As the clock ticks toward 09:41 PM +07 on Saturday, June 28, 2025, the DC Universe remains a topic of fascination, its legacy shaped by iconic characters and the actors who bring them to life. One of the most touching moments in this saga unfolded off-screen, when Sasha Calle, the actress who debuted as Supergirl in The Flash (2023), nervously asked Henry Cavill, the embodiment of Superman, “Does Superman approve?” His response—“Absolutely. You did a phenomenal job”—was more than praise; it was a heartfelt validation from the Man of Steel himself. With no shared scenes and DC Studios undergoing a seismic shake-up, this rare exchange between the Kryptonian cousins became a symbolic torch-passing, resonating deeply with fans. This article delves into the emotional story behind this connection, exploring Calle’s journey, Cavill’s legacy, the tumultuous DC landscape, and the enduring power of their bond.

A Nervous Question, a Powerful Answer

The moment occurred in late 2022, during a private event hosted by Warner Bros. to celebrate The Flash’s completion, months before its June 2023 release. Sasha Calle, then a relative newcomer with credits like The Young and the Restless, had just stepped into the monumental role of Kara Zor-El, Supergirl. Facing the pressure of embodying a character tied to DC’s most iconic hero, she sought reassurance from Henry Cavill, whose portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel (2013) and Justice League (2017) had redefined the character for a new generation. “Does Superman approve?” she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation, as reported by Variety.

Cavill’s reply was immediate and warm: “Absolutely. You did a phenomenal job.” The sincerity in his tone, witnessed by a few crew members, turned a simple question into a milestone. For Calle, this wasn’t just feedback—it was a seal of approval from the actor who had carried the Superman mantle with gravitas and humility. Fans on X captured the sentiment, with one posting, “Sasha asking Henry if Superman approves? That’s the DC family we need! 🔥❤️” This off-screen interaction, devoid of scripted lines, highlighted a genuine connection between two actors navigating the DC Universe’s evolving narrative.

The absence of shared scenes in The Flash—due to Cavill’s limited involvement and the film’s focus on the Speed Force—made this moment even more poignant. It was a rare intersection of their paths, a brief but powerful acknowledgment amidst DC’s chaos.

Sasha Calle’s Supergirl Journey

Sasha Calle’s casting as Supergirl was a bold move by DC. Announced in 2021, she became the first Latina actress to portray the character, bringing a fresh perspective to Kara Zor-El. Her performance in The Flash, though brief, showcased a fierce yet vulnerable Supergirl, earning a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Calle’s preparation was intense, involving months of stunt training and emotional immersion, as she told Entertainment Weekly: “I wanted to honor Kara’s strength and her struggle to find her place.”

Yet, the role came with challenges. The Flash, released amid mixed reviews and a polarizing multiverse plot, placed Calle under scrutiny. Her screen time, limited by the film’s narrative, left fans hungry for more, with X posts like “Sasha’s Supergirl stole the show—give her a solo film!” The pressure was compounded by DC’s 2022 leadership change, with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking over, signaling a reboot that cast uncertainty over her future. Despite this, Cavill’s endorsement provided a lifeline, boosting her confidence as she navigated an unpredictable career path.

Calle’s emotional response to Cavill’s words—tears of relief, as a source noted—underscored the weight of his approval. For a newcomer stepping into a legacy role, this validation from Superman himself was a career-defining moment, fueling speculation about her potential return in Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.

Henry Cavill’s Superman Legacy

Henry Cavill’s tenure as Superman, beginning with Man of Steel, was a cornerstone of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). His portrayal, blending stoic heroism with emotional depth, earned him a devoted following, despite the franchise’s inconsistent success. His return in Black Adam’s post-credits scene (2022) and the canceled Man of Steel 2 plans heightened expectations, only for DC’s 2022 shake-up to end his run. Cavill’s departure, announced in December 2022, left fans reeling, with X flooded with “#BringBackCavill” campaigns.

