The buzz surrounding James Gunn’s Superman reboot, set for release on July 11, 2025, has taken an unexpected turn with a resurfaced anecdote about Henry Cavill, the former Man of Steel, and a playful jab from Gunn himself. During a promotional interview for the upcoming film, covered by ScreenRant on December 19, 2024, Gunn discussed the design of the new Superman suit for David Corenswet, emphasizing that he “didn’t want it to have a bunch of fake muscles in it.” The comment, seemingly a nod to the padded suits of past superhero films, was interpreted by some fans as a subtle dig at Cavill’s chiseled portrayal in the SnyderVerse. Cavill, known for his gracious demeanor, responded with a lighthearted quip at a Witcher fan event in London, saying, “Fake muscles? My gym sessions beg to differ!” The crowd roared with laughter, and the moment, shared widely on X, has fueled speculation about Cavill’s feelings toward Gunn’s reboot and his exit from the DCU.

Cavill’s tenure as Superman, spanning Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017), cemented him as a fan-favorite for his stoic, god-like portrayal. His muscular physique, achieved through rigorous training, became a hallmark of the role, with fans on X like @CavillFanatic praising his “natural bulk” as iconic. Gunn’s remark, made while praising Corenswet’s suit for its authentic, non-padded design, sparked a divide. Some, like @SnyderCut4Life, took it as shade, posting, “Gunn’s throwing jabs at Henry’s Superman like it wasn’t a masterpiece.” Others, such as @DCUFanatic, defended Gunn, noting the comment was about costume design, not Cavill’s physique, with ScreenRant clarifying Gunn’s intent to avoid the “wet t-shirt” look of older suits.

The “fake muscles” comment ties into broader tensions surrounding Gunn’s Superman, which has faced scrutiny since its December 2024 trailer. The film, starring Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, leans into a hopeful, All-Star Superman-inspired tone, contrasting Snyder’s darker vision. A leaked plot detail about Luthor’s social media smear campaign, complete with a “#SuperShit” hashtag, has drawn criticism for being “corny,” per YouTuber Nerdrotic, with some fans on r/KotakuInAction speculating it reflects Gunn’s own battles with online trolls. Cavill, who faced similar online vitriol during his DC tenure, has remained diplomatic. At the London event, he sidestepped direct criticism of Gunn, saying, “James is doing his thing, and I’m excited to see it. Superman’s bigger than any one of us.”

Cavill’s response has won praise for its class, with @HeroicHollywood on X calling it “peak Henry—gracious and unbothered.” However, fans sense an undercurrent of disappointment. Cavill’s exit from the DCU, announced in 2022 after a brief cameo in Black Adam, was a blow to SnyderVerse loyalists. His return was teased when he filmed scenes for The Flash (2023), only to be cut, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Gunn and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran opted for a full reboot, sidelining Cavill despite his expressed desire to continue, per a 2022 Instagram post. The decision, coupled with Gunn’s comments, has fueled speculation on r/SnyderCut that Cavill was “disrespected,” with @Horror_Campaign9418 lamenting, “Henry deserved better than this.”

Gunn’s vision, as articulated to Variety, centers on a Superman who embodies “human goodness” in a world of coexisting heroes. The trailer’s vibrant, non-padded suit and Corenswet’s leaner frame aim to evoke a relatable hero, distinct from Cavill’s imposing figure. The Guardian noted the shift from Snyder’s “morally noble colossus” to a more grounded Clark, while @CosmosBazaar on r/comicbooks praised its comic-accurate optimism. Yet, the “fake muscles” remark, though likely not aimed at Cavill personally, has been weaponized by detractors like Bounding Into Comics, who see it as part of Gunn’s alleged vendetta against Snyder’s legacy.