outlet, Hitek.fr, listed Plastic Man among six roles for Cavill, alongside Batman and Captain Atom, noting his “versatile actor” status. Social media buzz, with hashtags like #CavillPlasticMan trending post-podcast, shows fans’ enthusiasm for this quirky pivot.

A Plastic Man film could take many forms under Gunn’s direction. A standalone origin story might follow Eel O’Brian’s transformation, blending heist comedy with superhero action—think Ocean’s Eleven meets Deadpool. Alternatively, Plastic Man could debut in a team-up, like a Justice League Dark or Justice Society film, alongside characters like Mr. Terrific or Zatanna. Gunn’s penchant for ensemble casts makes this plausible, especially with Supergirl (2026) introducing Lobo. Cavill’s star power could anchor a mid-budget project, with CGI budgets for his stretchy antics offset by practical stunts.

Challenges and Opportunities

Casting Cavill as Plastic Man isn’t without risks. Some fans worry it could confuse audiences, given his Superman legacy. “It would go beyond an easter egg, especially as it raised questions about the multiverse,” ComicBook.com cautioned. Others argue Plastic Man’s comedic tone might clash with Cavill’s intense persona, though his Argylle performance counters this. The role’s physical demands—relying on CGI for elasticity—require a delicate balance to avoid looking cartoonish, a challenge Gunn mastered with Rocket Raccoon.

Yet, the opportunities outweigh the risks. Plastic Man’s obscurity allows creative freedom, letting Cavill redefine the character without past comparisons, unlike Batman or Lex Luthor. The role could also rehabilitate Cavill’s DC image post-DCEU, much like Momoa’s Lobo casting reinvigorated his fanbase. A 2026 or 2027 release, aligning with the DCU’s expanding slate, could position Cavill as a cornerstone of “Gods and Monsters,” potentially leading to a Plastic Man trilogy or Justice League arc.

Cultural Impact: Redefining Cavill and the DCU

Cavill as Plastic Man would be a cultural moment. The DCU, under Gunn, is carving a niche distinct from Marvel’s formula, embracing weirdness and heart. Plastic Man, with his blend of humor and tragedy, embodies this ethos. Fans on X are ecstatic, with one post declaring, “Henry as Plastic Man would be the ultimate glow-up—Superman who??” The casting would signal DC’s willingness to take risks, contrasting the DCEU’s missteps, like Cavill’s underused Superman.

For Cavill, it’s a chance to reclaim his superhero mantle. His DCEU tenure, marred by studio indecision, left fans wanting more. “It would be great to have more Henry,” Zack Snyder said in 2024, echoing fan sentiment. Plastic Man lets Cavill shed Superman’s shadow, proving he’s more than a stoic hero. His global appeal—bolstered by 27 million Instagram followers—ensures box office draw, while his professionalism, lauded by Gunn, guarantees a committed performance.

The Road Ahead: Will It Happen?

While no official casting has been confirmed, Gunn’s comments keep hope alive. “I would love to put Henry in something,” he reiterated, suggesting active discussions. Plastic Man’s absence from announced DCU projects (Creature Commandos, The Authority) leaves room for a surprise reveal, perhaps at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. Challenges remain—Cavill’s busy schedule, including Warhammer 40,000 and Highlander projects, could complicate timing. Yet, his enthusiasm for comic book roles, seen in his Witcher dedication, bodes well.

Imagine the trailer: Cavill’s Eel O’Brian, smirking as he stretches into a giant fist to thwart a bank heist, set to a funky needle-drop like The B-52s. The tagline: “Bend, don’t break.” Fans would lose their minds, and the DCU would gain a new icon. As Gunn builds a universe of gods, monsters, and misfits, Cavill’s Plastic Man could stretch the boundaries of superhero cinema, proving that even a fallen Superman can rise again—flexible, fearless, and gloriously weird.