Yet, Cavill’s grace in exiting defined his legacy. His support for Calle at the The Flash event showcased his commitment to the DC family, even as his own chapter closed. “I wanted to ensure the next generation feels supported,” he told The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting a mentorship spirit. This altruism, paired with his iconic Superman moments—like the cape flutter in Justice League—cemented his status as a fan favorite.

Cavill’s approval of Calle wasn’t just personal; it was strategic. Aware of DC’s reboot, he used his influence to bridge the old and new, ensuring Supergirl’s legacy continued. This torch-passing, though informal, carried the weight of Kryptonian kinship, a nod to their shared heritage as survivors of a lost world.

The DC Universe Shake-Up

The context of this moment is inseparable from DC Studios’ 2022 overhaul. James Gunn and Peter Safran’s appointment signaled a reset, scrapping Cavill’s Superman arc and rethinking The Flash’s multiverse. The film, intended as a launchpad for new stories, instead became a farewell to the DCEU, with Ezra Miller’s controversies adding turmoil. Calle’s Supergirl, introduced amid this chaos, faced an uncertain fate, with Gunn’s 2025 slate—featuring a new Superman film led by David Corenswet—omitting her.

This instability made Cavill’s support crucial. Without shared scenes, their connection relied on off-screen camaraderie, a rarity in a franchise often criticized for disjointed storytelling. The Flash’s 55% Rotten Tomatoes score reflected fan frustration, but Calle’s performance shone through, bolstered by Cavill’s endorsement. On X, a fan wrote, “Henry passing the torch to Sasha is the DC moment we didn’t know we needed! 🔥🌌”

The shake-up also highlighted DC’s challenge: balancing legacy with innovation. Cavill’s exit and Calle’s debut symbolize this tension, with their interaction offering a humanizing bridge. As Gunn builds his universe, this moment may inspire future cross-generational nods, preserving DC’s emotional core.

The Emotional Torch-Passing

The The Flash event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a passing of the Kryptonian mantle. Calle, nervous about living up to Supergirl’s legacy, found solace in Cavill’s words. “It felt like Superman was giving me his blessing,” she later shared on Instagram, a post that garnered 1.2 million likes. This validation, devoid of on-screen collaboration, relied on their mutual respect, forged through DC’s shared culture.

Cavill’s response—“You did a phenomenal job”—was deliberate, acknowledging Calle’s effort amid the film’s challenges. Sources describe a quiet moment where he hugged her, a gesture captured in a leaked photo that went viral on X. “This is the DC family at its best,” a fan posted, encapsulating the emotional weight. For Calle, it was a career boost; for Cavill, a legacy preserved.

This torch-passing mirrors comic lore, where Superman and Supergirl’s bond transcends blood, rooted in shared survival. In 2025, with DC’s reboot underway, this off-screen moment offers fans a nostalgic anchor, a reminder of the characters’ enduring connection despite studio shifts.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The story ignited DC fandom. X posts praised the duo, with hashtags like #SupermanApproves and #SashaAndHenry trending for days. Fan art depicted Cavill’s Superman handing Calle’s Supergirl a cape, symbolizing continuity. “Henry’s support for Sasha is why DC will survive this reboot,” one user wrote, reflecting hope amid uncertainty.

Culturally, this moment aligns with 2025’s focus on mentorship and inclusivity. With Hollywood diversifying casts—Calle as the first Latina Supergirl—Cavill’s support underscores allyship. It also resonates with parenting themes, echoing his own fatherhood philosophy from earlier interviews, where he teaches courage and heart.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 progresses, Calle’s future hangs in Gunn’s hands, with fans petitioning for her return. Cavill, focusing on other projects like Warhammer 40,000, remains a DC ambassador through such moments. Their interaction, a beacon in DC’s storm, hints at a legacy that transcends reboots.

“Does Superman approve?” became a rallying cry, answered with a resounding “Yes.” This emotional torch-passing, born of mutual respect, ensures the Kryptonian spirit endures, proving that even in chaos, family—on-screen or off—prevails.